Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
7 September 2024
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Looking for a recipe that’s simple, impressive, and full of flavor? This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is the perfect choice. Juicy pork tenderloin is coated in a savory pesto butter marinade, then wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until golden and crispy. The result is tender, flavorful meat that looks and tastes like a restaurant-style dish, but it’s easy to prepare in your own kitchen. This recipe works beautifully for a cozy weeknight dinner, a festive holiday table, or any special occasion. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a dish that feels elegant yet effortless.
So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy pork stays tender and moist thanks to a savory pesto butter marinade, while the bacon turns golden and crispy for the perfect finish. Every slice is packed with smoky, herby, and zesty notes from paprika, garlic, and lemon pepper.
It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any home cook. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and high in protein, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice. Serve it for a cozy family dinner or bring it to the table for a holiday feast – it always impresses.
Ingredients in Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Here’s what you need to make Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin:
Bacon: Use fresh, high-quality bacon for the best crispy texture.
Pork Tenderloin: 2 tenderloins (about ¾–1 lb each), trimmed of excess fat and silver skin for even cooking.
Pesto: 2 tablespoons, homemade or store-bought, to add a rich herby flavor.
Butter: 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted, for a flavorful marinade base.
Lemon Pepper: ½ teaspoon for a zesty, peppery kick.
Paprika: 1 teaspoon to enhance color and add smoky depth.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, or adjust to taste.
Dried Garlic: ½ teaspoon for savory depth.
Dried Onion: ½ teaspoon to balance with a subtle sweetness.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Making this Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is easier than it looks. First, the pork is coated in a flavorful pesto butter marinade with simple spices. Then it’s wrapped in smoky bacon, baked until tender, and finished off for a golden, crispy crust. With just a few steps, you’ll have a juicy, impressive main dish ready to serve.
Step 1: Prepare and Wrap the Pork
Place the pork tenderloins on a cutting board and make a few shallow cuts along the length to allow the seasoning to penetrate. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons (½ stick) of melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of pesto, and spices (lemon pepper, paprika, salt, dried garlic, dried onion, and dried tomatoes with basil) until well blended. Rub the mixture all over the pork, coating it evenly for maximum flavor.
Next, lay out a sheet of parchment paper and arrange bacon slices in a slightly overlapping pattern to form a base. Place the seasoned pork tenderloins in the center. Carefully wrap the bacon around the meat, securing it tightly to ensure full coverage. The bacon-wrapped pork is now ready to go in the oven for a juicy, flavorful, and crispy finish!
Step2: Bake the Pork
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bacon-covered pork loosely in aluminum foil, sealing the edges to lock in moisture. Place it on the prepared baking sheet or roasting pan and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the pork from the oven and unwrap the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the pork to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
For an extra crispy finish, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
Slice into medallions and serve warm with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your crispy, juicy bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin!
That’s all it takes to make a delicious Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin at home. With juicy pork, crispy bacon, and a flavorful pesto butter marinade, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you want a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
Give it a try and enjoy a tender, savory main dish that everyone will love. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.
I’d love to know what you think if you give this a try! 🙂 – Angie
Watch how to make it
Follow along with this detailed, step-by-step video guide to discover just how simple and enjoyable it is to prepare this bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin!
The best part? It’s quick and easy, so you can impress your family or guests with a delicious homemade dish in no time! Grab your ingredients, hit play, and let’s get started!
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Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 8 oz bacon – fresh high-quality for the best crispy texture
- 2 pork tenderloins about ¾–1 lb each, trimmed of fat and silver skin
- 2 tbsp pesto homemade or store-bought
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter ½ stick, melted
- ½ tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp dried garlic
- ½ tsp dried onion
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Place the pork tenderloins on a cutting board and make shallow cuts along the length to help the seasoning absorb.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix melted butter, pesto, lemon pepper, paprika, salt, dried garlic, and dried onion until smooth.
- Season the Meat: Rub the mixture evenly over the pork, coating all sides.
- Wrap with Bacon: On parchment paper, arrange bacon slices slightly overlapping. Place the seasoned pork in the center and carefully wrap the bacon around the tenderloins.
- Bake Covered: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap bacon-covered pork loosely in foil, sealing the edges. Place on a baking sheet or roasting pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, until bacon is golden and crispy.
- Optional Crisping: Broil on high for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest & Serve: Let the pork rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Cut into medallions and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pork tenderloin (2 x 1 lb): ~1,360 calories
- Bacon (8 oz): ~1,220 calories
- Butter (4 tbsp): ~400 calories
- Pesto (2 tbsp): ~160 calories
- Spices: ~20 calories (negligible)
Per Serving (6 servings): ~525 calories
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