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If bacon is the little black dress of the culinary world, then Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is the show-stopping gown that turns heads at every party. With juicy, savory, and herbaceous flavors, it’s a favorite in my kitchen. With just 5 simple ingredients plus salt and pepper, it’s a recipe I often turn to when I need a restaurant-worthy main course in less than an hour. It’s versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, and can be prepped a day ahead – perfect for when you’re managing multiple dishes at once.
What sets this recipe apart are a few key elements. First, a no-fail method for wrapping bacon evenly around the tenderloin. Second, rubbing the pork with an aromatic blend of olive oil, rosemary, and garlic before it’s wrapped in bacon infuses it with flavor. And finally a technique I swear by, roasting it on an oven-safe rack inside a rimmed baking sheet so the bacon crisps evenly on all sides.
This recipe was spot on!!! I served with pureed garlic potatoes and spicy quince chutney I made from our tree. That combo of the sweet tart chutney with the salty bacon pork and herbs was magic. Thank you so much for the recipe.
sandra
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
- Bacon: Choose bacon that’s evenly cut and not too thick, so it wraps smoothly around the tenderloin and crisps up well. I find that center-cut bacon works best for this recipe.
- Pork Tenderloin: Look for a tenderloin that’s pinkish-red, with minimal marbling. It should feel firm when you press it.
- Olive Oil: Choose an extra virgin olive oil that smells fresh and fruity for a nice flavor boost.
- Fresh Rosemary: Look for rosemary that’s bright green and aromatic, with no wilted or browned leaves.
- Garlic: Choose garlic bulbs that are plump and firm, with no soft spots or sprouting.
- Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt; it’s cleaner and punches up the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is best for a big flavor hit.
Recipe Options
- Herb Choices: Use fresh thyme or sage instead of rosemary, or combine these herbs for a more complex flavor profile. I love experimenting with different herb combinations depending on what’s fresh in my garden.
- Sweetness Twist: Swap in maple bacon slices to add a hint of sweetness to the savory dish.
- Sweeter Variation: Skip the herb and olive oil rub and coat the tenderloin with brown sugar before wrapping in bacon for a caramelized finish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil rub for a subtle heat that complements the savory bacon.
5 Recipe Tips
- Prep Early: Assemble the bacon-wrapped tenderloin up to a day ahead to save time on cooking day.
- Even Cooking: Place the tenderloin in the center of the oven to ensure the bacon crisps evenly.
- Herb Handling: Roll the rosemary between your fingers before chopping to release its aromatic oils.
- Resting Time: Let the cooked tenderloin rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Temperature Check: I always use a meat thermometer to be sure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
This Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin has become a staple in my kitchen for both everyday dinners and when I want to impress guests. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and show-stopping presentation make it a winner every time. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in foil or in a freezer-safe container or back, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to retain moisture and flavor.
Vegetable and Salad Sides
And if you’re a bacon lover, check out this collection of delectable Bacon Wrapped Recipes
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Arrange bacon strips side by side on a work surface so they overlap slightly. Rub pork tenderloin all over with olive oil mixture and place crosswise in the center of the bacon.
Wrap one end of bacon strips one by one over pork tenderloin. Repeat with the opposite end so that it overlaps the first and completely covers the pork. Place on oven safe rack inside a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Roast in an oven preheated to 425˚F 25 to 30 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature of the tenderloin registers at least 145˚F on a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Video
Equipment
- Oven-Safe Baking Rack The perfect rack for crispy, evenly cooked tenderloin!
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon not thick cut bacon, (recipe note #1)
- 1 pound pork tenderloin trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing oven-safe rack
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary dried rosemary is not a good substitute here
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or more
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F.
- Place an oven-safe rack inside a foil lined rimmed baking sheet. Brush rack with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. (recipe note #2)
- From left to right, lay bacon strips on a work surface side by side so that they overlap slightly. (The finished width should be wide enough to span the full length of the pork tenderloin.)
- Place pork tenderloin on a clean plate and tuck thin end under to create an even thickness.
- In a small bowl, stir olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper until well combined. Spoon mixture over pork and rub all over to coat.
- Place seasoned pork tenderloin on the center of the bacon so that it spans all of the slices. Starting from the front edge of the right, topmost bacon strip, wrap one strip at a time over the top of the tenderloin. Repeat with the back edge of each bacon strip, again working right to left, so that the bacon strips wrap the tenderloin completely.
- Carefully place the pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon seam side down on the prepared rack inside the baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the thickest part of the tenderloin reads at least 145˚F on an instant read thermometer. (recipe note #3) Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Cut into thick slices and serve.
Notes
- If your bacon strips are narrow, you may need 10 or more strips to span the full length of the pork tenderloin.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe rack, bake directly on a foil lined, rimmed baking sheet.
- For extra crispy bacon, flip on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes just before removing pork from the oven.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Oh this is wonderful!
Thanks so much, Mimi!
I have made this but with a twist. I take yellow mustard, whole grain mustard and honey, mix with the garlic and rosemary. brush over the tenderloin before the bacon and also after the bacon. Use the dripping for a gravy and put over mashed potatoes. Very very good.
That sounds incredible, Ray! Love that you’re enjoying this recipe and have added your own delicious spin.