If you’re craving something that’s juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly savory with just a touch of sweetness, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: the Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Honey Recipe. This dish brings together tender, perfectly cooked pork enveloped in crispy, smoky bacon, finished with a luscious honey glaze that takes each bite to a whole new level. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to wow your taste buds and earn you plenty of compliments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Honey Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a starring role—from the smoky richness of the bacon to the sweet, sticky honey glaze, every element contributes to an unforgettable balance of flavors and textures.
- 8 to 10 slices of streaky bacon: Choose slices long enough to wrap around the pork 1 ½ times for perfect coverage and crispiness.
- 1 lb / 500g pork tenderloin: Room temperature pork cooks more evenly and stays juicy inside.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the pork.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the tenderloin and developing a golden crust before baking.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds a beautifully thick, sweet glaze that caramelizes on the bacon during roasting.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan). This high heat setting is perfect for finishing off the pork, crisping the bacon, and caramelizing the honey glaze to perfection.
Step 2: Arrange the Bacon
Lay the streaky bacon strips vertically on a cutting board, overlapping slightly. This creates a bacon blanket that will fully wrap the tenderloin, keeping it juicy and adding incredible flavor as it roasts.
Step 3: Season the Pork
Generously season your pork tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides. Tuck the thinner end under the pork to create an even thickness throughout, ensuring it cooks uniformly without drying out.
Step 4: Brown the Tenderloin
Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over high heat. Sear your pork on all sides until it develops a rich, caramelized crust. This step locks in the juices and builds deep flavor. After searing, remove the pork and allow it to cool just enough to handle.
Step 5: Wrap the Pork in Bacon
Place the seared pork at the end of your arranged bacon strips closest to you. Using a long knife, lift the bacon under the pork and tightly roll it so the bacon encases the entire tenderloin. Position the seam side down to keep everything snug as it roasts.
Step 6: Glaze with Honey
Transfer the bacon-wrapped tenderloin back to the skillet. Drizzle the honey all over the bacon and gently brush it over every surface. This glossy layer will caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the smoky bacon.
Step 7: Roast to Perfection
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and roast for about 25 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 65°C / 149°F to achieve tender, juicy pork that’s perfectly cooked. Around the 20-minute mark, baste the tenderloin with pan juices to deepen the bacon’s golden color and amplify the honey glaze’s flavor.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the tenderloin rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice moist and delicious. Give it one last baste with the pan juices just before slicing thickly to serve with all that sticky goodness.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are perfect for adding an aromatic pop that complements the rich pork and sweet glaze. Sprinkle some chopped parsley or garnish with lemon zest to brighten the plate and add a vibrant touch of color.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a sweet potato mash, as they soak up all the glorious juices. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp, fresh salad also make excellent companions, balancing the richness with a light, refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange thick slices of the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin on a wooden board, drizzle with any remaining honey glaze, and scatter roasted nuts or pomegranate seeds for a festive flair. You can also serve it atop a bed of herbed quinoa or wild rice for an elegant and wholesome meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bacon wrapped pork tenderloin keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store any pan juices separately to reheat and drizzle over slices for extra moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the tender texture and rich flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out the pork and bacon. Adding a little broth or leftover pan juices will help keep each bite tender and moist, just like the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey in this recipe. However, honey tends to be thicker, which helps the glaze stick to the bacon better and caramelize more evenly.
How do I know when the pork tenderloin is cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the tenderloin. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 65°C / 149°F for juicy and safe consumption.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can wrap the tenderloin in bacon and refrigerate it for a few hours before roasting. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?
No worries! After searing, you can transfer the pork to a baking dish or roasting pan for the oven roasting step.
Is bacon necessary to wrap the pork?
While the bacon adds incredible flavor and helps keep the pork juicy, you could cook the tenderloin without it. Just brush the pork with honey and season well for a simpler but still tasty dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Honey Recipe that keeps me coming back to it again and again. The blend of smoky, sweet, and tender flavors creates an unforgettable experience every time you serve it. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that turns any meal into a celebration!
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Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and elegant Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin recipe featuring tender pork fillet wrapped in crispy streaky bacon, glazed with honey, and roasted to juicy perfection. This easy-to-make dish balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors ideal for a special dinner or weekend meal.
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 lb / 500g pork tenderloin, at room temperature
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Bacon Wrap
- 8 to 10 slices of streaky bacon, long enough to wrap around the pork 1 1/2 times
Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup, honey recommended for thickness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan). This ensures the oven is ready for roasting the tenderloin.
- Prepare Bacon: Lay out the bacon strips vertically on a board, slightly overlapping so the combined length will wrap the pork fillet fully when rolled.
- Season Pork: Season the pork tenderloin evenly with salt and pepper. Tuck the thin end under to create an even thickness along the fillet for uniform cooking.
- Sear Pork: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over high heat and sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned. This locks in juices and develops flavor. Remove from heat and let cool to handle safely.
- Wrap with Bacon: Place the pork on the end of the bacon strips closest to you. Use a knife to lift the bacon and roll the pork tightly so bacon wraps around. Place the wrapped pork seam side down.
- Apply Honey Glaze: Transfer the bacon-wrapped pork back into the skillet. Drizzle honey evenly over the top and brush all over to coat the bacon well.
- Bake: Roast the pork in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 65°C / 149°F. At 20 minutes, baste the pork with pan juices to deepen the bacon’s golden color and enhance flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Baste once more with pan juices before slicing thickly. Serve immediately with the remaining honey-infused pan juices.
Notes
- Resting the pork after roasting helps retain juices for a moist, tender result.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Basting twice with pan juices adds extra flavor and ensures crispy, golden bacon.
