Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin (Perfect for Christmas Dinner)

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is smoky, juicy, and wrapped in crisp bacon, making it the perfect Christmas dinner centerpiece. It cooks in under 45 minutes and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. This festive recipe pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides and guarantees a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why this Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is Perfect for Christmas Dinner

Flavor and texture highlights

This Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin brings together savory pork, smoky bacon, and warm spices. Each slice has a crisp, salty exterior and a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth center. The rosemary adds a fragrant holiday touch while chipotle powder provides a mild, cozy heat. It’s indulgent without being heavy, which makes it perfect for a festive spread.

Quick prep and cook time under 45 minutes

No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen on Christmas. This dish comes together quickly, with just 5 minutes of prep and less than 30 minutes of cooking. While the pork roasts, you can set the table or finish other sides. In fact, it’s a stress-free option that feels elegant without taking all day.

Versatile for oven or air fryer

You can roast this tenderloin in the oven for a traditional feel or pop it in the air fryer for convenience. Both methods give you crispy bacon and juicy pork. As a result, it’s a versatile choice for any kitchen setup during the holidays.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Full ingredient list with amounts

You’ll need 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, 3 slices smoked bacon, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. These simple ingredients create a balanced mix of smoky, savory, and herby flavors.

Easy substitutions for herbs, bacon types, and spice level

If you don’t have fresh rosemary, swap in sage, thyme, or oregano. Dried herbs also work, just use about 1/2 teaspoon. Any type of bacon can be used, from thick-cut to maple-flavored, depending on your taste. For spice lovers, add extra chipotle powder, while for milder palates, you can reduce it or leave it out entirely. This flexibility makes the Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin recipe easy to customize for family preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Prep the pork tenderloin with spice rub

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the chipotle powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the pork tenderloin. This spice layer creates a flavorful crust while sealing in moisture.

Wrap with bacon and fresh herbs

Lay one rosemary sprig under the tenderloin and two on top. Wrap the pork with bacon slices, overlapping slightly to cover the meat. Secure the bacon with 3–4 toothpicks so it stays in place during cooking. The bacon not only adds flavor but also bastes the pork as it cooks.

Sear for crisp bacon and flavor

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the wrapped pork in the skillet and sear on all sides until the bacon is golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the bacon its irresistible crunch.

Bake in the oven until juicy and tender

Transfer the seared tenderloin to an oven-safe skillet or sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures the pork stays moist while the bacon continues crisping in the oven.

Resting and slicing for best results

Remove the pork from the oven, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute. Slice into thick rounds and serve warm, enjoying the layers of smoky bacon, juicy pork, and fragrant herbs in each bite.

Air Fryer Method

Prep and cooking instructions at 400°F

Follow the same prep steps as the oven method: season, wrap with bacon, and add rosemary. Place the tenderloin in your air fryer basket at 400°F. Cook for about 25 minutes, turning halfway if needed, until the pork reaches 145°F internally.

Tips for ensuring crispy bacon and juicy pork

Make sure the bacon is wrapped snugly so it doesn’t pull away during air frying. Avoid overcrowding the basket so the hot air can circulate evenly. Let the pork rest after cooking for the same juicy results as the oven version. The air fryer method is especially helpful if your oven is full of Christmas casseroles.

Tips for Success

How to know when pork is cooked perfectly

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 145°F. This guarantees tender, juicy pork every time. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so don’t skip this step.

Preventing dry pork tenderloin

Resting the pork after cooking is key. Covering it with foil keeps the juices from running out when you slice it. Bacon wrapping also acts as a natural moisture shield, so you’ll enjoy juicy bites from edge to center.

Scaling the recipe for larger groups

This recipe doubles or triples easily for bigger gatherings. Simply prepare multiple tenderloins and roast them on a large sheet pan. If cooking several at once, allow a few extra minutes of oven time and check each with a thermometer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Refrigerating and reheating leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, place slices in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the meat moist and prevents the bacon from burning.

Creative ways to use leftovers in new meals

Leftovers make delicious sandwiches or quesadillas. Chop them into small cubes for a smoky addition to salads or grain bowls. You can also reheat slices and serve with eggs for a hearty post-holiday breakfast.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Herb swaps and spice level adjustments

Change up the flavor profile by swapping rosemary for sage or thyme. Increase or reduce chipotle powder based on your spice preference. Smoked paprika can also be replaced with regular paprika for a milder version.

Side dish pairings for a complete Christmas dinner

This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner, rich cheesy scalloped potatoes for a holiday side, and roasted vegetables. For dessert, serve something cozy like caramel apple cheesecake bars or salted maple pecan pie bars. A cranberry orange whiskey sour cocktail pairing also balances the smoky flavors of the dish.

Related Recipes to try

• Garlic mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner
• Cheesy scalloped potatoes for a holiday side
• Caramel apple cheesecake bars for a cozy fall dessert
• Cranberry orange whiskey sour cocktail pairing
• Salted maple pecan pie bars for dessert
• Orange chicken roast with fennel and shallots

Conclusion of Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Final encouragement to try this festive recipe

This Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin recipe is easy, quick, and full of flavor, making it an absolute holiday winner. With crispy bacon and tender pork, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Perfect centerpiece for a cozy Christmas dinner

Serve it with comforting sides and festive desserts, and you’ll have a meal everyone remembers. It’s the kind of dish that makes the kitchen smell amazing and the dinner table feel warm and inviting. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for holiday planning.

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