This incredibly delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin comes together in about 35 minutes and is cooked in the oven for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the spices or even the type of pork you use to suit your taste, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Trust me, it’s absolute comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Pork Tenderloin
- Thick-Cut Bacon : 8-10 slices
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- Dijon Mustard : 1 tablespoon
- Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder : about 2-3 cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Black Pepper and Salt
- Optional: Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin
Preheat Oven
First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the bacon crisp up evenly, so don’t skip this step, okay?
Prepare the Pork
Pat your pork tenderloin dry with some paper towels (this helps with browning). Rub it all over with olive oil, the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. You want to make sure it’s well-coated, trust me, this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
Wrap with Bacon
Grab those delicious bacon slices and lay them out slightly overlapping on a clean cutting board. Place the tenderloin at one end and roll it up tightly so that the bacon covers it completely. How pretty is that gonna look?
Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne (if you’re using it). It’ll look gooey and kind of beautiful. Just wait till you see it on the pork!
Brush and Roast
Now, place your bacon-wrapped tenderloin on the rack, seam-side down (that’s the side where the bacon meets). Brush half of the brown sugar glaze generously over the bacon. Pop it into the oven and roast for 25 minutes. The smell? Wow, trust me, it’s amazing!
Re-Glaze and Finish Cooking
After the initial roasting, brush on the remaining glaze. Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to keep an eye on things, trust me, it’ll give you peace of mind!
Broil for Crispness (Optional)
If you want that crispy bacon finish (and who doesn’t?), set your oven to broil on high for 1-2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it because, as we know, bacon can go from perfect to charred in a blink!
Rest and Slice
Let the pork rest for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. Patience here pays off, folks, the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and oh-so-flavorful. Then, slice it into juicy pieces and get ready to dig in!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin is one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick and easy that feels indulgent. I’m a real sucker for meals that look fancy but don’t take all night to make! It’s comforting, flavorful, and definitely a family favorite here. The best part? You can easily customize it with whatever you have on hand, different types of mustard, herbs, or even veggies on the side!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Juicy Marry Me Pork Tenderloin, my Homemade Pork Sausage, or my Korean Dipping Sauce!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 35 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for those busy weeknights or quick family dinners. You’re gonna love it!
Minimal Cleanup Required
This dish cooks on a wire rack lined with foil, which means minimal cleanup after your delicious dinner (and less time scrubbing, yay!).
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable and accessible ingredients, this meal won’t break the bank while delivering tons of flavor.
Customizable
Feel free to switch up the spices, use leftover vegetables, or even sub in different meats. Seriously, this is a recipe that can flex to fit you!
Comfort Food
With its crispy outer layer of bacon and the savory-sweet glaze, this dish is just loaded with comforting flavors, making it perfect for any family gathering or cozy night in!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin alongside some fluffy mashed potatoes or a vibrant green salad for a complete meal. You could also pair it with roasted veggies, Brussels sprouts or green beans work splendidly!
Storage
Leftovers? You can keep those in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just pop them in the microwave or heat them gently in a skillet over low heat. You can even wrap slices in foil for a quick reheat in the oven!
Freezer-Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the cooked and cooled pork tenderloin slices. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Guess what? You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so gourmet. I know you’ll love this easy Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin as much as my family does. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy every bite! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Lay bacon slices out slightly overlapping, then place the pork at one end and roll tightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cayenne (if using).
- Place bacon-wrapped tenderloin on the rack, seam-side down, and brush half of the glaze over the bacon.
- Roast in the oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, brush the remaining glaze and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Broil on high for 1-2 minutes for crispy bacon, monitoring closely.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.