Pork Tenderloin Wrapped in Bacon

This delightful dish combines the succulent taste of pork tenderloin with the smoky flavor of bacon, enhanced by a rich cream sauce. The filling made from cream cheese, garlic, and herbs adds depth and moisture to the meat, resulting in a deliciously tender bite. Bacon's inherent saltiness complements the pork beautifully, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Baking everything in the oven ensures that the tenderloin remains juicy while the bacon crisps up nicely. The cream sauce, enriched with mushrooms, provides a luxurious finishing touch, while the herb infusion brightens the palate. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It pairs wonderfully with crispy oven-cooked fries, offering a satisfying side that soaks up all the delectable juices. Despite its gourmet appearance, the dish requires minimal fuss and offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 0.5 kg pork tenderloin
• 150 g bacon
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (any unsalted cheese is suitable)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp herbs
• A pinch of pepper
• Salt-free seasonings

Sauce

• 250 ml whipping cream
• 2 handfuls of sliced mushrooms

Preparation Time

Total time: 70 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Filling: Begin by preparing the filling in a small bowl. Combine the cream cheese with the minced garlic, a sprinkle of pepper, and the herbs. Mix until well combined.
2. Prepare the Tenderloin: Carefully slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise, opening it like a book without cutting it all the way through.
3. Season the Meat: Rub the exterior of the pork with salt-free spices. Be mindful of the salt content due to the bacon.
4. Add the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly inside the cut of the pork, and then fold the tenderloin back together.
5. Wrap with Bacon: Begin wrapping the tenderloin with bacon strips, one piece at a time, ensuring they overlap slightly to cover the pork completely.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
7. Bake the Tenderloin: Place the wrapped tenderloin in a baking dish. You can add 50 ml of water to the dish to create steam and prevent drying out.
8. Initial Baking: Bake for 20 minutes.
9. Prepare the Sauce: After 20 minutes, pour the whipping cream over the tenderloin and add the sliced mushrooms on top.
10. Final Baking: Continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken and the mushrooms to soften.
11. Oven-Baked Fries: Near the end of the cooking time, you can bake fries in the same oven to serve alongside the tenderloin. Simply toss potato slices with a bit of oil, salt, and herbs, and bake until golden and crispy.
12. Rest and Serve: Once done, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing to maintain its juiciness.
13. Presentation: Slice the tenderloin and arrange it on a serving platter. Pour some of the creamy mushroom sauce over the top.
14. Accompaniments: Serve with the crispy fries, which can be dipped into the sauce.
15. Enjoy: Dig in and savor the delightful mixture of flavors and textures.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can use turkey or chicken breast if preferred.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of white wine to the cream sauce for added depth.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with flavored cream cheeses, such as garlic and herb or jalapeño, to alter the flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
• Protein: 40 g
• Fats: 30 g
• Carbs: 5 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Ensure bacon and seasonings are gluten-free.
• Low-Fat: Use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrients.
• Serve with a chilled glass of light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Best Places

• Bacon & Bourbon, Charleston - Known for its creative bacon-infused dishes. Location: 68 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC, USA.
• Pork & Brew, London - Highlights international pork dishes with a modern twist. Location: 45 Ealing Rd, London, UK.
• The Bacon Bar, Las Vegas - Offers an extensive selection of bacon-based recipes. Location: 7580 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
• Smoke & Swine, Melbourne - Showcases smoked meats and bacon specialties. Location: 21 King St, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
• The Bacon Shack, Austin - Features Southern-style dishes with a focus on bacon. Location: 1501 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, USA.
• Pork Paradise, Bangkok - Emphasizes Asian flavors in their pork creations. Location: 25 Phayathai Rd, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Café Bacon, Paris - Artistic dishes combining bacon with French cuisine. Location: 14 Rue de la Ferronnerie, Paris, France.
• La Porchetta, Rome - Celebrates traditional Roman pork recipes with a modern flair. Location: Via della Madonna dei Monti, 87, Rome, Italy.
• Bacon Social House, Denver - Offers a playful menu of bacon-centric items. Location: 2434 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO, USA.
• The Pork Pit, New York - Offers everything from tacos to sliders with a bacon theme. Location: 35 W 17th St, New York City, NY, USA.