Print

Savory Whiskey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

whiskey glazed bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin - featured image

A juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and smoky whiskey sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • 8 to 10 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 1/3 cup whiskey (bourbon or rye, e.g., Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim the pork tenderloin by removing silver skin and excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the tenderloin evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Lay out bacon slices slightly overlapping on a cutting board. Place the pork tenderloin on top and wrap the bacon around it, tucking ends underneath. Use toothpicks if needed to secure.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together whiskey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chopped thyme until smooth.
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the bacon-wrapped tenderloin on all sides until bacon is golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes total.
  7. Transfer the seared pork to an oven-safe baking dish. Brush generously with the whiskey glaze. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, basting with more glaze halfway through.
  8. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; remove when it reaches 145°F (63°C).
  9. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
  10. Slice into 1/2-inch thick medallions and drizzle with leftover glaze or serve glaze on the side.

Notes

If glaze thickens too much while roasting, thin with a splash of water or extra whiskey before basting. Resting the meat after roasting is essential for juicy results. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Bacon wrapping is optional but adds flavor and moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, bacon-wrapped, whiskey glaze, easy dinner, savory, smoky, sweet, weeknight meal, crowd-pleaser