Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Recipe for Smoky Bourbon Glazed Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Bourbon BBQ bacon wrapped pork tenderloin promises pure comfort and pure satisfaction for serious meat lovers.

Southern-style cooking reaches new heights with this mouthwatering main dish that screams weekend celebration.

Smoky flavors and rich bourbon undertones create an incredible dining experience that impresses friends and family.

Succulent pork becomes transformed with crispy bacon and robust barbecue glazing that melts in your mouth.

Weekend grilling enthusiasts will appreciate the deep, complex flavor profile that makes this recipe stand out from standard meat preparations.

Hearty and bold, this dish represents true American barbecue traditions with an elegant twist.

Best Reasons to Try Bourbon Bbq Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

  • Flavor Explosion: Bourbon and barbecue sauce seep into every bite, creating a mouthwatering combination that will make your dinner guests ask for seconds.
  • Bacon Lover’s Dream: Wrapping the pork in crispy bacon adds an extra layer of richness and texture that transforms an ordinary meal into something spectacular.
  • Simple Showstopper: The recipe looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, so even kitchen beginners can create a restaurant-quality dish that seems like it took hours to prepare.
  • Meal Prep Champion: This tenderloin works perfectly for a weekend dinner or can be prepped ahead of time, making it super convenient for busy families who want a delicious main course without complicated steps.

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Pork Tenderloins (2, about 1 pound each): The star of the dish, these lean and tender cuts will absorb all the delicious bourbon marinade.
Marinade Components:
  • Bourbon (1 cup): This rich liquor adds deep, complex flavor to the meat.
  • Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides a sweet caramelized undertone to balance the bourbon’s intensity.
  • Barbecue Sauce (1/2 cup): Brings tangy and smoky notes to complement the pork.
Wrapping and Seasoning:
  • Bacon Slices (8): These will create a crispy, salty exterior that keeps the tenderloin juicy and adds incredible texture.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper (to taste): These seasonings build a robust flavor profile that enhances the meat’s natural taste.

Prep Tools for Bourbon Bbq Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing your marinade and fully submerging the pork tenderloins.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately portioning your bourbon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and spices.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for trimming pork tenderloins and slicing the meat after cooking.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing and slicing your meat safely.
  • Paper Towels: Great for patting the pork dry before seasoning and wrapping.
  • Oven-Safe Skillet (12-inch): Allows you to sear and bake your bacon-wrapped pork in the same pan, creating a beautiful crust.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures your pork reaches the perfect 145°F internal temperature for safe and juicy results.
  • Toothpicks (optional): Helpful for securing bacon around the pork tenderloins if needed.
  • Tongs: Perfect for safely turning and handling the meat while searing and cooking.
  • Aluminum Foil: Useful for covering the meat during resting to keep it warm.

Traditional Preparation Method for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Traditional Preparation Method for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
1

Prepare the Marinade

Grab a bowl and whisk together 1 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Submerge your 2 pork tenderloins completely in this delicious liquid mixture. Cover the bowl and park it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours – overnight is even better for deeper flavor.

2

Season the Meat

Pull the tenderloins from the marinade and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle each tenderloin with seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wrap each tenderloin with 4 bacon slices, securing with toothpicks if needed.

3

Sear the Pork

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drop the bacon-wrapped tenderloins into the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon starts getting crispy and golden.

4

Bake the Tenderloin

Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. During the last 5 minutes, brush the tenderloins with extra barbecue sauce for a glossy finish.

5

Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your pork tender and succulent. Slice and serve hot, watching everyone’s eyes light up at the table.

Key Cooking Insights For Bourbon Bbq Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

  • Let your pork soak up maximum flavor by refrigerating in the bourbon BBQ sauce for at least 8 hours, which transforms your meat from basic to spectacular.
  • Wrap your bacon carefully and tightly around the tenderloin, overlapping slightly to ensure complete coverage and crispy deliciousness.
  • Get a smoking hot skillet to create a gorgeous caramelized exterior that locks in all those incredible bourbon-infused juices.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check your tenderloin reaches 145°F, preventing dry meat and ensuring perfect, tender results every single time.
  • Allow your masterpiece to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute those mouthwatering juices and makes slicing easier.

What Other Variations Work For Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

  • Herb-Infused Swap: Replace half the bourbon with fresh rosemary and thyme, chopping herbs finely and mixing into your marinade for an earthy flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Dice two fresh jalapeños and mix into the barbecue sauce, adding heat that will make your bacon-wrapped pork sing with excitement.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular barbecue sauce for a certified gluten-free brand and use nitrate-free bacon to keep your dish safe for sensitive diners.
  • Smoky Maple Alternative: Substitute bourbon with pure maple syrup and add a dash of liquid smoke, creating a deeply rich and complex flavor without alcohol.

How To Serve Bourbon Bbq Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

  • Serve Family-Style: Slice the tenderloin into thick medallions and arrange on a wooden cutting board for a rustic, inviting presentation that makes everyone feel welcome at the table.
  • Perfect Side Dishes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables to complement the rich, smoky flavors of your bourbon-glazed pork.
  • Wine and Drink Pairing: Grab a robust red wine like Zinfandel or a cold craft beer with caramel notes that can stand up to the bold barbecue and bourbon flavors.
  • Leftover Magic: Chop cold leftovers and toss into salads or stuff into sandwiches for a delicious next-day meal that transforms your original dinner into something totally new.

Best Storage Practices For Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

  • Store leftover pork wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or sealed containers to keep the bacon crisp and meat tender for up to 3-4 days in your refrigerator.
  • Separate bacon from pork before refrigerating to prevent soggy texture and preserve the crispy bacon coating.
  • Reheat refrigerated pork in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Freeze sliced pork in airtight freezer bags for convenient future meals, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Bourbon Bbq Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin FAQs

FAQ

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Absolutely! Whiskey or rum works great as substitutes, adding similar depth and complexity to the marinade.

FAQ

How do I know when the bacon is perfectly crispy?

Watch for golden-brown edges and a slightly curled appearance. The bacon should look crisp but not burnt when you pull the tenderloin from the oven.

FAQ

Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?

A regular oven-safe skillet works fine, but cast-iron provides better heat distribution and helps create a fantastic sear on your bacon and pork.

FAQ

What if my bacon doesn’t completely cover the tenderloin?

Overlap the bacon slices slightly to ensure maximum coverage, and use toothpicks to secure any loose ends during cooking.

FAQ

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Marinate the pork overnight and wrap with bacon a few hours before cooking to save time and enhance the flavor absorption.

FAQ

How thick should the bacon slices be?

Standard bacon thickness works best – about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick ensures even cooking and crispy texture.

Print
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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling bourbon bbq bacon wrapped pork tenderloin brings smoky, sweet excitement to your dinner table. Tender meat hugged by crispy bacon and glazed with rich bourbon sauce guarantees a mouthwatering main course that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pork tenderloins
  • 8 slices of bacon

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup bourbon
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Whisk 1 cup bourbon, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup barbecue sauce together in a large bowl. Submerge your pork tenderloins completely in the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 2-8 hours.
  2. Drain tenderloins and pat completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper across the entire surface.
  3. Carefully drape 4 bacon slices around each tenderloin, overlapping edges slightly. Secure bacon with toothpicks if needed.
  4. Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Sear bacon-wrapped tenderloins for 2-3 minutes per side until bacon edges start crisping.
  5. Transfer skillet directly into a 375°F oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, brushing with extra ¼ cup barbecue sauce during final 5 minutes of cooking.
  6. Remove from oven when internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let meat rest for 8 minutes before slicing to preserve juices.
  7. Slice against the grain into 1-inch thick medallions. Serve immediately while bacon remains crisp and meat stays tender.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight intensifies the bourbon and BBQ flavors, making the pork more tender and delicious.
  • Choose thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier wrapping around the tenderloin.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature precisely, ensuring perfectly cooked pork without drying it out.
  • For a lower-carb version, swap the brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative or use a minimal amount of honey.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Pork
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 672kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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