Prepare to elevate your comfort food favorites with this Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze. This dish takes a classic pork tenderloin and transforms it into a visually stunning, flavor-packed masterpiece that’s sure to impress your guests. Get ready to experience the perfect marriage of savory, smoky, and sweet in every delectable bite.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze
Imagine a juicy pork tenderloin, stuffed with a decadent blend of smoky bacon, tangy Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, all drizzled with a luscious honey glaze. This dish is the ultimate in cozy comfort food, elevated to new heights of culinary artistry. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to a state of pure bliss with every forkful, while the visually stunning presentation will leave your guests in awe.
Ingredients
This Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze features a mouthwatering array of high-quality ingredients. From the succulent pork tenderloin to the rich, creamy Parmesan, each component plays a vital role in creating the ultimate flavor experience.
- 2 lb (900 g) pork tenderloin – trimmed of any silver skin
- 4 oz (115 g) diced bacon – smoked for a deeper flavor
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese – for a tangy, nutty richness
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh parsley – for a burst of herbal aroma
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey – to create a luscious, drizzly glaze
Ingredient Substitutions
- Parmesan: smoked Gouda or crumbled feta cheese — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Bacon: pancetta or prosciutto — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your pork tenderloin into a work of art. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze turns out perfectly every time.
Step 1 — Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the pork tenderloin of any silver skin or excess fat. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly the tenderloin by slicing it lengthwise, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the base intact. Open the tenderloin like a book and pound it lightly to flatten and even out the thickness.
Step 2 — Create the Smoky Bacon Parmesan Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, reserving the rendered fat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3 — Stuff and Sear the Tenderloin
Spread the Parmesan-bacon filling evenly over the butterflied pork tenderloin. Carefully roll up the tenderloin and secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks. In the reserved bacon fat, sear the rolled tenderloin over high heat on all sides until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 4 — Bake and Glaze
Transfer the seared tenderloin to a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the tenderloin from the oven and immediately drizzle the honey over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Crackly Bacon Topping: For an even more indulgent texture, sprinkle the top of the tenderloin with additional crispy bacon pieces before drizzling with the honey glaze.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the Parmesan-bacon filling for a touch of heat that complements the sweet honey.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a mix of Parmesan, smoked Gouda, and crumbled feta, to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Herb Variation: In addition to (or in place of) the parsley, try incorporating fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage into the filling for a unique aromatic twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tenderloin can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
Reheat: Gently reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat.
Make-Ahead: The stuffed, rolled, and seared tenderloin can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the decadence of this Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze, knowing that it’s been thoughtfully crafted to provide a balance of wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. Savor the flavors without guilt, and feel nourished from the inside out.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the tenderloin
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with a different type of meat?
While the recipe is specifically designed for pork tenderloin, you could experiment with other lean cuts of meat, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts or turkey breast. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary, and you’ll need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
How can I ensure the pork tenderloin is cooked through?
The key to perfectly cooked pork tenderloin is to use a meat thermometer. Roast the stuffed tenderloin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This will ensure the pork is juicy and tender, with no risk of overcooking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed and seared tenderloin up to 1 day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. On the day of serving, allow the tenderloin to come to room temperature before roasting, and then proceed with the baking and glazing steps.
Is there a way to make this recipe more health-conscious?
To make this dish a bit lighter, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, and opt for turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also serve smaller portions and pair it with a fresh, vibrant salad or roasted vegetables.
How do I know if the tenderloin is overcooked?
Overcooked pork tenderloin will appear dry and tough. To avoid this, be sure to use a meat thermometer and remove the tenderloin from the oven when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, as the temperature will continue to rise slightly during this time.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bacon Gouda Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Hot Honey Butter Glaze
- Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze
- Smoked Bacon Triple Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops With Sweet Heat Glaze
Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Honey Drip Glaze
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Smoky Bacon Parmesan Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Honey Drip Glaze is a savory and sweet dish that combines tender pork with rich flavors of bacon and parmesan, finished with a delightful honey glaze.
Ingredients
1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lbs)
4 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, mix cooked bacon, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, and sautéed garlic.
5. Cut a pocket in the pork tenderloin and stuff it with the bacon mixture.
6. Season the outside of the tenderloin with salt and pepper, then place it in a baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard, then brush over the tenderloin.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the pork tenderloin in your favorite spices before stuffing.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg