Introduction to Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed culinary adventure with Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. This dish is a true showstopper, combining the richness of tender pork, the smoky sweetness of bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking to impress your family with a delectable dinner, this recipe is sure to leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The secret to this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin lies in the perfect marriage of flavors. The pork tenderloin is first marinated in a bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, allowing the meat to soak up the robust and slightly boozy notes. The bacon wrapping not only adds a satisfying crunch but also helps to lock in the juices, ensuring the pork remains succulent and flavorful.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
When you bite into this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, you’ll be greeted with a symphony of flavors. The bourbon’s caramelized notes blend seamlessly with the tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The crispy bacon provides a savory counterpoint, perfectly complementing the tender pork and elevating the overall dish to new heights of deliciousness.
Ingredients Overview
To bring this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 cup of bourbon
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce
- 8 slices of bacon
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for seasoning
Optional Ingredients and Variations
While the core ingredients are essential, you can experiment with a few optional add-ins to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for extra sweetness, or incorporating your favorite spice blend for a unique twist. Additionally, you can substitute the barbecue sauce with your preferred homemade or store-bought variety to suit your personal taste preferences.
Preparation Steps
Bringing this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin to life is a straightforward process that’s sure to impress your guests.
Marinating the Pork
Start by combining the bourbon, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Add the pork tenderloins and ensure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the meat thoroughly.
Prepping the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin.
Seasoning and Wrapping with Bacon
Remove the pork tenderloins from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the pork all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Carefully wrap each tenderloin with the bacon slices, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
Searing for Flavor
In a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, sear the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloins over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon starts to crisp up. This step helps to lock in the flavors and create a delicious caramelized crust.

Cooking Techniques
To ensure your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is cooked to perfection, follow these techniques:
Understanding the Searing Process
Searing the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloins in a hot skillet or pan helps to create a beautiful caramelized exterior while sealing in the juices. This step also adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the bourbon and barbecue sauce perfectly.
Baking to Perfection
After searing the pork, transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Basting the pork with the remaining barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking will give it a delightful glaze.
Resting the Meat
Once the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
Serving Suggestions
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments.
Ideal Sides to Complement the Dish
Consider serving the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The rich, savory flavors of the pork will be perfectly complemented by these side dishes.
Presentation Tips
For a stunning presentation, slice the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin and arrange the slices on a platter. Drizzle any remaining barbecue sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Serve the pork alongside the selected side dishes for a visually appealing and delicious meal.
Pairing Drinks with Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
The bold flavors of this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin pair excellently with a variety of drinks.
Best Bourbon Options
As the name suggests, bourbon is the ideal pairing for this dish. Consider sipping on a smooth, caramel-noted bourbon while enjoying the pork tenderloin. Alternatively, you can use the same bourbon in the marinade for a cohesive flavor profile.
Other Drink Pairings
If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade would be a perfect complement to the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. For a more formal pairing, a full-bodied red wine or a crisp, dry white wine can also be an excellent choice to balance the richness of the dish.
FAQs about Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Can I use a different type of meat?
While pork tenderloin is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can also use pork loin or even chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and density of the meat.
How long should I marinate the pork?
For best results, marinate the pork tenderloins in the bourbon-infused barbecue sauce for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice, apple cider, or even a non-alcoholic bourbon-flavored syrup. These alternatives will provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcoholic content.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Absolutely! Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin can be easily adapted for grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the bacon-wrapped pork, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork tenderloin is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to your desired doneness.
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Conclusion
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a show-stopping dish that combines the richness of pork, the sweetness of bourbon, and the savory crunch of bacon. With its irresistible flavors and impressive presentation, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin 30 Minutes Amazing
- Total Time: 150
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed culinary adventure with Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. This dish is a true showstopper, combining the richness of tender pork, the smoky sweetness of bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 cup of bourbon
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce
- 8 slices of bacon
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for seasoning
Instructions
1. Start by combining the bourbon, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Add the pork tenderloins and ensure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the meat thoroughly.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin.
3. Remove the pork tenderloins from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the pork all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Carefully wrap each tenderloin with the bacon slices, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
4. In a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, sear the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloins over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon starts to crisp up. This step helps to lock in the flavors and create a delicious caramelized crust.
5. After searing the pork, transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Basting the pork with the remaining barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking will give it a delightful glaze.
6. Once the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a stunning presentation, slice the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin and arrange the slices on a platter. Drizzle any remaining barbecue sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Serve the pork alongside creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Prep Time: 120
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 29
- Cholesterol: 70