BACON BROWN SUGAR PORK TENDERLOIN

INGREDIENTS:

– 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)

– 8-10 slices of bacon (thin cut)

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it or use parchment paper.

2. Prepare the tenderloin: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Wrap the tenderloin: Lay the bacon strips out on a clean surface, slightly overlapping. Place the tenderloin on top of the bacon and roll it up so the bacon wraps around the meat. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.

4. Sear the tenderloin: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin in the skillet, seam side down, and sear on all sides until the bacon is golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side).

5. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and Dijon mustard.

6. Glaze and bake: Transfer the seared tenderloin to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the brown sugar mixture all over the top of the bacon-wrapped tenderloin.

7. Bake: Place the tenderloin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.

8. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute.

9. Serve: Slice the tenderloin and serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or applesauce. Add some warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

TIPS:

– Adjust the sweetness: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can sprinkle a bit more brown sugar on top before baking.

– Crispier bacon: If you prefer the bacon extra crispy, broil the tenderloin for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin!