I’ve got a dinner idea that’ll make your mouth water: Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions. There’s something magical about the combination of juicy pork tenderloin hugged by crispy bacon that transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into something special. The contrast of textures, the mingling of flavors, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen—it’s comfort food elevated. But what makes this recipe truly shine isn’t just the ingredients, it’s the little tricks that turn simple components into a dish your family will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love these Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
When you’re looking for a dinner that impresses without the stress, these bacon-wrapped pork medallions are about to become your new best friend. The combination of tender pork wrapped in crispy bacon creates a juicy, flavor-packed bite that’s simply irresistible.
I love how the bacon adds a salty crunch while keeping the medallions moist during cooking. Plus, the simple herb seasoning complements both meats perfectly without overwhelming them. Can you imagine serving these golden-brown beauties at your next dinner party? They look fancy but take just minutes to prep—my kind of recipe!
What Ingredients are in Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions?
These bacon-wrapped pork medallions require just a handful of ingredients to create something truly spectacular. I’m always amazed at how such a short ingredient list can transform into a dinner that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant.
The star of the show is obviously the pork tenderloin, which becomes incredibly tender when cooked properly, while the bacon creates that irresistible savory exterior that keeps everything juicy.
- Pork tenderloin (cut into 8 medallions, approximately 2 inches thick)
- 8-10 strips of bacon
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil or bacon fat for searing
- Toothpicks for securing the bacon
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your meat makes all the difference. Look for a pork tenderloin that has good color and minimal fat throughout.
For the bacon, thinner slices tend to wrap more easily around the medallions, though they won’t be quite as substantial as thicker-cut bacon. You might also consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if you have them on hand—they’re not essential but can add another dimension of flavor to this already delicious dish.
And don’t forget those toothpicks! They’re vital for keeping everything together during the cooking process.
Make Ahead Tips for these Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
Busy weeknights can be so much less stressful when you have a delicious dinner prepped and ready to go, and these bacon-wrapped pork medallions are perfect candidates for make-ahead preparation.
Prep the medallions a day ahead – You can cut the pork tenderloin into medallions, season them with the spice mixture, wrap them in bacon, and secure with toothpicks up to 24 hours in advance.
Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready for cooking when you are. This actually gives the seasonings time to penetrate the meat for even better flavor.
Partially cook for quick finishing later – If you’re really pressed for time on serving day, you can sear the medallions ahead of time, let them cool, and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, simply finish them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes (you may need to adjust cooking time since they’ll be cold). Just be careful not to overcook them during the initial sear.
Freeze the raw prepared medallions – For even longer storage, you can freeze the seasoned, bacon-wrapped medallions before cooking.
Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking according to the recipe instructions.
Make the spice blend in bulk – The garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper blend can be mixed in larger quantities and stored in an airtight container.
This way, you’ll have it ready whenever you want to make these medallions, cutting down on measuring time. I like to make triple batches of this seasoning since it works wonderfully on other meats too.
How to Make these Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
Creating these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped pork medallions is surprisingly simple, and the results are nothing short of restaurant quality. Start by cutting your pork tenderloin into 8 medallions, each about 2 inches thick.
Then, mix together your seasoning blend—1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic mixture is what transforms these humble pork medallions into something truly special. Generously coat each medallion with the spice mixture, making sure to get all sides. There’s nothing worse than biting into an under-seasoned piece of meat, right?
Next comes the fun part—wrapping each seasoned medallion with a slice of bacon. You’ll need 8-10 bacon strips total, depending on the size of your medallions. Simply wrap the bacon around the circumference of each medallion and secure it with a toothpick. The bacon serves double duty here, adding flavor while also keeping the lean pork moist during cooking.
Heat some olive oil or bacon fat in an oven-safe skillet and sear those wrapped medallions for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned. Using a professional cookware set will ensure even heat distribution and perfect searing results. This creates that irresistible outer crust that seals in all the juicy goodness.
The final step is to transfer your skillet directly into a preheated 400°F oven to finish cooking for 15-20 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F—perfectly cooked, juicy pork that’s still slightly pink in the center.
Remember to remove those toothpicks before serving; nobody wants a surprise toothpick encounter during dinner. And don’t skip the 3-minute resting period after taking the medallions out of the oven; this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish, making it as pretty as it’s delicious.
Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as written, I’m all about helping you customize it to fit your preferences or whatever you’ve got in your pantry.
Don’t have pork tenderloin? Try chicken breasts cut into thick medallions. Turkey bacon works for a leaner option, though it won’t render as much fat.
For herbs, rosemary and thyme make delicious swaps for oregano. Add a touch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you crave heat.
Got maple syrup? Brush a little on before baking for a sweet-savory finish.
And for an elevated version, stuff each medallion with a slice of apple or a bit of goat cheese before wrapping.
What to Serve with Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
Wondering what’ll make these juicy bacon-wrapped medallions shine even brighter on your dinner table?
I’m all about complementary sides that balance the rich, savory flavors of this pork masterpiece.
Creamy mashed potatoes soak up those delicious meat juices, while roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic add a veggie contrast.
Can’t go wrong with a simple green salad, dressed with light vinaigrette.
Or try something unexpected—apple slaw provides a revitalizing crunch and sweetness that cuts through the bacon’s saltiness.
Want something starchy?
Buttered egg noodles or wild rice pilaf work beautifully too.
Leftovers and Storage for these Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from these delicious bacon-wrapped medallions, you’ve got a head start on another fantastic meal.
Store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer using the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to maintain that beautiful texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but might make the bacon a bit soggy.
These medallions are amazing sliced thin on a sandwich with some arugula and mustard.
Or, dice them up for a protein-packed salad topper. Trust me, your future self will thank you for saving some!
Final Thoughts
These bacon-wrapped pork medallions represent more than just a recipe, they’re an invitation to slow down and savor a meal that balances simplicity and sophistication.
I’m convinced that good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be impressive.
What I love most about this dish is how it transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special.
The contrast between the crispy bacon and tender pork creates pure magic on your plate.
Isn’t it amazing how two simple ingredients can create such harmony?
Next time you’re looking to impress without stress, remember this recipe.
It’s foolproof elegance.
For those who love the flavor combination but need even more weeknight options, consider trying a cheeseburger casserole that transforms classic flavors into a hearty, make-ahead meal.