How To Cook Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork Loin

How to Cook Applewood Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin: A Delicious and Easy Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to cook an applewood smoked bacon-wrapped pork loin, ensuring a juicy, flavorful, and tender result every time. This recipe is perfect for a weekend dinner, holiday gathering, or any special occasion.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• One (3-4 lb) boneless pork loin roast: Choose a high-quality pork loin for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• 1 pound applewood smoked bacon: The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the pork beautifully. Thick-cut bacon works best.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the pork loin.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a touch of smokiness and color.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the pork loin.
• Your favorite BBQ rub (optional): Adds an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven is adequately preheated for even cooking.
2. Pat the pork loin dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the bacon adhere better and promotes browning.
3. Season the pork loin: Generously rub the pork loin with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. If using a BBQ rub, apply it now.

Step 2: Wrap the Pork Loin with Bacon

1. Lay out the bacon: Arrange the bacon slices slightly overlapping each other to create a long strip.
2. Wrap the pork loin: Place the seasoned pork loin on the bacon strip, ensuring it's fully covered. Tuck the bacon ends underneath the loin to secure.
3. Tie it up (optional): For a neater look and to prevent bacon from unraveling, use kitchen twine to tie the bacon-wrapped pork loin at intervals.

Step 3: Roast the Pork Loin

1. Place in a roasting pan: Place the bacon-wrapped pork loin in a roasting pan.
2. Roast: Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pork loin.
3. Rest: Once cooked, remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your delicious applewood smoked bacon-wrapped pork loin with your favorite sides. Some popular choices include:

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory pork perfectly.
• Green beans: Simple steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh element.
• Apple sauce: A sweet and tangy apple sauce cuts through the richness of the pork.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space around the pork loin for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Let it rest: Allowing the pork to rest is key to achieving a juicy and tender result.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference.

By following these steps, you'll be able to cook a perfectly juicy and flavorful applewood smoked bacon-wrapped pork loin that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!