Tasty Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy bacon and bold cajun spices dance together in this mouthwatering bacon wrapped cajun pork tenderloin that promises to electrify your dinner table.

Juicy pork nestled in a salty, smoky bacon blanket creates an irresistible main course.

The spicy rub delivers a punch of flavor that awakens every taste bud.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Each slice reveals a delectable combination of crisp bacon and tender, succulent meat.

The aroma alone will draw hungry diners from every corner of the house.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this show-stopping meal that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 6

Grab These for Your Cajun Pork Tenderloin

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean, tender cut that absorbs Cajun spices beautifully, perfect for elegant weeknight dinners.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and creates a crispy exterior, choose thick-cut for best texture and coverage.

• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers bold, spicy Louisiana-style kick, look for authentic blend or make your own.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances depth of flavor, providing subtle aromatic undertones.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and mild peppery notes, select high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties.

• Apricot Preserves: Brings sweet, fruity brightness that caramelizes beautifully, select preserve with whole fruit chunks.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy complexity and helps glaze adhere to meat.
• Honey: Creates glossy finish and balances spicy Cajun seasonings.
• Vinegar: Adds subtle acidic brightness, cuts through richness of bacon and pork.

• Toothpicks: Helps secure bacon wrap if needed.
• Foil: Assists with easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Wire Rack: Promotes crispy bacon by allowing air circulation.

What You’ll Need for a Sweet Glazed Roast

• Oven-safe skillet: Essential for searing and baking the pork tenderloin.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for cooking, lined with foil for easy cleanup.
• Wire rack (optional): Helps bacon crisp up evenly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the apricot glaze ingredients.
• Cutting board: Used for wrapping bacon around the pork.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of glaze ingredients.
• Toothpicks: Helpful for securing bacon if needed.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature of the pork.
• Basting brush: Great for applying glaze evenly.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin in a Few Moves

• Prepare Culinary Canvas

Gather your cooking tools and preheat the oven to a toasty 400F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

• Spice Up the Star

Massage the pork tenderloin with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every inch gets a flavor boost.

• Bacon Blanket Wrap

Create a delicious bacon jacket by laying strips slightly overlapping. Gently roll the seasoned pork, securing with toothpicks if needed.

• Sizzle and Color

In a hot skillet, quickly sear the bacon-wrapped treasure, developing a gorgeous golden exterior.

• Craft Sweet-Tangy Elixir

Whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika to create a mouthwatering glaze.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pork into the oven, generously brushing with the glaze. Bake until the internal temperature hits 145F, recoating midway for maximum flavor.

• Crisp and Finish

Switch to broil for a few minutes, transforming the bacon into a crispy, golden masterpiece.

• Rest and Reveal

Allow the pork to rest briefly, then slice and drizzle with remaining glaze. Serve up a crowd-pleasing dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Notes That Balance Apricot and Spice

• Ensure bacon slices slightly overlap when wrapping to create a seamless, crispy exterior that fully covers the pork tenderloin.
• Brush glaze multiple times during cooking to build layers of flavor and create a gorgeous caramelized coating that'll make your dish irresistible.
• Swap apricot preserves with sugar-free preserves or fresh apricot puree to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious fruity profile.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot versions, or create a homemade blend that matches your personal heat preference.
• Prepare the bacon-wrapped pork and glaze up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. This makes dinner prep super quick and convenient.

Serving Tips for This Standout Pork Dish

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Create a vibrant summer spread by arranging sliced tenderloin alongside fresh mixed greens, grilled corn, and a zesty cucumber salad. The sweet and spicy glaze complements the crisp vegetables beautifully.
• Southern Comfort Feast: Pair the pork with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and a dollop of tangy coleslaw. The rich flavors of the Cajun-spiced meat shine against classic Southern side dishes.
• Brunch Showstopper: Slice the tenderloin thin and serve on toasted brioche with a light arugula salad. Drizzle extra apricot glaze over the top for an elegant weekend brunch centerpiece that's sure to impress guests.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the dish's bold flavors with a crisp Riesling or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir. The wine's subtle sweetness and acidity will balance the spicy Cajun seasoning and fruity apricot glaze perfectly.

Save It Right and Serve Again with Style

• Refrigerate the wrapped pork tenderloin on a flat tray for 30 minutes before cooking to help bacon adhere perfectly and maintain crisp edges.
• Store leftover slices in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Enjoy within 3-4 days for maximum flavor and texture quality.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen pork tenderloin remains delicious for up to 2 months when sealed correctly.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed meat in a 325F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Brush with reserved glaze just before serving to restore moisture and zesty flavor.

Succulent Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cajun flavors dance through “Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin,” creating a mouthwatering symphony of sweet and spicy notes. Juicy pork infused with bold Cajun spices and caramelized apricot glaze promises a culinary adventure that leaves you craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1–1.5 lbs)
• 8–10 bacon slices (enough to wrap the tenderloin)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ¼ cup apricot preserves
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 400F (200C), arranging a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack for optimal bacon crisping.
2. Seasoning: Thoroughly dry the pork tenderloin and massage generously with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Bacon Wrapping: Create a woven bacon blanket on the cutting board, carefully enveloping the seasoned tenderloin, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Searing and Glazing: Quickly sear the wrapped tenderloin in a hot oven-safe skillet to develop rich caramelization, then craft a vibrant glaze by whisking apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth and glossy.
5. Roasting: Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet, liberally brush with the apricot glaze, and roast for 25-30 minutes, periodically reapplying glaze and monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 145F (63C).
6. Finishing: Activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve an irresistibly crisp, caramelized exterior, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serving: Allow the tenderloin to rest for 5 minutes, slice artfully, and drizzle with remaining glaze for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Overlap bacon slices slightly to ensure complete pork coverage and prevent gaps during wrapping.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal pork temperature, avoiding overcooking which can dry out the tenderloin.
• Apply glaze generously and repeatedly during baking to create a rich, caramelized exterior and lock in moisture.
• Watch carefully during broiling phase to achieve crispy bacon without burning, as it can quickly turn from golden to charred.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg