Herb-Infused Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin with Savory Stuffing
Indulge in this succulent Herb-Infused Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin, where juicy pork meets a delightful stuffing bursting with flavor. Combining the convenience of classic Stove Top stuffing with the rustic appeal of fresh herbs, this dish brings gourmet dining right to your kitchen. Perfect for a family gathering or holiday feast, your guests will savor each bite while marveling at how effortlessly you prepared this impressive meal. Serve it alongside your favorite veggies for a pitch-perfect dinner everyone will remember.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork loin
3 lbs (whole, sliced lengthwise)
Stove Top stuffing mix
1 (6 ounce) box (prepared according to package directions)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
water
1 1/2 cups (for stuffing preparation)
bacon
5-8 slices (uncooked)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
rosemary
1 sprig (fresh, for seasoning)
thyme
to taste (fresh, for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Carefully slice the pork loin lengthwise, ensuring not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
3
Prepare the Stove Top stuffing mix according to the directions on the box, using melted butter and water.
4
Once the stuffing is ready, generously fill the sliced pocket in the pork loin with the stuffing mixture.
5
Sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the stuffed pork loin.
6
Wrap the pork loin tightly with slices of uncooked bacon, ensuring the stuffing is secured inside.
7
Place the wrapped pork loin in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
8
Once done, remove the pork loin from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to distribute.
9
Slice the pork loin into thick pieces, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is a three-pound pork loin.
How should I prepare the pork loin for the stuffing?
Carefully slice the pork loin lengthwise without cutting all the way through to create a pocket for the stuffing.
What type of stuffing is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one six-ounce box of Stove Top stuffing mix.
How do I prepare the Stove Top stuffing mix?
Prepare the stuffing according to the box directions using melted butter and water.
How much butter is needed for the stuffing?
You will need one-quarter cup of melted butter.
How much water is required for the stuffing preparation?
The recipe calls for one and a half cups of water for the stuffing.
What herbs are used to infuse the pork loin?
Fresh rosemary and thyme are used to season and infuse the meat.
Are the herbs used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh rosemary and fresh thyme for the best flavor profile.
How many slices of bacon are needed to wrap the pork?
You will need between five and eight slices of uncooked bacon.
Should the bacon be cooked before wrapping?
No, the bacon should be uncooked when you wrap it around the pork loin.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to preheat your oven to three hundred and twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred and sixty-five degrees Celsius.
How do I secure the stuffing inside the pork?
Wrap the pork loin tightly with slices of bacon to ensure the stuffing remains secured inside.
Where should I place the herbs, salt, and pepper?
Sprinkle the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the stuffed pork loin before wrapping it in bacon.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
Place the wrapped pork loin in a standard baking dish for the oven.
How long does the pork loin need to bake?
Bake the pork loin for approximately one and a half hours.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The internal temperature should reach one hundred and fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit or sixty-eight degrees Celsius.
What should I do once the pork is removed from the oven?
Tent the pork loin with aluminum foil to allow it to rest.
How long should the meat rest before slicing?
The meat should rest for five to ten minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
How should the finished pork loin be served?
Slice the pork loin into thick pieces and serve it with your choice of vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, its gourmet appearance and savory flavor make it perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts.
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for pork loin, the same method could be adapted for other large cuts of meat, though cooking times will vary.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on a three-pound pork loin, this recipe typically serves six to eight people.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
Expect a succulent, savory, and herb-infused flavor with a salty kick from the bacon wrap.
Is this a difficult recipe for beginners?
No, it is designed to be an impressive yet effortlessly prepared gourmet meal.
Does the stuffing need to be cooled before filling the pork?
It is not necessary to cool the stuffing completely, but it should be easy enough to handle when filling the pocket.
Can I use dried rosemary if I don't have fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Should I season the inside of the pork pocket?
The recipe suggests seasoning over the stuffed pork, but seasoning the inside of the pocket can add extra depth.
What happens if I overcook the pork?
Overcooking can lead to dry meat, so it is important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
What are some suggested vegetable sides for this dish?
Roasted carrots, green beans, or mashed potatoes would pair excellently with this pork loin.
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
Baking at the specified temperature and time usually renders the bacon fat, but you can broil it for a minute or two at the end if you want it crispier.