Savory Bacon-Wrapped Herb-Infused Pork Loin
Indulge in the decadent flavors of our Savory Bacon-Wrapped Herb-Infused Pork Loin, a dish that transforms an ordinary pork roast into an extraordinary centerpiece for any gathering. This succulent roast is enveloped in crispy bacon, delivering a mouthwatering crunch with every slice. Infused with fresh garlic and aromatic herbs, the rich umami flavor permeates the meat, elevating your dining experience to new heights. While this recipe includes a longer cooking time, the slow roasting process ensures that the pork remains incredibly moist and tender, making it ideal for holidays, family dinners, or any special occasion. Not only will the aroma tantalize your senses, but the impressive presentation will leave your guests in awe. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and drizzle the pan juices for a complete and satisfying meal.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork loin
2-3 lbs (Trim excess fat as needed)
Sliced bacon
1 lb (Use thick-cut for best results)
Garlic cloves
4 (Sliced)
Fresh thyme
2 sprigs (Finely chopped)
Savory
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (For roasting)
Red wine
1/2 cup (Preferably dry red wine)
Water
1 cup (For maintaining moisture)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (Freshly ground if possible)
Salt
1 pinch (To taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
If the pork loin is particularly thick, slice it in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces.
3
Using a sharp knife, make small, deep holes throughout the pork loin and insert slices of garlic into each hole for added flavor.
4
Season the pork generously with salt and pepper, ensuring it’s well-coated.
5
Wrap the entire pork loin in slices of bacon, overlapping slightly to ensure no surface of the meat is exposed. If using two pieces of pork, approximately one pack of bacon should suffice.
6
Sprinkle the chopped fresh thyme and dried savory evenly over the bacon-wrapped roast, ensuring full coverage.
7
In a large roasting pan, combine the vegetable oil and red wine, mixing well.
8
Place the bacon-wrapped pork loin into the pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil, preventing any steam from escaping.
9
Roast the covered pork in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure that the liquid maintains its level; add water if needed to prevent drying.
10
After 2.5 hours, carefully remove the foil and return the pan to the oven. Allow the roast to cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to crispen the bacon, adding a splash of wine or water if necessary.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
12
Serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes, drizzling the delicious pan juices over the top for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is a 2-3 lb boneless pork loin.
How much bacon is needed for the Savory Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin?
You will need 1 lb of sliced bacon, preferably thick-cut for the best results.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 10 servings.
What herbs are used to infuse the pork?
The recipe uses 2 sprigs of finely chopped fresh thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried savory.
How long does the pork loin need to roast in total?
The pork roasts for a total of 3 hours: 2.5 hours covered with foil and 30 minutes uncovered.
What should I do if the pork loin is very thick?
If the pork loin is particularly thick, you should slice it in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces before preparing.
How is the garlic incorporated into the meat?
Small, deep holes are made throughout the pork loin using a sharp knife, and garlic slices are inserted into each hole.
What kind of wine is recommended for the roasting pan?
A dry red wine is preferred for this recipe.
Why is the pork loin roasted under aluminum foil initially?
The foil prevents steam from escaping, which ensures the meat remains incredibly moist and tender during the long roasting process.
How do I ensure the bacon becomes crispy?
After the initial roasting period, remove the foil and cook the roast uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
What is the purpose of adding vegetable oil and red wine to the pan?
They create a roasting liquid that helps cook the meat and forms the base for delicious pan juices.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic, sliced.
What should I do if the liquid in the pan dries out during roasting?
You should check the pan occasionally and add water as needed to maintain the liquid level and prevent drying.
How long should the roast rest before it is sliced?
The roast should rest for 10-15 minutes after being removed from the oven.
What side dish is recommended to serve with this pork loin?
It is recommended to serve the pork loin alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its impressive presentation and rich flavors make it ideal for holidays, family dinners, or dinner parties.
Should I season the pork before wrapping it in bacon?
Yes, season the pork generously with salt and pepper before wrapping it to ensure the meat is well-flavored.
What type of meal is this recipe categorized as?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What are the primary flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features savory, umami flavors from the bacon and pork, infused with aromatic herbs and garlic.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
While fresh thyme is suggested for the best flavor, you can use dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
How much vegetable oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
How much red wine is used in the pan?
You will need 1/2 cup of red wine.
Do I need to trim the pork loin?
Yes, you should trim any excess fat from the boneless pork loin as needed.
How much water is initially added to the pan?
The recipe starts with 1 cup of water in the roasting pan to help maintain moisture.
What is 'savory' in the context of the ingredients?
In this recipe, savory refers to the specific herb 'savory,' which is used in its dried form.
What should I do with the juices left in the pan?
The pan juices should be drizzled over the meat and side dishes when serving for extra flavor.
How should the bacon be applied to the pork?
The bacon slices should wrap the entire pork loin, overlapping slightly so no surface of the meat is exposed.
Is the pork loin seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, use a pinch of salt to taste and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Does the roasting process require frequent monitoring?
You should check the roast occasionally to ensure the liquid level is maintained, but otherwise, it is a slow, steady roasting process.