Recipe Details

• Author: deesviral
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Dish
• Keywords: pork loin, bacon wrapped pork, brown sugar glaze, oven roasted pork, holiday roast
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 1 (2 to 3 lb) pork loin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top.
2. Rub pork loin with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
3. Wrap the pork loin with bacon strips, slightly overlapping each slice. Tuck ends under or secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. Mix brown sugar with Dijon mustard if using, then rub or spoon over the top of the bacon.
5. Place the pork loin seam-side down on the rack. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want crispier bacon. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Dry pork? Always let the pork rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Bacon not crisp? Broil briefly at the end or use a wire rack so the heat circulates underneath.
• Prefer sweet-savory? Add a touch of maple syrup to the brown sugar rub.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave. You can prepare the wrapped loin ahead of time and refrigerate it raw (covered) up to 24 hours before baking.

Why This Recipe Works

The bacon keeps the pork moist while adding a rich, smoky flavor. The brown sugar glaze caramelizes beautifully over the bacon, creating a delicious sweet crust that complements the savory roast perfectly. It’s simple to prepare yet looks and tastes gourmet.

Expert Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—it’s the key to juicy pork!
• Add smoked paprika or chili flakes to the brown sugar rub for a spicier twist.
• Serve with pan juices or a quick honey-mustard sauce on the side.