Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Walnut Pork

The hardest part of making Chef John's fancy and festive bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is not admitting to guests how easy it is to prepare.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 319 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cold butter
• 1 tablespoon bread crumbs, or as needed
• 1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon finely sliced fresh sage leaves, or more to taste
• 4 thinly sliced bacon, or as needed
• 0.66666668653488 cup white wine
• 0.25 cup chopped toasted walnuts, or to taste
• 0.25 cup chopped dried cranberries, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2

Place tenderloin on a flat work surface. Slice lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spread open the 2 sides like a book.

Step 3

Sandwich butterflied tenderloin between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Flatten using a meat pounder to 1/4-inch thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper. Spread 2 teaspoons Dijon thinly over tenderloin. Sprinkle rosemary and sage on top; distribute evenly using a spoon. Dust the surface with bread crumbs. Sprinkle with walnuts and cranberries.

Step 4

Fold the ends in about 1 inch. Roll tenderloin up from the long side as tightly and neatly as possible, forming a tube. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate about 1 hour.

Step 5

Unwrap tenderloin and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Lightly season with kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Wrap tenderloin in a single layer of bacon, tucking the ends underneath.

Step 6

Roast in the center of the preheated oven until the bacon is browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the tenderloin reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 7

While tenderloin roasts, combine white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon in a pan over medium heat. Cook, whisking occasionally, until sauce reduces by about half, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off heat and swirl in butter, salt, and pepper, about 30 seconds.

Step 8

Remove tenderloin from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice at a slight angle and serve with sauce.