Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Tender pork tenderloin filled with sharp cheddar cheese and wrapped in smoky bacon for a flavorful keto main dish. This american-inspired keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs about 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, sliced sharp cheddar cheese, thin-cut bacon strips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1, about 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 4 oz, sliced sharp cheddar cheese
- 10, thin-cut bacon strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Butterfly 1.5 lb pork tenderloin by slicing it lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book.
- Step 2: Layer 4 oz sliced sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the inside of the pork. Carefully roll the pork back into a tight log shape.
- Step 3: Season the outside of the rolled pork with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Wrap the pork log with 10 thin-cut bacon strips, overlapping slightly, to cover the surface completely.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the bacon-wrapped pork for 3 minutes per side until the bacon starts to crisp.
- Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick medallions. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep about 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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