Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions

🥓 Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 3–4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)

  • Servings: 4–6

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Pork tenderloin (cut into 1.5-inch thick medallions)

  • 1 lb Thin-cut bacon (thick-cut won’t crisp as well)

  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar

  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp Garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper

  • Optional: 1 tbsp Avocado oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pork: Cut the tenderloin into medallions. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

  2. Season: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over each pork piece.

  3. Wrap: Wrap a slice of bacon around the edge of each medallion. Secure it with a toothpick.

  4. Sear (Highly Recommended): For the best flavor, sear the wrapped medallions in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until the bacon starts to color.

  5. Slow Cook: Place the medallions in the crockpot. If you have extra rub, sprinkle it on top. Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 2 hours.

  6. The Finish: Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it. For crispy bacon, pop the medallions under a broiler for 3–5 minutes before serving.

💡 Notes & Tips

  • Don’t Overcook: Pork tenderloin is very lean. Even in a slow cooker, it can turn “chalky” if left too long. Start checking the temp at the 3-hour mark.

  • Toothpick Safety: Remember to count how many toothpicks you put in so you can take the same amount out!

  • The Sauce: The liquid left in the crockpot is liquid gold. Whisk in a little cornstarch slurry and simmer it in a pan to create a thick glaze to pour over the meat.

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on 1/6th of the recipe.

Nutrient Amount
Calories 340 kcal
Protein 32g
Fat 18g
Carbs 9g
Sodium 580mg

✨ Benefits of This Dish

  1. High Protein: Excellent for muscle repair and satiety.

  2. Low Effort: Most of the “work” happens while you’re doing something else.

  3. Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the brown sugar and the saltiness of the bacon make it a hit with pickier eaters.

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use frozen pork?

A: It’s safer to thaw it first. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker keeps it in the “danger zone” temperature range for too long, which can lead to bacterial growth.

Q: Do I need to add water or broth to the crockpot?

A: No. The bacon and the pork will release enough fat and moisture to keep everything succulent without diluting the flavor.

Q: What should I serve with this?

A: It pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp apple slaw to cut through the richness of the bacon.

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