Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can pat the pork dry with paper towels before adding the bacon and sauce. This simple step helps the seasonings adhere better to the surface of the meat.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the pork and set the slow cooker to a high heat setting for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce, then drizzle it back over the sliced meat before serving.

Consider the quality of your barbecue sauce, as it is the primary flavor driver in this dish. A sauce with a hint of molasses or hickory smoke works exceptionally well with pork.

If you prefer a bit of heat, choose a sauce with a spicy kick or add a small amount of cayenne pepper to the smoked paprika. Adjusting the sauce profile is the easiest way to customize the final result to your personal taste preferences.

Variations

• Honey Garlic Glaze: Replace the barbecue sauce with a mixture of honey, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for a sweeter, savory profile that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon.
• Spicy Maple Pork: Whisk maple syrup with a tablespoon of chili paste and pour over the pork. The combination of sweet maple and heat creates a vibrant, modern twist on the classic glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the best quality. Ensure the pork is sliced and cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. Properly stored, the pork will remain flavorful for up to three days. When ready to eat, ensure it is reheated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety.

You can prepare the pork and bacon wrap in the slow cooker insert a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge, add the sauce and paprika, and start the slow cooker. This method is perfect for those who want to minimize kitchen time during the busy hours before dinner, allowing you to have a hot meal ready with minimal effort.

Serving ideas

Serve the sliced pork pinwheels immediately while they are hot and steaming. Arrange them on a platter to showcase the beautiful spiral of bacon and pork, drizzling any extra sauce remaining in the slow cooker over the top for added moisture.

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad, which help balance the rich, savory profile of the barbecue-glazed meat.

When plating, consider placing the pinwheels slightly overlapping each other to keep them warm and to display the cross-section of the meat. The presentation of the bacon-wrapped edges adds a rustic, appealing look to the final dish.

Because the pork is already quite flavorful, keep the accompaniments relatively simple to ensure the main course remains the star of the table, providing a satisfying and cohesive dining experience for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Pork Tenderloin

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw pork tenderloin into the base of the slow cooker. Carefully wrap the strips of bacon across the top of the tenderloin, tucking the ends underneath to secure them in place.
2. Sprinkle the smoked paprika evenly over the bacon-wrapped pork. Pour the barbecue sauce over the entire tenderloin, ensuring it coats the bacon and sides of the meat thoroughly.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into pinwheels before serving.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

10 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.