The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops in the Oven
When it comes to indulgent and flavorful meals, bacon-wrapped pork chops are hard to beat. The combination of rich, smoky bacon and tender, juicy pork is simply mouthwatering. And the best part? You can easily achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen using just a few simple steps.
Preparation
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 8 strips of bacon
- Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, black pepper, garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Once you have everything ready, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy bacon exterior while ensuring the pork chops cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of each chop with your preferred seasonings. Be generous, as the flavors will infuse the meat as it cooks.
Step 3: Wrap the Chops with Bacon
Take two strips of bacon and wrap them tightly around each pork chop. This not only adds incredible flavor but also helps keep the chops moist throughout the cooking process. Secure the bacon ends with toothpicks to hold them in place.
Step 4: Sear the Chops
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully sear the bacon-wrapped pork chops for approximately 2 minutes on each side. This will give them a nicely browned exterior and seal in the juices.
Step 5: Transfer to the Oven
Place the seared pork chops on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and let the chops cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on their thickness. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bacon-wrapped pork chops rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your bacon-wrapped pork chops are cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve alongside your favorite roasted vegetables.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
- Drizzle with a delicious sauce, such as apple cider reduction or maple glaze.
A Final Note
There you have it—a foolproof method for cooking bacon-wrapped pork chops in the oven. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or even add a touch of sweetness by brushing the chops with some brown sugar before baking. No matter how you choose to serve them, these irresistible chops are sure to be a hit at your dinner table!