Juicy, savory, and packed with protein — this is a restaurant-style dish that’s surprisingly easy at home. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a high-protein centerpiece that looks impressive but delivers serious nutrition.
⏱️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Main Protein
- 1 pork loin (about 1 kg / 2.2 lb, boneless)
- 150 g bacon slices (thin works best)
- 200 g melting cheese
(mozzarella, gouda, provolone, or low-fat mozzarella for higher protein)
🧂 Seasoning & Flavor
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
🌿 Optional Add-Ins (Very Good)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Thinly sliced onion
- Spinach or mushrooms (adds volume, minimal carbs)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pork
Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Place the pork loin on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, slice deep cuts every 2–3 cm (1 inch) across the loin — do not cut all the way through. You want an accordion effect.
Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Season Thoroughly
In a small bowl, mix:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
Rub seasoning generously inside the cuts, on top, and underneath the loin.
Brush lightly with olive oil and Dijon mustard.
Step 3: Stuff with Cheese & Bacon
Stuff each slit with:
- A slice or fold of cheese
- A strip or piece of bacon
👉 Alternate cheese and bacon so every bite melts and crisps.
If using herbs or veggies, layer them under the cheese so they stay moist.
Step 4: Secure & Arrange
Place the stuffed pork into a lightly greased roasting pan.
If needed, loosely tie with kitchen twine to keep shape (optional).
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 60–75 minutes, until:
- Internal temperature reaches 63°C / 145°F
- Bacon is crisp
- Cheese is bubbling and golden
👉 If bacon browns too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 6: Rest & Slice
Remove from oven and rest 10 minutes (important for juicy meat).
Slice thick and serve with pan juices spooned on top.
🍽️ Serving Ideas (High-Protein Friendly)
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Cauliflower mash
- Zucchini noodles
- Simple side salad
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving – 1/7 of loin)
- Calories: ~380–420 kcal
- Protein: ~38–42 g
- Fat: ~24 g
- Carbs: ~2–4 g
✔️ Naturally low-carb
✔️ Keto-friendly
✔️ Very high-protein
🔄 Variations
Extra Lean Version
- Use low-fat mozzarella
- Turkey bacon instead of pork bacon
Spicy Version
- Add chili flakes
- Pepper jack cheese
Meal-Prep Friendly
- Slice after cooling
- Store portions in airtight containers (keeps 4 days in fridge)
