Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Pork Roll with Caramelized Onions and Herbs

If comfort food had a glow-up, this would be it. Juicy pork filling, sweet caramelized onions, fresh dill running through the center, all wrapped tight in smoky bacon and roasted until golden, crispy, and borderline addictive.

This is not a light snack situation. This is main-character dinner energy.

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🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Pork Filling:

• 800g ground pork (20% fat for juiciness)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Wrap:

• 12–14 strips streaky bacon

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional but elite move)

For Serving:

• Dijon mustard or honey mustard

• Pickled vegetables

• Fresh herbs for garnish

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🔪 Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt.

Cook slowly for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:

• Deep golden brown

• Soft and sweet

• Slightly jammy

Add garlic in the last 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Why this matters: caramelization builds natural sweetness and umami depth that balances the richness of pork and bacon.

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🥣 Step 2: Prepare the Pork Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground pork

• Caramelized onions

• Fresh dill

• Parsley

• Salt

• Pepper

• Smoked paprika

• Thyme

• Dijon mustard

Mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork — that makes the texture dense instead of tender.

Optional flex: fold in shredded mozzarella for a melty center.

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🥓 Step 3: Assemble the Bacon Wrap

1. Lay bacon strips vertically, slightly overlapping.

2. Optionally create a bacon weave for full coverage.

3. Shape pork mixture into a tight log.

4. Place the pork log on top of bacon.

5. Roll tightly, sealing edges underneath.

The tighter the roll, the cleaner the slices later.

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🔥 Step 4: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

Place roll seam-side down on a rack-lined baking tray.

Roast for 45–60 minutes, or until:

• Internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F)

• Bacon is deeply golden

• Edges are crispy

For extra crisp:
Broil for the last 3–5 minutes.

Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This keeps juices locked in.

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🍽 Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice into thick rounds.

You’ll see:

• Crispy bacon exterior

• Juicy pork center

• Caramelized onion ribbons

• Herbs throughout

Serve with:

• Honey mustard dip

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Roasted vegetables

• Rustic bread

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🧠 Culinary Breakdown

Fat layering principle
Ground pork + bacon = dual fat system. As it roasts, bacon fat renders down into the pork, basting it internally.

Protein structure
Resting post-roast allows muscle fibers to reabsorb juices, preventing dry slices.

Flavor balance

• Smoky: bacon

• Sweet: onions

• Herbaceous: dill + parsley

• Tangy: Dijon

• Savory depth: pork fat

This is structured richness, not chaotic heaviness.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Using lean pork (it dries out)

• Skipping resting time

• Cooking too hot too fast

• Under-seasoning the meat mixture

• Not checking internal temperature

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🔥 Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth

• Swap dill for rosemary for a more rustic profile

• Brush bacon with maple syrup in last 10 minutes

• Add crushed chili flakes for subtle heat

• Stuff with cheddar instead of mozzarella

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🧊 Storage & Reheat

Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheat:

• Oven at 170°C for 10–12 minutes

• Or skillet for crisp edge revival

Avoid microwave if possible — bacon loses texture.

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🥗 Pairing Ideas

• German-style potato salad

• Buttered green beans

• Sauerkraut

• Grainy mustard sauce

• Cold lager or dry white wine

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🔥 Final Thoughts

This bacon-wrapped pork roll is unapologetically rich, structured, and satisfying. Crispy outside. Juicy inside. Layers of texture in every bite.

It’s the kind of dish that makes silence fall at the table because everyone is busy chewing.

No shortcuts. No bland energy. Just full-send comfort food with a chef-level finish.

Slice thick. Dip generously. Enjoy every bite.