Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your appetizer game forever! These irresistible Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin Bites are not just a dish, they're a gastronomic experience that combines the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of premium beef with the crispy, smoky allure of perfectly cooked bacon. Paired with a zingy creamy horseradish sauce, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering, leaving your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Beef tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Bacon strips
- Salt
- Pepper
- Horseradish
- Sour cream
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your bacon-wrapped tenderloin bites cook evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare the beef tenderloin by cutting it into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in size. Make sure to trim any excess fat for a leaner bite.
- Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the beef and complement the bacon.
- Take a strip of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each piece of beef tenderloin with a half strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Ensure that the bacon overlaps slightly to cover the beef completely.
- Place the wrapped tenderloin bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Once all the bites are wrapped and arranged on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended for tenderloin).
- While the tenderloin bites are baking, prepare the creamy horseradish sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, horseradish, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust the amount of horseradish based on your preferred level of heat.
- Mix the ingredients well until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed.
- Once the bacon-wrapped tenderloin bites are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks from the bites if used. Arrange the tenderloin bites on a serving platter and serve them warm with the creamy horseradish sauce on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your delicious Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin Bites with Creamy Horseradish Sauce as an appetizer or a delightful party snack!
Tips
- Choose high-quality bacon that isn't too thick, which helps ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- For the most tender result, don't overcook the beef - aim for medium-rare to preserve its juiciness.
- Use toothpicks sparingly and remove them before serving to make the presentation more elegant.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef pieces in a light seasoning for 30 minutes before wrapping.
- If you prefer less heat, gradually add horseradish to your sauce and taste as you go.
- For a perfect crisp, place the bacon-wrapped bites on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow excess fat to drip away.
- Let the bites rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 500kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 37g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 155mg