Our Pork Cordon Bleu recipe is a delicious twist on the classic breaded chicken dish, bringing the tender juiciness of pork into a perfect blend with rich cheese and savory ham. This recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating a smoky bacon weave, creating a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Also – low-carb and keto! Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this pork cordon bleu is sure to impress with all of its layers of flavors.
Grilled Pork Cordon Bleu
Pork Cordon Bleu offers an incredible and flavorful dinner for your whole family. The key lies in the pork tenderloin, known for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. Using a butterfly technique, the meat is spread out, creating more surface area for the seasoning and fillings. The combination of mushroom powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, and parsley is simple, but it offers a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the pork without overpowering it. The inclusion of thinly sliced ham adds a touch of saltiness, while the Gouda cheese brings creamy and slightly nutty flavors to the dish.
Instead of the typical breading and frying, we use a bacon weave and our pellet grill to make this more protein-heavy with fewer carbs. The bacon weave is a standout feature of this recipe, and not only adds a rich, smoky taste, but also keeps the tenderloin moist and juicy during the cooking process. The bacon’s crisp texture against the tender pork and melting cheese creates a contrast that’s truly incredible. You won’t miss the breading at all!
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. It can easily be adapted to suit different tastes or what you have on hand. For instance, you can substitute Gouda with Swiss or cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs in the seasoning mix or try different types of bacon. We like to sub in prosciutto sometimes instead of ham.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Tender and Juicy: The pork tenderloin ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Rich in Flavor: A combination of herbs, spices, and fillings create a symphony of tastes.
- Visually Impressive: The bacon weave adds a gourmet touch to the presentation.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various herbs, cheeses, and types of bacon.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a family meal or a special gathering.
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Pork Cordon Bleu shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Pork tenderloin
- Mushroom powder
- Onion powder
- Granulated garlic
- Chopped parsley
- Thin sliced ham
- Gouda cheese
- Bacon
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How to make Bacon-Wrapped Pork Cordon Bleu
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
1
Preheat
Preheat your grill or smoker to 375°F.
2
Prep
Butterfly the pork tenderloin and season with mushroom powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, and parsley.
Check out the video below from All Things Barbecue for a visual demonstration on how to butterfly pork tenderloin.
Butterfly the pork tenderloin and season with mushroom powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, and parsley.
3
Bacon Weave
Roll the tenderloin into a log, wrap it in a bacon weave, and secure with toothpicks.
There’s a great demo below by Traeger if you’ve never made a bacon weave!
4
Cook
Cook on a wire rack in the grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the bacon is cooked. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes!
Pork Cordon Bleu FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Swiss or cheddar cheese can be great alternatives to Gouda. Use what you’ve got! It’ll probably be great.
Is it necessary to use a grill or smoker?
While grilling adds a very nice touch, you can also cook this in an oven, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
This recipe is best made and served immediately after cooking. While leftovers are definitely worth saving, I wouldn’t purposely cook this ahead of time.
It can be transported if you wrap it in foil and towels and place it in a cooler. I’d do that BEFORE slicing if you’re taking it to a party across town.
Try with our Wild Rice Pilaf!
Serve this with…
More great recipes using pork tenderloin to love!
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Smoked Pork Tenderloin
- Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
- Traeger Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Sauce
- Togarashi Pork Tenderloin
- Smoked Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
- Smoked Gochujang Pork Tenderloin
Pork Cordon Bleu
This decadent play on a traditional cordon bleu skips the breading and frying and instead uses a bacon weave and the grill for some crunch!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon mushroom powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- 4 ounces thin sliced ham
- 6 ounces Gouda cheese
- 1 pound bacon
Instructions
- Preheat grill/smoker to 375°F.
- Butterfly pork tenderloin.
- Mix mushroom powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, and parsley. Sprinkle on tenderloin.
- Layer ham, then cheese on tenderloin.
- Roll tenderloin into a log.
- Create bacon weave on plastic wrap. Place tenderloin on weave, seam up. Wrap bacon around using plastic. Secure with toothpicks.
- Place on a wire rack in preheated grill.
- Cook until internal temperature is 145°F, bacon cooked.
- Rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 705Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 230mgSodium: 1776mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 76g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.