Jalapeno Popper Pork Loin

Ingredients

• 3 poundscenter-cut pork loin
• 0.5 teaspoonkosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoonpepper
• 10 slicesbacon, cooked crisp
• 8 ouncescream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tablespoondry ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cupcheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 2 mediumjalapeno peppers, finely diced
• 1 tablespoonolive oil

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 450°F.

2. 2

   Butterfly the pork: with the pork on a cutting board, hold a knife blade parallel to the board and carefully make a lengthwise cut about 1/3 of the way from the bottom, stopping about 1 inch from the opposite end, being careful not to cut through.

3. 3

   Open the loin like a book.

4. 4

   Make a second cut on the thick side of the pork loin, horizontal with the first cut. Do not cut all the way through; stop about 1 inch from the opposite edge. Fold that edge over making one long flat cut of pork loin.

5. 5

   Cover the entire cut of meat with plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/3-inch thickness.

6. 6

   Season both sides with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Top with cooked bacon strips.

8. 8

   In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Spread the cream cheese mixture in a layer on top of the bacon.

9. 9

   Top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapenos.

10. 10

    Tightly roll the pork loin to completely enclose all of the fillings.

11. 11

    Using cooking twine, tightly secure the roll (approximately 4 pieces of twine).

12. 12

    In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.

13. 13

    Once hot, add the pork loin to the pan and sear on all sides, about 5 minutes on each side, turning the loin a total of 4 times.

14. 14

    Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the pork loin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (depending on thickness, it could take up to 50 minutes; check temperature throughout).

15. 15

    Slice and serve warm.