The perfect harmony of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and bold garlic flavor makes this Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin a must-have in your dinner rotation. With just five ingredients, this dish proves that you don’t need complexity to achieve deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need something satisfying and simple for a weeknight meal, this pork loin delivers on all fronts. The slow cooking process locks in juiciness, while the bacon crisps up beautifully with a quick broil finish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to be a favorite at any table.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3-pound pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
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1 tablespoon canola oil (or substitute with olive or avocado oil)
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/3 cup light brown sugar
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8 slices thick-cut bacon
Directions:
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Rub the pork loin with canola oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
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Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top of the pork.
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Pat the brown sugar on top of the garlic layer to create a flavorful glaze.
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Wrap the pork loin with the bacon slices. You can wrap fully around or simply drape across the top.
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Carefully place the wrapped pork loin in your slow cooker.
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Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
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If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, remove the loin, place it on a baking sheet, and broil for 2-3 minutes in the oven, watching closely.
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Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch slices. Serve 2–3 slices per person.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4–5 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 388 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Story Behind Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin
Every home cook has a handful of “go-to” recipes that never fail to please. This Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin is one of those golden dishes. It began as a simple, oven-baked pork loin recipe infused with brown sugar and garlic. However, the demand for a slow cooker adaptation grew due to the popularity of the original version. With some clever experimentation—adding bacon to compensate for the lean pork’s natural dryness—this recipe became a new classic.
What sets it apart is its simplicity. Only five core ingredients are needed, yet the results are rich, deeply flavorful, and perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant weekend gatherings. Plus, it harnesses the magic of the slow cooker, giving you the ultimate combination of hands-off cooking and maximum flavor.
Why Pork Loin? A Lean but Flavorful Cut
The pork loin is a lean, tender cut that comes from the back of the pig. It’s less fatty than pork shoulder, which makes it healthier and ideal for those watching their fat intake—but that can sometimes lead to a dry texture if not cooked properly. That’s why this recipe is so effective: the bacon acts as a self-basting blanket, helping retain moisture and adding savory depth during the slow cooking process.
Unlike other cuts, pork loin slices beautifully and presents well on a serving platter. Whether you’re hosting a family-style meal or serving guests at a holiday dinner, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
Bacon and Garlic: The Flavor Power Duo
Few ingredient pairings are as universally loved as bacon and garlic. The crispy, smoky saltiness of the bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweet, slightly pungent flavor of roasted garlic. When slow-cooked with brown sugar, this combo becomes almost irresistible.
The brown sugar creates a mild glaze that caramelizes beautifully over time, infusing the meat with a sweet-savory complexity. Garlic deepens in flavor as it cooks low and slow, becoming mellow and slightly sweet, harmonizing the entire dish. It’s a flavor trifecta: salty, sweet, and savory in every bite.
Effortless Slow Cooking for Busy Lifestyles
One of the biggest appeals of this recipe is how easy it is to make. With only 10 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for anyone juggling work, kids, or just looking to simplify dinner.
Here’s why the slow cooker method makes sense:
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No supervision needed: Set it and forget it.
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Frees up the oven: Ideal for busy holiday meals or when baking desserts.
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Tender results: Slow cooking gently breaks down meat fibers without drying them out.
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Minimal cleanup: Fewer dishes and less stress.
You don’t need to be a chef to get restaurant-quality results—this recipe does most of the work for you.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another benefit of this dish is its versatility as a meal prep option. The pork loin stays tender and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers throughout the week. Here are some ways you can reuse it:
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Sandwiches: Thinly sliced pork on sourdough with mustard or aioli.
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Tacos: Shredded pork, avocado, and pickled onions in corn tortillas.
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Rice Bowls: Over jasmine rice with steamed veggies and teriyaki drizzle.
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Wraps or Salads: Add to a spinach salad with balsamic glaze or wrap in a tortilla with coleslaw.
By repurposing the leftovers, you extend the value of this already budget-friendly recipe, helping reduce food waste and making your meal planning a breeze.
Ideal for Hosting and Holidays
Because of its elegant presentation and universal appeal, Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin makes a fabulous centerpiece for holiday meals. The bacon adds an impressive touch of indulgence, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Consider this recipe for:
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Thanksgiving (as a ham alternative)
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Christmas dinner
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Easter lunch
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Sunday family meals
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Casual gatherings or potlucks
You can pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or even garlic butter rice for a complete, balanced plate.
Dietary Considerations and Substitutions
While bacon and brown sugar may not sound “diet-friendly,” this dish is more balanced than it appears:
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Low carb: The total carbs are minimal (about 9g per serving), making it suitable for moderate low-carb or keto-style meals (with minor tweaks).
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High protein: With 40g of protein per serving, it’s ideal for those trying to maintain muscle mass or stay fuller longer.
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Customizable fats: Swap canola oil for olive oil or avocado oil to enhance the nutritional profile with healthier fats.
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Sodium-conscious: Use low-sodium bacon and adjust salt levels to meet your dietary needs.
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No added liquids: Since no broth or sauce is needed, you’re not sneaking in unnecessary ingredients or sodium from canned products.
Want to make it a bit lighter? Use turkey bacon and a pork tenderloin instead, although you’ll need to reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Tips for Success
To guarantee the best results, here are some tried-and-true tips:
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Wrap the bacon securely: Overlap the bacon slightly to ensure it stays wrapped and doesn’t fall off during cooking.
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Use toothpicks if needed: Especially if transporting the loin or cooking in a larger slow cooker.
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Place bacon seam-side down: This helps seal the bacon in place using the weight of the pork.
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Use a meat thermometer: Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for safe and juicy results.
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Broil at the end (optional): If you prefer crispy bacon, broil the cooked pork loin for 2–3 minutes to get that irresistible crisp.
These small techniques can take your meal from great to extraordinary.
Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Meal
To round out your plate, pair this pork loin with complementary sides. Here are some ideas:
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Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
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Parmesan roasted carrots
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Garlic butter green beans
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Crispy smashed potatoes with herbs
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Cauliflower mash for low-carb eaters
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Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
Want to add a sauce? Use the leftover juices from the slow cooker to make a quick pan gravy. Just whisk a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch into the drippings and simmer for a few minutes until thickened. You’ll get a rich, garlicky gravy that complements the pork beautifully.
Make It Yours: Recipe Variations
While this dish is delicious as-is, don’t hesitate to experiment. Here are some popular variations:
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Add herbs: Rub fresh rosemary or thyme into the pork before wrapping with bacon.
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Stuff the loin: Slice a pocket into the pork and stuff it with apple slices, spinach, or mozzarella for added flavor and moisture.
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Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the garlic-brown sugar mix.
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Glaze it differently: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a slightly different sweetness.
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Add fruit: Apples or pears placed around the pork in the slow cooker provide an autumnal twist and pair naturally with pork.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use pork shoulder instead of pork loin?
Yes, but the cooking time will vary. Pork shoulder has more fat and connective tissue and may take longer to become tender. Also, it will likely shred rather than slice cleanly.
Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?
No. The bacon and pork will release their own juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful without the need for broth or water.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep it the night before and refrigerate it in the slow cooker insert. Just place it in the cooker in the morning and turn it on.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can cook this in a Dutch oven or oven-safe dish at 375°F for about 1.5–2 hours, or until the pork reaches 145°F internally. Finish under the broiler to crisp the bacon.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Pork Loin isn’t just another dinner recipe—it’s a testament to how a handful of ingredients, carefully chosen and prepared with intention, can yield a show-stopping dish. With its perfect balance of flavors, easy prep, and slow-cooked tenderness, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home chef, this pork loin offers the kind of flavor and satisfaction that makes everyone ask for seconds. And with so many ways to serve, adapt, and enjoy it, it might just become your next signature meal.