There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of rich, succulent filet mignon wrapped in smoky bacon—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! When I first made this bacon wrapped filet mignon recipe for a cozy dinner with friends, I was amazed by how quickly it became the star of the table. The sizzle of bacon in the pan, followed by the fragrant aroma of thyme and butter, filled the air in the best possible way.
With just 18 minutes from start to finish, this elegant dish is the perfect antidote to a monotonous weeknight dinner or an impressive centerpiece for your next gathering. It’s surprisingly simple to master and yields juicy, flavorful steaks that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, if you’re tired of the same old meals or just want to indulge in something truly special, let’s dive into this delicious and crowd-pleasing recipe!
Why is this bacon wrapped filet mignon recipe special?
Irresistible combination: The union of tender filet mignon and crispy bacon creates an unmatched flavor explosion that elevates any meal.
Easy preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll impress friends and family with minimal effort.
Quick cooking: This dish is ready in just 18 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Elevated dining experience: Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Crowd-pleaser: Rich flavors and appealing presentation ensure that your guests will be wowed and keep coming back for seconds.
Embrace the deliciousness, and check out my guide on how to achieve the perfect steak here!
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Ingredients
Elevate your dinner with this delightful dish!
For the Steaks
• Filet mignon steaks – Use 8-ounce portions for optimal tenderness and flavor.
• Salt – A generous seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
• Black pepper – Freshly cracked provides a robust, aromatic kick.
For the Bacon
• Bacon slices – Thin-cut bacon crisps beautifully for a perfect wrap around the steaks.
For Cooking
• Olive oil – A blend of oils adds richness; divided for both rub and searing.
• Butter – Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor while cooking.
• Fresh thyme – This herb infuses the dish with a fragrant, earthy aroma.
With these essentials, your bacon wrapped filet mignon recipe will shine!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C). This ensures that when the bacon wrapped filet mignon goes in, it cooks evenly and quickly for a perfectly tender steak.
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Prepare the steaks by bringing them to room temperature. Rub them with two tablespoons of olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides for maximum flavor.
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Wrap each filet mignon tightly in 1-2 slices of bacon. Start from one end and overlap the bacon slightly to secure it. If needed, use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place as you wrap.
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Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon-wrapped steaks to the pan. Throw in some butter and fresh thyme, searing for about 2 minutes on each side until the bacon becomes crispy and golden.
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Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Cook the steaks for about 6-7 minutes for medium-rare (135°F). Adjust cooking time as desired for your preferred doneness—145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well done.
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Rest the bacon wrapped filet mignon for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful when you serve.
Optional: Garnish with extra thyme sprigs for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Variations
Feel free to customize this dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or oregano to the butter for a delightful herbal twist.
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Smoky BBQ: Brush the bacon with your favorite BBQ sauce before searing to introduce a sweet, smoky flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on the steaks before wrapping in bacon for a fiery finish. This adds a layer of heat that complements the rich beef beautifully.
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Cheesy Delight: Tuck a slice of your favorite cheese, like blue or gouda, inside the bacon wrap for a melty surprise. The cheese adds a creamy richness that elevates the entire dish.
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Mushroom Medley: Sauté some sliced mushrooms in the skillet alongside the steaks for an earthy flavor. These make a perfect aromatic accompaniment.
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Gourmet Compound Butter: Mix softened butter with garlic and herbs and place a dollop on top of each filet after cooking. As it melts, it creates a luxurious sauce that’s irresistible.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the filet mignon with hearty portobello mushrooms for a plant-based dish that still offers that divine bacon crunch.
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Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest just before serving for a refreshing brightness. The citrus balances the richness of the bacon and steak perfectly.
Explore these variations to tailor your bacon wrapped filet mignon recipe experience and delight your family and friends!
Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
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Choose Quality Meat: Always opt for fresh, high-quality filet mignon. The better the meat, the more tender and flavorful your dish will be.
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Room Temperature Steaks: Let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking and enhances the final texture of the bacon wrapped filet mignon recipe.
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Don’t Rush the Resting: After cooking, let your steaks rest for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial to keep them juicy and tender.
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Bacon Crisping: To achieve perfectly crisp bacon, ensure your skillet is hot enough before searing. This prevents the bacon from becoming greasy instead of crispy.
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Thyme Substitution: While fresh thyme adds beautiful flavor, dried thyme can work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon if fresh isn’t available, but adjust to taste.
Embrace these tips for a guaranteed success with your bacon wrapped filet mignon recipe!
Storage Tips for Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Room Temperature: Allow bacon wrapped filet mignon to cool completely before leaving out for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate to avoid food safety issues.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh while ensuring your delicious meal is ready for a quick reheat.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, preserving their rich taste.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the juiciness of the filet mignon.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly accompany the rich and savory flavors of this dish.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes balance the richness of the steak and bacon beautifully. They soak up any juices for a decadent pairing that feels comforting.
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Roasted Asparagus: A touch of green adds a fresh crunch. Tossed in olive oil and garlic, asparagus not only brightens the plate but also complements the smoky flavors with its earthy notes.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing contrast. It’s a classic choice that cuts through the richness, making every bite enjoyable.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy, grilled corn brings a fun and seasonal element to the meal. It pairs wonderfully with the bacon’s smokiness, and a dusting of cheese adds a nice flavor contrast.
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Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruit-forward Merlot enhances the meal’s richness. The tannins in the wine complement the savory flavors of the steak and bacon.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: End on a sweet note with this indulgent dessert. The warmth of the molten chocolate pairs perfectly after the main course, creating a delightful finish to your dinner.
With these suggested pairings, your bacon wrapped filet mignon recipe will shine as the star of an unforgettable meal!
Make Ahead Options
These bacon wrapped filet mignon steaks are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the steak rub (olive oil, salt, and pepper) and wrap the filet mignon in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the wrapped steaks in an airtight container to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to cook, take the steaks out and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Sear them in a hot skillet before transferring to the oven. This way, you’ll enjoy that same delicious, restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort on busy weeknights—just as delightful as if you made them fresh!
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best filet mignon steaks?
Absolutely! Look for 8-ounce steaks that are bright red with even marbling. You want fat distributed throughout the meat for tenderness and flavor. Avoid any cuts with dark spots or excessive browning, as those indicate older meat.
How should I store leftover bacon wrapped filet mignon?
Very simply! Let your steaks cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve them longer, follow the freezing instructions below.
Can I freeze bacon wrapped filet mignon?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What should I do if the bacon isn’t crisping up while cooking?
If you find that the bacon isn’t crisping, it could be due to insufficient heat or overcrowding in the pan. Make sure your skillet is preheated enough before adding the steaks. If the bacon is overlapping too much, try cooking in batches to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for the bacon wrapped filet mignon?
Yes! If you’re serving this dish to guests with dietary restrictions, consider using turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative. Additionally, always check for allergies; some guests may react to meat products or specific spices, so open communication is key.
Can pets enjoy bacon wrapped filet mignon leftovers?
While dogs can enjoy small pieces of plain cooked meat, it’s best to avoid giving them bacon due to its high fat content and potential for digestive issues. If sharing, offer just the steak portion without the bacon for a special treat!
Savory Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Recipe for Wow Factor
Equipment
- - Skillet
- Oven
- - Toothpick
Ingredients
For the Steaks
- 16 ounces filet mignon steaks Use 8-ounce portions for optimal tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon salt A generous seasoning enhances natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Freshly cracked provides a robust kick.
For the Bacon
- 2 slices bacon Thin-cut bacon crisps beautifully.
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided for both rub and searing.
- 2 tablespoons butter Adds rich flavor while cooking.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme Infuses the dish with earthy aroma.
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C) for even cooking.
- Prepare the steaks by bringing them to room temperature; rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each filet mignon tightly in bacon slices, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet; add bacon-wrapped steaks, butter, and thyme, searing 2 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven; cook for 6-7 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting as desired.
- Rest the steaks for a few minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute.