Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

Bacon wrapped filet mignon is my go to recipe for special date nights at home It turns an ordinary evening into something memorable with surprisingly little effort The rich beef and smoky bacon create a steakhouse worthy dish right from your own kitchen

The first time I served this for Valentine dinner my husband was stunned I love that it makes any meal feel extra special without stress

Ingredients

• Filet mignon steaks: These tender cuts are the star Look for steaks with even thickness and bright red color for best results
• Bacon: Wrapping with bacon adds smoky flavor and keeps the steak juicy Choose thick cut bacon for extra texture
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: A simple seasoning is all you need Use coarse kosher salt and freshly milled pepper if possible
• Olive oil: This is for searing Get a good quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor
• Fresh rosemary or thyme: These herbs are optional but add fragrance and a restaurant finish Choose firm green sprigs from the produce section

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit 200 degrees Celsius so everything cooks evenly later

Prep the Steaks:

Dry your filet mignon well with paper towels This is essential for good browning and crust

Season the Steaks:

Sprinkle both sides of each filet generously with salt and pepper Let this sit while you prep bacon to bring the steaks close to room temperature

Wrap with Bacon:

Lay out two slices of bacon per steak Wrap the bacon snugly around the edge and secure the ends with toothpicks or simply press the bacon so it sticks Adjust to fully cover the sides

Sear the Steaks:

Heat a heavy oven safe skillet over medium high heat Add a bit of olive oil Once shimmering place the bacon wrapped steaks in the skillet Be careful as the pan may splatter and cook for three to four minutes on the first side until bacon is golden

Flip the Steaks:

Turn the steaks with tongs Sear the other side for another three to four minutes until the bacon crisps and the steak browns

Transfer to Oven:

Move the entire skillet into your preheated oven Cook for six to ten minutes The timing depends on the thickness and desired doneness Rare steak registers 120 degrees Fahrenheit while medium rare is about 135 degrees

Rest the Steaks:

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks sit for five minutes on a plate This resting step is vital for juicy results

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the steaks with fresh rosemary or thyme Slice and serve on warm plates with your favorite sides The aroma is irresistible

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I always look forward to the moment I wrap the bacon The smell while it sears brings back memories of our anniversary dinner when we first tried this recipe at home

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers let them cool completely then refrigerate in an airtight container They will keep well for up to two days For reheating place gently in a covered skillet over low heat to preserve juiciness The bacon will not be as crisp but the flavor is just as rich

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap filet mignon with beef tenderloin medallions for a similar taste Save thin sliced pancetta for wrapping if bacon is unavailable Both result in a lovely presentation Turkey bacon is a lighter option though it will cook differently

Serving Suggestions

Classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes steamed asparagus or buttery green beans work perfectly A drizzle of pan juices or a simple red wine sauce elevates the plate further For gatherings I sometimes add a festive salad and warm dinner rolls

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Background and Special Touches

Filet mignon is French for dainty fillet and this dish has long been a favorite in fine dining The bacon wrapping tradition started in American steakhouses to keep this lean cut moist and flavorful When I serve it I love sharing this bit of history to set the mood

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the bacon from unraveling during cooking?

Secure the bacon slices with toothpicks after wrapping them around each steak to keep them in place during searing and baking.

→ What is the best doneness for filet mignon?

Medium-rare is commonly preferred, but you can use a meat thermometer to reach your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare).

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can season and wrap the steaks in bacon a few hours ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

→ What sides pair well with bacon-wrapped filet mignon?

Classic sides include roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the steak.

→ Should I use fresh or dried herbs for garnish?

Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme add vibrant flavor and appealing color, but dried herbs can also work if that's what you have available.