Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops and Cauliflower Sheet-Pan Dinner

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops and Cauliflower Sheet-Pan Dinner

Prep Time 20 MIN
Total Time 45 MIN
Servings 4

Ingredients

2 packages (10 oz each) fresh cauliflower florets (about 5 cups)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
8 strips bacon
4 boneless center-cut pork loin chops, 3/4 inch thick (about 1 lb)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

Directions

1 Heat oven to 425°F. Spray bottom of 18x13-inch rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray.
2 In large bowl, toss cauliflower, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the salt and red pepper. Spread cauliflower mixture evenly in sheet pan. Roast 20 minutes; stir.
3 Meanwhile, place bacon on microwavable plate. Cover; microwave on High 3 to 4 minutes or just until edges begin to brown but are still soft and pliable.
4 Rub pork chops with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle with thyme, rosemary and black pepper. Arrange 2 bacon pieces over top of each pork chop, and place in sheet pan with cauliflower, tucking ends of bacon underneath each pork chop.
5 Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of pork chop reads at least 145°F. Garnish cauliflower with lemon peel before serving.

Expert Tips–
Precooking the bacon is necessary to ensure doneness at end of cook time. Serve with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired.