How to Cook Kroger’s Cook-in-Bag Pork Tenderloin for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Kroger’s cook-in-bag pork tenderloin offers a quick and easy way to cook juicy delicious pork at home. These tenderloins come pre-seasoned in a cooking bag that locks in moisture as the pork cooks ensuring tender and flavorful results every time.

While the basic cooking method is simple – just bake the sealed bag in the oven – there are some tips and tricks to ensure your pork tenderloin comes out perfectly cooked with a beautiful sear.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk through how to cook Kroger’s cook-in-bag pork tenderloin step-by-step, along with extra flavor ideas, doneness guides, and more. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients Needed

To cook Kroger’s cook-in-bag pork tenderloin you’ll need

• 1 pork tenderloin (around 1 lb) in a Kroger cook-in-bag
• Cooking oil or oil spray
• Seasonings (if desired)

That’s it! The tenderloins come pre-seasoned in flavors like Teriyaki, Garlic Herb, Brown Sugar Bourbon, and more. But you can also season the exterior with any extra spices you like.

Step 1 – Remove Bag from Packaging

Start by removing the sealed cooking bag containing the seasoned pork tenderloin from the outer packaging.

Be careful not to tear the bag open. You want it to remain sealed so the meat can steam and cook in the bag.

Step 2 – Preheat Oven & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking oil or spray. The oil will help the bag browned and crisp evenly.

Step 3 – Pierce Bag & Add Seasonings

Use a fork to gently pierce the bag 10-12 times all over. This allows steam to escape and moisture to drip away while cooking.

At this point, you can season the exterior of the bag with any extra spices or herb rubs if desired. Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, rosemary, and other spice blends.

Step 4 – Bake Pork Tenderloin

Place the pierced bag directly on your oiled baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the center of the pork registers 145°F on a meat thermometer.

Step 5 – Brown Exterior (Optional)

For extra flavor and color, you can brown the exterior after baking. Simply remove the bag from the oven and carefully cut it open using kitchen shears.

Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Then, in a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly sear each side for 1-2 minutes until browned.

Step 6 – Let Rest & Slice Pork

After baking or searing, transfer the pork to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.

Once rested, slice the tenderloin into medallions. Serve and enjoy your tender, juicy pork!

Cooking Tips

• For food safety, cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

• Let the pork rest before slicing to maximize juiciness.

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying on cook times.

• Add a pan sauce! Make an easy sauce while the pork rests using the meat juices from the bag.

• Pork continues cooking slightly after removing from heat. Don’t overcook or it will dry out.

• For extra flavor, brush with barbecue sauce or maple glaze in the last 10 minutes of baking.

How to Tell When It’s Done

Since pork needs to cook to 145°F for safety, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Or, make small cuts into the thickest part of the meat to peek inside. Signs your pork is done:

• Thermometer registers 145°F
• Meat is slightly pink but no longer translucent
• Juices run clear rather than pink when cut

Available Flavor Varieties

Kroger’s cook-in-bag pork tenderloins come pre-seasoned in a range of mouthwatering flavors:

• Teriyaki: Sweet and sticky teriyaki marinade

• Brown Sugar Bourbon: Sweet and savory brown sugar rub

• Garlic Herb: Aromatic blend of garlic, rosemary, and thyme

• Honey BBQ: Classic sweet and tangy barbecue flavor

• Cajun Style: Spicy Cajun seasoning and peppers

• Montreal Steak: Savory Montreal-style steak seasoning

I recommend trying out different flavors to discover your favorites! The tenderloins make it easy to enjoy delicious seasoned pork any night of the week.

Serving Suggestions

Pork tenderloin has a mild flavor that pairs well with many ingredients. Here are some serving idea combinations:

• Pork + mashed potatoes + green beans
• Pork + roasted veggies + quinoa
• Pork + salad with vinaigrette
• Pork + fried rice + broccoli
• Pork + pasta in tomato sauce
• Pork tacos with pico de gallo
• Pork + pineapple salsa + coconut rice

And for easy weeknight meals, a cooked pork tenderloin can be sliced up and added to sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, and more.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Pork tenderloin leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of water or broth to warm through.

Or, reheat slices in the microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through. Chop and add leftover pork to fried rice, soup, pasta, or egg scrambles.

Can You Freeze Cook-In-Bag Pork Tenderloin?

Freezing is a great way to save leftover cooked pork or store bags you won’t use right away. Here are some tips for freezing Kroger’s cook-in-bag pork:

• Let pork cool completely before freezing to prevent moisture loss.

• Portion pork into freezer bags or airtight containers in serving sizes. This makes thawing easier.

• Remove as much air from the freezer bag as possible before sealing.

• Label bags with the date and flavor.

• Raw bags can be frozen unopened. Cook frozen bags straight from the freezer by adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time.

• Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to prevent loss of quality.

Is Kroger’s Cook-In-Bag Pork Tenderloin Healthy?

Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork, with around 3 grams of fat per 3 ounce serving. It’s an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

However, the sodium content can vary based on flavoring. The teriyaki bags contain 660mg per serving, while the Cajun style has 790mg due to added seasonings.

For the healthiest option, choose lower sodium varieties or rinse off excess seasoning before cooking. Overall, pork tenderloin is a nutritious and lean protein choice.

The Benefits of Cook-In-Bag Pork

There are several advantages to choosing Kroger’s cook-in-bag pork tenderloins:

• Convenience: No lengthy prep or cleanup – just season and bake!

• Flavor: Tenderloins are pre-marinated in delicious sauces and spice blends.

• Juiciness: Cooking in the bag locks in natural moisture.

• Versatility: Use sliced pork in a variety of meals and dishes.

• Easy cooking: Foolproof oven baking method with no guesswork.

• Nutrition: Pork tenderloin is a lean, high-quality protein source.

For effortless cooking with delicious results, Kroger’s cook-in-bag pork tenderloins are a winner! Follow the simple instructions for tender, juicy pork anytime.