Dinner

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

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The marriage of juicy pork tenderloin with tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and fresh sage creates a symphony of flavors that will elevate any holiday meal. Its elegant spiral of colorful filling not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on the plate, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate. What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time and customize it with substitutions like feta or cream cheese for a unique twist. Paired with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 boneless pork tenderloin (approx. 1 to 2 pounds)
  • 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Caramelize the Onions
    Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 30-40 minutes). Stir in chopped sage and transfer to a bowl.
  2. Cook the Spinach and Garlic
    In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
    Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). On a cutting board, slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise, stopping 1/4 inch from the bottom, and open it like a book. Season the inside with salt and pepper.
  4. Stuff and Roll the Pork Tenderloin
    Spread cranberry sauce over the pork, leaving a 1-2 inch border. Layer the spinach, caramelized onions, and crumbled goat cheese on top. Roll the tenderloin tightly and secure with kitchen twine. Season the exterior with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast the Pork Tenderloin
    Place the rolled tenderloin on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  6. Rest, Slice, and Serve
    Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional cranberry sauce or holiday sides of your choice.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4

Elevate Your Holiday Table with Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Few dishes capture the festive spirit of a holiday dinner quite like a beautifully prepared Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. Its enticing blend of textures and flavors juicy pork, creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and earthy sage creates a centerpiece that is both impressive and approachable. This recipe offers the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Why Choose Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a wonderfully versatile cut of meat, celebrated for its tenderness and mild flavor. Unlike fattier cuts of pork, tenderloin is lean, cooks quickly, and pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients. For this recipe, its tender texture is the perfect canvas for a flavorful filling that transforms the dish from simple to spectacular.

A stuffed pork tenderloin provides an added layer of elegance that a roast or plain tenderloin simply can’t match. When sliced, the tenderloin reveals a beautiful spiral of colorful stuffing that will have your guests assuming you spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare with a few basic techniques like butterflying and rolling the meat.

The Star Ingredients

The filling is where this dish truly shines. Goat cheese is the standout, lending a creamy tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cranberries. Fresh spinach adds a pop of vibrant green and balances the richness of the cheese, while caramelized onions offer a touch of sweetness and depth. Sage, a classic herb in holiday cooking, ties all the elements together with its earthy aroma.

Cranberries are an inspired addition to the stuffing, adding a touch of sweetness and a festive flair. Their tartness cuts through the richness of the goat cheese, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Cranberries are also a nod to traditional holiday fare, making this dish feel even more appropriate for the season.

Presentation That Wows

One of the most appealing aspects of stuffed pork tenderloin is its stunning presentation. The filling creates a spiral pattern when the tenderloin is sliced, showcasing the vibrant colors of the spinach, cranberries, and goat cheese against the juicy pork. This visual effect is sure to impress your dinner guests, making the dish a showstopper on your holiday table.

Pair this with simple, complementary sides like roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, or a wild rice pilaf to create a balanced and satisfying meal. The simplicity of these sides allows the stuffed pork tenderloin to remain the star of the show.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the biggest challenges during the holidays is juggling multiple dishes in the kitchen. Thankfully, this recipe is make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prep the tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance. Simply butterfly, stuff, and roll the tenderloin, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to roast. This not only saves time on the day of your celebration but also allows the flavors of the filling to meld together for an even tastier result.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

Cooking a stuffed pork tenderloin to perfection requires a few key considerations:

  1. Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your pork is cooked to perfection is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the filling, and look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  2. Rest Before Slicing: Once the tenderloin is out of the oven, resist the temptation to slice it immediately. Allowing the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes helps retain its juices and ensures clean, even slices.
  3. Season Generously: While the filling is packed with flavor, don’t forget to season the pork itself. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the meat and ties the dish together.

Variations and Substitutions

This stuffed pork tenderloin recipe is endlessly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes or the ingredients you have on hand. For example, you can swap out goat cheese for feta, cream cheese, or even blue cheese if you’re looking for a bolder flavor. If fresh cranberries are in season, consider using them instead of cranberry sauce for a more tart and natural flavor.

Herbs like rosemary or thyme can stand in for sage, offering a different but equally delicious aromatic profile. You can also experiment with the vegetables kale or Swiss chard would work well in place of spinach, or you could add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Pairing Suggestions

When planning your holiday menu, consider pairing the stuffed pork tenderloin with wines that complement its flavors. A Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Merlot works wonderfully, as these wines have enough acidity to balance the richness of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the cranberries. If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay with a hint of oak or a dry Riesling would be an excellent choice.

For non-alcoholic pairings, try a sparkling cranberry mocktail or a warm spiced apple cider. These beverages echo the flavors in the dish and add to the festive atmosphere.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Sage is more than just a dish it’s a culinary experience that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Its combination of bold flavors, eye-catching presentation, and make-ahead convenience makes it a standout choice for any festive occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to delight your guests and leave them asking for seconds and maybe even the recipe. With its elegant appearance and rich taste, stuffed pork tenderloin is sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday repertoire.

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