This stuffed pork tenderloin recipe is a delicious combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The tenderloin is butterflied, seasoned, and then filled with a mixture of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. The added touch of bacon wrapped around the tenderloin ensures a crispy, flavorful exterior while the inside remains moist and juicy. A simple pan sauce made with white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard adds a luscious finish to the dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a hearty weeknight dinner, this stuffed pork tenderloin is a sure crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Tenderloin:

• 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon finely sliced fresh sage leaves (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon bread crumbs (or as needed)
• ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts (or to taste)
• ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries (or to taste)
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 4 thinly sliced bacon (or as needed)

For the Pan Sauce:

• ⅔ cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons cold butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Tenderloin:
   • Place the pork tenderloin on a flat work surface. Slice lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the tenderloin like a book.
   • Sandwich the butterflied tenderloin between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat pounder to flatten the tenderloin to ¼-inch thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper.
   • Spread 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard thinly over the surface of the tenderloin. Sprinkle the rosemary and sage evenly over the mustard. Dust the surface with breadcrumbs, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, if desired.
2. Roll the Tenderloin:
   • Fold in the ends of the tenderloin about 1 inch. Roll the tenderloin up tightly from the long side, forming a neat cylinder. Wrap the stuffed tenderloin in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour to help it set.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
   • Unwrap the chilled tenderloin and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly season the outside with kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, if desired.
   • Wrap the tenderloin with the thinly sliced bacon, tucking the ends underneath to secure them.
5. Roast the Pork:
   • Roast the tenderloin in the center of the preheated oven until the bacon is browned and crispy, and the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F (63°C), about 25-30 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked through but still juicy.
6. Prepare the Pan Sauce:
   • While the pork is roasting, prepare the pan sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
   • Whisk in the cold butter until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
   • Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the pork slices with the pan sauce drizzled over the top.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 430mg
• Potassium: 380mg
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Vitamin C: 6%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 10%

The Benefits of Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is often considered one of the leanest and healthiest cuts of pork. It is tender, mild, and versatile, which makes it an ideal base for various recipes, including roasting, grilling, and even slow cooking. Unlike fattier cuts of pork, such as pork belly or shoulder, tenderloin has a subtle flavor, which allows it to take on and highlight the seasonings and stuffing used in the recipe.

This lean cut of pork is also packed with protein and provides essential nutrients like B-vitamins, iron, and zinc, making it a nutritious choice for a balanced diet. The fact that pork tenderloin can be easily paired with a variety of vegetables, grains, and starches makes it a great option for creating a well-rounded meal.

A Perfectly Balanced Stuffing

One of the highlights of this stuffed pork tenderloin recipe is the stuffing, which consists of fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Each of these ingredients brings something unique to the table:

• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor that complements the richness of the pork while balancing the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Fresh rosemary and sage: These herbs bring an earthy, aromatic quality to the dish that perfectly complements the pork. Rosemary adds a slightly piney note, while sage offers a mild, savory depth of flavor.
• Walnuts: Chopped toasted walnuts contribute a crunchy texture and a nutty richness, enhancing the dish’s complexity.
• Dried cranberries: These add a sweet and tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements in the stuffing, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

Together, these ingredients form a stuffing that is flavorful, fragrant, and perfectly complements the tenderloin.

The Role of Bacon

Wrapping the stuffed pork tenderloin in bacon is what truly elevates this dish. As the pork tenderloin roasts, the bacon crisps up, imparting its smoky, salty flavor into the meat, while keeping it moist and juicy. The combination of the crisp bacon and the tender, flavorful stuffing creates a delightful contrast of textures that adds another layer of satisfaction to each bite.

Bacon also plays an important visual role in the dish. The golden-brown, crispy bacon wrapped around the pork tenderloin gives the dish an elegant, rustic appearance, making it look as impressive as it tastes. It is a perfect example of how presentation can elevate the dining experience.

The Pan Sauce: The Finishing Touch

While the stuffed pork tenderloin is delicious on its own, the pan sauce made with white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard is the perfect finishing touch. This rich, velvety sauce adds a burst of tangy, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish. The white wine provides acidity, while the balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tart depth, balancing the richness of the pork and bacon. The Dijon mustard ties the sauce together with its sharp, tangy flavor, and a bit of cold butter is added at the end to create a glossy, smooth consistency.

The pan sauce not only complements the pork tenderloin but also enhances the flavors of the stuffing. Pouring a generous amount over the sliced pork adds an extra layer of richness and makes each bite even more indulgent.

A Meal for Any Occasion

This stuffed pork tenderloin recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply cooking a special meal for your loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. It’s a sophisticated yet accessible recipe that doesn’t require advanced culinary skills, making it a great option for both novice and experienced home cooks.

The versatility of this dish also makes it suitable for a wide range of side dishes. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad are all great choices to serve alongside the pork tenderloin, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Elegant Choice

In conclusion, this stuffed pork tenderloin with bacon and pan sauce is a showstopper of a dish. It combines the lean, tender pork with a flavorful stuffing made from fresh herbs, crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries, and a bit of spice. The bacon wrapping adds both flavor and texture, while the pan sauce adds an extra layer of richness and tang. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or dinner where you want to impress your guests with a flavorful and elegant meal.

Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with a variety of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this stuffed pork tenderloin is a great dish to add to your repertoire. Try it out the next time you want to create a memorable meal that will have everyone coming back for more!