Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Cranberry Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is an impressive centerpiece dish that brings together sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors perfect for holiday celebrations, special dinners, or elegant entertaining. This recipe features juicy pork tenderloin butterflied and filled with a festive cranberry, apple, and herb stuffing that delivers a perfect balance of bright tartness, subtle sweetness, and aromatic depth. As it roasts, the pork becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the flavors from the stuffing, while the cranberries on top add a beautiful glossy finish and irresistible flavor.

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or a family gathering, this Cranberry Stuffed Pork Tenderloin elevates your menu with restaurant-quality presentation and homemade comfort. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Brussels sprouts, or rice pilaf. With its breathtaking swirl of colors and flavors, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper.

Ingredients

For the Pork Tenderloin:

• 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

For the Cranberry Stuffing:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 medium apple, finely diced (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or sage, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup

For the Cranberry Glaze:

• ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Stir in diced apple, fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, herbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Cook until cranberries burst and apples soften, about 5–7 minutes.
• Add brown sugar or maple syrup and nuts if using. Stir well and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Butterfly the Pork

• Place tenderloin on a cutting board.
• With a sharp knife, slice lengthwise down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Open the meat like a book and cover with plastic wrap.
• Use a meat mallet to pound into a thin, even rectangle about ½ inch thick.

Step 3: Season the Pork

• Drizzle olive oil over both sides.
• Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.

Step 4: Add Stuffing and Roll

• Spoon cranberry stuffing evenly over the pork, leaving a border around the edges.
• Roll the pork tightly from one long side to the other, like a jelly roll.
• Secure with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals.

Step 5: Sear and Roast

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
• Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Make the Glaze

• In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
• Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Glaze, Slice, and Serve

• Brush glaze over pork during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
• Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Slice into medallions and spoon extra glaze over the top.

Variations

• Savory Herb Only: Replace fruit filling with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and parmesan.
• Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap pork in bacon slices before roasting for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure cranberry sauce is gluten-free.
• Stuffing Shortcut: Use prepared cranberry sauce and diced apples only for a quick stuffing alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or green beans almondine.
• Add fresh rosemary or thyme on top for presentation.
• Pair with cranberry relish or apple chutney for extra holiday charm.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 26g
• Sodium: 340mg

Conclusion

Cranberry Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a beautifully festive, flavor-packed dish that brings elegance and warmth to your holiday table. The tender pork, combined with the sweet-tart cranberry and apple stuffing, creates a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite. Its spiral presentation makes it visually stunning, while the simple preparation ensures this dish is approachable for any home cook. Whether served at a family celebration or a holiday feast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and become a new tradition.