Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: 1 Festive Feast

Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin has always been the star of my holiday table, a dish that whispers of cozy evenings and joyful gatherings. I still remember the first time I attempted to make it; I was nervous, but the aroma of sausage, herbs, and cranberries filling my kitchen was instantly comforting. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a memory in the making, a truly festive stuffed pork tenderloin that promises a juicy, flavorful experience with every bite. The golden-brown crust giving way to a tender, herb-infused interior is simply divine. Get ready to impress your guests and yourself – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This isn’t just another pork dish; it’s a holiday showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to achieve. Here’s why it’s destined to become your go-to festive meal:

• Impressive Presentation: This elegant dish looks like it took hours, making it perfect for special occasions.
• Flavor Explosion: The savory Italian sausage, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs create a delightful flavor profile.
• Juicy & Tender: We focus on techniques that guarantee a moist and tender result every time.
• Easy to Make: Despite its fancy appearance, this easy Christmas pork tenderloin is manageable for any home cook.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the stuffing to your family’s favorite flavors.
• Perfect for Holidays: This holiday pork tenderloin with stuffing truly captures the spirit of Christmas dinner.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep most of it in advance, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients for Your Christmas Pork Loin Recipe

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable holiday meal. This recipe balances classic flavors with festive touches, offering fantastic Christmas pork tenderloin stuffing ideas.

• 2 lbs pork tenderloin – the star of our festive dish, look for a well-trimmed piece
• 4 oz Italian sausage, casing removed – provides a savory, herbaceous base for the stuffing
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries – adds a touch of sweetness and beautiful festive color
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs – helps bind the stuffing and gives it a lovely texture
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – for a bright, fresh herbal note
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic savory depth
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped – its piney aroma screams holidays!
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing and ensuring a golden crust
• 1/2 tsp salt – to enhance all the flavors
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – for a gentle warmth

How to Make the Best Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked roast. To prepare the pork, carefully butterfly the tenderloin. Make a lengthwise cut about halfway through the meat, then open it up like a book. You can gently flatten it further with a meat mallet if needed for an even thickness, which is key for even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking – you’ll smell its wonderful aroma! Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Step 3: Now for the exciting part: the stuffing! In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, dried cranberries, fresh breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and rosemary. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This blend creates the flavor core for our festive stuffed pork tenderloin.
4. Step 4: Carefully spread this delicious stuffing mixture evenly over the flattened pork tenderloin, leaving a small border around the edges. Begin to roll up the pork tightly from one long side, ensuring the stuffing stays inside. Secure the roll with kitchen twine at intervals to hold its shape. Rub the outside of the rolled tenderloin with the remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown exterior.
5. Step 5: Place your beautifully prepared stuffed pork tenderloin in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 35–40 minutes. The best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and remains a juicy Christmas stuffed pork tenderloin is to use a meat thermometer. It should register an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This method is the secret to how to stuff a pork tenderloin for Christmas without overcooking.

6. Step 6: Once it reaches the perfect temperature, remove the roast from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and flavorful. Slice into thick rounds and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Holiday Pork Tenderloin

I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely spectacular. They’re simple but make a big difference in achieving that perfect holiday roast.

• Butterflying Technique: Make sure your knife is sharp for clean cuts when butterflying. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; the stuffing helps fill any gaps.
• Don’t Overstuff: While you want a generous filling, overstuffing can make it difficult to roll and tie securely, potentially causing stuffing to spill out during cooking.
• Use Kitchen Twine: Securely tying the tenderloin ensures it holds its shape and the stuffing stays contained throughout the roasting process.
• Resting is Crucial: Never skip the resting period! It’s essential for juicy meat.

What’s the secret to a perfectly stuffed pork tenderloin for Christmas?

The real secret to a delicious and savory stuffed pork tenderloin Christmas dish lies in the balance of stuffing ingredients and the proper tying technique. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and moisture. For more on cooking techniques, you can explore resources on culinary methods.

Can I make this Christmas stuffed pork tenderloin ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire stuffed tenderloin, from butterflying to tying, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. This is the magic of a make ahead Christmas pork tenderloin, saving you precious time on the holiday. Just bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if cooking from cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with my Christmas pork loin recipe?

The most common pitfalls are overcooking the pork or having the stuffing fall out. To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer and remove it at 145°F. To keep stuffing in, tie the tenderloin snugly with kitchen twine. For more details on food safety and temperature guidelines, consult official food safety guidelines.

Serving Suggestions for Your Elegant Christmas Pork Loin Dish

This beautiful roast is the centerpiece of any holiday table, and serving it well makes all the difference. Imagine slicing into this masterpiece – it’s truly a crowd-pleasing Christmas pork tenderloin!

For a classic pairing, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans almondine. The richness of the pork loin is perfectly complemented by these familiar, comforting flavors. Another wonderful option is to pair it with a vibrant cranberry sauce or a light apple chutney, which adds a lovely sweet and tart contrast to the savory stuffing and tender meat. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works beautifully to balance the plate. You can find more holiday recipe ideas here.

Nutrition Facts for Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Understanding the nutritional breakdown helps you plan your holiday feast. This Christmas pork loin recipe offers a satisfying main course with a good balance of macronutrients.

• Calories: 370cal
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of Italian sausage and breadcrumbs. For more information on dietary needs, please review our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Your Christmas Dinner Pork Tenderloin

Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Properly storing and reheating your Christmas dinner pork tenderloin ensures you can enjoy this festive dish for days after the main event. Once the roast has cooled completely to room temperature—this usually takes about 1-2 hours—it’s ready for storage. For the best results, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. This keeps the meat from drying out.

You can keep your leftover Christmas pork tenderloin in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you need to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the slices well as described above and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the key is to do it gently to maintain moisture. For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm them in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Frozen slices should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For any questions regarding our site policies, please see our terms of use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Is this Christmas stuffed pork tenderloin recipe difficult to make?

Not at all! This easy Christmas pork tenderloin is designed to be approachable for cooks of all levels. The most involved step is butterflying the pork, which is quite simple with a sharp knife. The stuffing comes together quickly, and tying the roast is straightforward. You’ll find the results far more impressive than the effort involved!

What exactly is Christmas stuffed pork tenderloin?

What is Christmas stuffed pork tenderloin? It’s a festive main course where a tender pork tenderloin is butterflied, filled with a savory mixture (often including ingredients like sausage, herbs, dried fruits, or breadcrumbs), rolled up, and then roasted until juicy and golden brown. It’s a beautiful centerpiece that brings together classic holiday flavors in one delicious package.

Can I substitute the Italian sausage in the stuffing?

Yes, you can! If you prefer, you can use a mild breakfast sausage, or even ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, you could use sautéed mushrooms and extra breadcrumbs seasoned with herbs. The goal is to have a flavorful, moist stuffing that complements the pork.

What temperature should the pork tenderloin be when done?

For a perfectly cooked and juicy result, you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork. This temperature ensures the pork is cooked through but still wonderfully tender and moist, avoiding the dryness that can sometimes happen with pork. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.

Variations for Your Festive Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting to see how I can switch things up for different occasions or just to keep things interesting! Here are a few ideas for your festive stuffed pork tenderloin.

• Fruity & Herbaceous Delight: For a delightful twist, swap the Italian sausage for finely diced apples and sautéed leeks. Combine these with the cranberries, breadcrumbs, and fresh sage for a beautiful apple and sage stuffed pork tenderloin Christmas flavor profile. This variation is wonderfully aromatic and offers a slightly sweeter profile that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
• Cranberry Lover’s Dream: Amp up the cranberry flavor by adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the stuffing mixture along with the dried cranberries. This creates a vibrant cranberry stuffed pork tenderloin Christmas that is both festive and delicious, with a bright citrus note cutting through the richness.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Simply substitute the fresh breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. You won’t sacrifice texture or flavor!
• Herb Swap: Don’t have rosemary? Thyme or sage are excellent substitutes that work wonderfully with pork. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite.

Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: 1 Festive Feast

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 70 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Not Specified

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Description

This Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe is a festive, juicy, and crowd-pleasing main course perfect for holiday gatherings. It features a savory filling inside tender pork, roasted to perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs pork tenderloin
• 4 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly the pork tenderloin by slicing it lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, and open it like a book. Lightly flatten with a meat mallet.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Stir in garlic, then remove from heat.
3. In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, parsley, and rosemary. Mix until well combined.
4. Spread stuffing mixture over the flattened pork. Roll up tightly and secure with kitchen twine. Rub outside with remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
5. Place the stuffed tenderloin in a roasting pan. Roast for 35–40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• The recipe is forgiving; slight imperfections in stuffing or tying are acceptable.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated.
• For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Butterflying is easier with chilled pork.
• Tent leftovers loosely with foil while resting to keep warm without sogginess.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Main Courses
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 370cal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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