Celebrate the holiday season with Festive Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, a stunning dish that combines tender pork with a flavorful stuffing, perfect for impressing your guests at any festive gathering. This recipe features a delicious filling of spinach, cream cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts, creating a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. The pork tenderloin is rolled and roasted to perfection, making it an elegant centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish that will make your holiday meal unforgettable.

Ingredients List

To prepare Festive Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pork Tenderloin (1.5 pounds)
• Fresh Spinach (2 cups, chopped)
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened)
• Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup)
• Walnuts (1/2 cup, chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh Rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for roasting the pork.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and 2 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Pork Tenderloin

Carefully butterfly the 1.5-pound pork tenderloin by slicing it lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open it up like a book and flatten it slightly with a meat mallet for even cooking.

Step 4: Stuff the Tenderloin

Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the inside of the butterflied pork tenderloin. Roll the pork tightly, starting from one end, and secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks.

Step 5: Sear and Roast

In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed pork tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh rosemary if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	400mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you want to make this dish even healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Lean Pork Cuts: Choose a leaner cut of pork or trim excess fat from the tenderloin.
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the stuffing for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin can be served in various ways to enhance your holiday meal:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate.
• Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a festive grain salad for a complete meal.
• Cranberry Sauce: Drizzle with homemade cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness that complements the pork.

Personalized Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork tenderloin in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for a few hours before stuffing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pork: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the correct internal temperature without overcooking.
2. Not Letting It Rest: Allowing the pork to rest after cooking helps retain juices, ensuring a moist and tender result.
3. Underseasoning: Be generous with seasoning the pork and stuffing to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Festive Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

In summary, Festive Christmas Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a delicious and elegant dish that brings festive flavors to your holiday table. With its beautiful presentation and delightful stuffing, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments or subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing and stuff the pork tenderloin a day in advance, then roast it on the day of serving.

What can I substitute for walnuts?

You can use pecans or almonds as a substitute for walnuts in the stuffing.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.