Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with this Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin! This epic dish is about to transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise, where the senses are left utterly captivated by the explosive combination of aromatic herbs, succulent pork, and a mouthwatering cheese-and-veggie filling. Brace yourself for a sensational feast that will have your taste buds dancing with pure delight!
Why You’ll Love This Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
This Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is an absolute showstopper that will have your guests raving and your family begging for seconds. The tender, juicy pork is taken to new heights with a vibrant herb crust that adds an incredible depth of flavor, while the savory-sweet filling of cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes takes this dish to the next level of sensational. It’s the ultimate fusion of bold, mouthwatering flavors that will have your kitchen smelling like a flavor paradise. Prepare to be the talk of the town with this epic, crowd-pleasing main course!
Ingredients
Get ready to assemble the ultimate flavor dream team! You’ll need a pork tenderloin, a handful of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley, some Parmesan cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a few other kitchen staples. This epic combination of ingredients is about to create an explosion of sensational flavors in your mouth.
- 1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin – the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a savory, nutty crunch
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – for a pop of freshness
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – for a sweet-and-tangy burst of flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – to amp up the aromatics
Ingredient Substitutions
- Spinach: Try swapping in kale or arugula for a different leafy green twist.
- Cheese: Experiment with feta or goat cheese for a creamier, tangier filling.
How to Make Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious details and get this flavor-packed party started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing your pork tenderloin. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the tenderloin in half lengthwise, creating a butterfly effect. Pound the meat until it’s an even thickness, then get ready to stuff this bad boy with a flavor-packed filling.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a food processor, blend together the Parmesan, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a few other secret ingredients to create a mouthwatering filling. Spread this mixture over the butterflied pork, then fold the meat back over to encase the filling. Tie the tenderloin with kitchen string to keep it all together.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now, it’s time to create that incredible herb crust! In a shallow dish, combine the chopped herbs, garlic, and a bit of olive oil. Coat the outside of the stuffed pork tenderloin in this fragrant herb mixture, ensuring every inch is covered. Transfer the tenderloin to a baking sheet and get ready to bake it to perfection.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the pork is golden-brown and cooked through, about 25-30 minutes, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tenderloin that’s perfectly moist and bursting with flavor. Slice it up and get ready to serve this epic, flavor-packed dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Herb Crust Swap: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations for the crust, like swapping the rosemary for thyme or adding a hint of lemon zest.
- Filling Variations: You can also play around with the filling, incorporating ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or roasted red peppers.
- Bacon-Wrapped Twist: For an extra-indulgent twist, try wrapping the entire tenderloin in crispy bacon before baking.
- Customize It!: No matter how you customize it, this Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is guaranteed to be a sensational, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or your choice of delectable side dishes.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months for a quick and easy meal down the line.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the pork tenderloin in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared and stuffed up to 1 day in advance, then baked off when ready to serve. The herb crust can also be made ahead of time and stored separately until needed.
Nutrition Information
This Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a protein-packed powerhouse that’s sure to satisfy. Each serving is loaded with lean, high-quality pork, as well as a variety of nutrient-dense veggies and herbs. It’s a well-balanced, wholesome dish that will leave you feeling nourished and energized, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Protein: 43 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 483 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to ensure the pork is cooked through?
To make sure your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare and stuff the tenderloin up to 1 day ahead of time, then bake it off when ready to serve. The herb crust can also be made ahead and stored separately until you’re ready to coat the pork.
How do I know when the pork tenderloin is done?
The best way to ensure your pork tenderloin is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly as the pork rests.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! The filling is highly customizable. Feel free to swap out the Parmesan cheese for a creamier option like feta or goat cheese. These alternative cheeses will add a delicious tangy contrast to the savory-sweet flavors.
Any tips for getting the herb crust to stick to the pork?
To help the herb crust adhere perfectly to the pork, make sure to lightly oil the tenderloin before coating it in the herb mixture. This will create a sticky surface for the herbs to cling to. You can also gently press the herb crust onto the pork to ensure full coverage.
Try These Next
- Spicy Herb Cheese Stuffed Peppers
- Crispy Herb Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Herb-Crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Herb-crusted Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a savory dish featuring a tender pork tenderloin stuffed with a flavorful herb mixture, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup spinach, chopped
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and spinach until wilted.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cut a pocket in the pork tenderloin and stuff it with the herb mixture.
5. Sear the tenderloin in the skillet until browned on all sides.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the pork tenderloin in herbs and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pork, Stuffed, Herb, Tenderloin