This Cream Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is super tender, aromatic, creamy on the inside, and crunchy maple bacon on the outside.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
We're all about easy, flavorful meals, and this Cream Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin definitely fits the bill. Here's why you'll love this recipe:
- Showstopper: This dish is absolutely stunning. The golden, crispy bacon is a feast for the eyes, and your family and friends will be seriously impressed.
- Incredible Flavors: The combination of the savory pork, creamy cheese, and sweet maple syrup is absolutely incredible. For a different but equally delicious flavor, try our pork tenderloin with peaches recipe.
- Surprisingly Easy: While it looks super fancy, this recipe is actually quite simple, just like our pork with pineapple sauce recipe.
- Perfect Main Course: This is the kind of dish that’s perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner party, really. And this recipe, in particular, is one of our absolute favorites!
Key Ingredients
- Pork Tenderloin – The star of our dish, a butterflied tenderloin, is the perfect canvas for our flavorful stuffing.
- Cream Cheese – We use cream cheese to add a rich and creamy texture to our stuffing. It also acts as a binder, keeping all the other ingredients together.
- Kale – We love the earthy flavor and slight crunch that torn kale adds to our stuffing.
- Dry Cherries – These add a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory pork and creamy cheese.
- Pine Nuts – They add a nice crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to the stuffing.
Substitutions and Variations
This cream cheese stuffed pork tenderloin recipe is already pretty perfect as it is, but here are some fun substitutions and variations to try:
- Herbs: Instead of kale, feel free to use spinach, arugula, or even some fresh basil leaves. If you want to make it more herby, try adding some dried oregano or thyme to the cream cheese filling.
- Sweetener: You can substitute it with honey or agave nectar for a different sweet glaze.
- Spices: For more flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the pork tenderloin before rolling it up.
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Mix cream cheese, kale, garlic, cherries, pine nuts, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Step 3: Season pork with salt and pepper, spread filling over it, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll tightly, tucking in ends.
Step 4: Sear pork in hot oil over medium heat until browned (5-7 minutes).
Step 5: Wrap pork in bacon, seam-side down.
Step 6: Transfer to a baking dish, brush with maple syrup, and bake for 50 minutes, basting every 20 minutes.
Step 7: Let cool slightly, slice, and serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Vegetables
- The pork tenderloin is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Try serving it with roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
- A fresh, crisp salad can also be a great accompaniment to the rich flavors of the stuffed pork tenderloin. Consider a simple green salad or a side of coleslaw.
Potatoes
- Potatoes are a classic side dish for pork, and there are many ways to prepare them. Try serving the cream cheese stuffed pork tenderloin with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even a potato au gratin.
Rice and Grains
- Rice and grains can be a great way to round out your meal. Consider serving the pork tenderloin with a side of wild rice, quinoa, or even a flavorful pilaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
The pork tenderloin needs to be baked for 50 minutes. Remember to baste every 20 minutes with the pan juices.
The pork tenderloin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Cream cheese stuffed pork tenderloin can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Recipe
Cream Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 1 ½ (lb) pork tenderloin butterflied and pounded to ¼ inch thickness
- 5 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 kale leaf torn into small pieces
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried cherries
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- ¾ teaspoon salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 strips bacon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- In a small bowl mix together cream cheese, kale, garlic, dry cherries, pine nuts and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Place pork tenderloin on a flat surface, sprinkle both sides with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over a tenderloin leaving ½-inch border on all sides. Tightly roll tenderloin into a log tucking in ends so that it was the same thickness.
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sear tenderloin from all sides until nice and brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lay the bacon next to each other on a flat working surface. It can slightly overlap. Place stuffed tenderloin on a bacon and roll a pork up. The seam should be facing down.
- Transfer tenderloin on a baking dish. Brush the log with maple syrup and bake for 50 minutes, busting every 20 minutes with the pan juices.
- Let it cool slightly and then cut into thick pieces.
- Serve with mashed potato, pasta or rice!
- Bake for 50 mins.
Notes
Nutrition
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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