This Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin Roll is a stunning and delicious dinner perfect for special occasions and holiday meals. The pork loin is flattened and filled with a flavorful mixture of smoked bacon, apples, cranberries, garlic, and fresh herbs. It is then rolled, tied, and roasted to perfection with a pan-drippings gravy. Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Loin:

• 4-pound center cut pork loin
• Kitchen twine (for tying)

For the Filling:

• 5 slices smoked bacon, diced
• 1 large shallot, diced
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp brandy or cognac (optional)
• 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

For Roasting:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 10 whole garlic cloves
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Gravy:

• 1½ tbsp butter
• 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup pan drippings broth, strained

Directions

Preparing the Filling:

1. Preheat a large pan over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy.
2. Add shallots and cook until softened.
3. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Add garlic and brandy (if using), then cook for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces.
5. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in apples, cranberries, maple syrup, mustard, and spices. Mix well and set aside.

Preparing the Pork Loin:

1. Place the pork loin fat-side down on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice through the pork lengthwise, keeping a ¼-inch thickness. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Flatten the pork using a meat mallet for an even thickness.

Stuffing, Rolling & Tying the Pork:

1. Turn the pork loin fat-side up and season with salt. Flip it back over.
2. Spread the filling evenly over the pork, leaving a 1½-inch border along the edge.
3. Roll the pork tightly from one short end to the other, ensuring the fat-side remains on the outside.
4. Use kitchen twine to tie loops around the pork to keep it secure.

Roasting the Pork:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Heat a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
3. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown.
4. Add whole garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and 1 cup of chicken broth to the pan.
5. Cover with a lid or foil and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Remove from the oven and baste with pan drippings. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Making the Gravy:

1. Strain the pan drippings into a measuring cup and let sit for 10 minutes to separate fat.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in the pan drippings and additional chicken broth.
4. Mash roasted garlic and stir into the gravy. Cook until thickened.

Serving:

• Slice the rested pork loin into ½-inch thick slices.
• Drizzle with the pan-drippings gravy.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 498 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 55g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 169mg
• Sodium: 1504mg
• Potassium: 1116mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 1808 IU
• Vitamin C: 13mg
• Calcium: 63mg
• Iron: 2mg

This Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin Roll is sure to be a hit at your next gathering! 🍽️

The Unique Flavor Profile of This Dish

One of the standout features of this recipe is its incredible blend of flavors. The smoky and salty bacon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and dried cranberries, creating a filling that is both hearty and slightly tangy. Fresh rosemary and thyme add an aromatic depth, while garlic and Dijon mustard introduce an extra punch of savory goodness. This combination ensures that every bite is bursting with complementary tastes and textures.

Additionally, the use of maple syrup enhances the caramelized notes in the filling, giving the dish a subtle touch of sweetness without overpowering the savory elements. The smoked paprika lends a warm, slightly spicy undertone that elevates the overall complexity of the dish.

Perfectly Cooked Pork: The Secret to Juiciness

Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, which means that proper cooking techniques are essential to ensure it remains juicy and tender. The key to achieving this is the roasting process. Searing the rolled pork loin before roasting not only locks in the juices but also creates a deliciously golden-brown crust that enhances its overall texture and flavor.

Roasting the pork with whole garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and a bit of chicken broth further infuses it with moisture and enhances the depth of the flavors. Covering the roast while cooking helps retain its juiciness, and allowing it to rest after roasting ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, preventing it from drying out when sliced.

The Importance of a Well-Balanced Filling

A great stuffed pork loin roll relies on a well-balanced filling that complements the pork without overpowering it. The inclusion of baby spinach in the filling introduces a mild earthiness and enhances the dish’s nutritional profile. Shallots bring a subtle sweetness, while the brandy (if used) adds a rich and slightly fruity depth to the flavor profile.

The key to achieving a perfect filling is ensuring that all ingredients are finely chopped and well incorporated. This prevents large chunks from making the rolling process difficult and ensures that every slice has an even distribution of flavors.

Achieving the Perfect Roll

One of the most visually stunning aspects of this dish is the beautifully rolled pork loin. Achieving a tight, even roll requires a few essential steps:

• Even Thickness: Butterflying and flattening the pork ensures an even thickness, making it easier to roll and cook uniformly.
• Proper Filling Distribution: Spreading the filling in an even layer while leaving a small border around the edges prevents it from spilling out during rolling.
• Secure Tying: Using kitchen twine to tie the rolled pork at regular intervals ensures that it maintains its shape throughout the cooking process, resulting in a more professional presentation.

The Perfect Pan-Drippings Gravy

No roast pork dish is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy. The pan drippings from roasting the pork are packed with concentrated flavors, making them the ideal base for a luxurious sauce. Creating a simple roux with butter and flour provides the perfect thickening agent, while the combination of chicken broth and pan drippings adds deep umami richness.

For an extra layer of flavor, the roasted garlic cloves from the roasting pan can be mashed and stirred into the gravy, adding a creamy and aromatic element. This gravy complements the pork beautifully and can also be drizzled over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an extra indulgent touch.

Ideal Side Dishes to Complement This Dish

The Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin Roll pairs well with a variety of side dishes that enhance its flavors while adding texture and balance to the meal. Some excellent pairing options include:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice that soaks up the delicious gravy and provides a creamy contrast to the tender pork.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes harmonizes perfectly with the apples and cranberries in the filling.
• Sautéed Green Beans: A fresh and crunchy side that adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pork.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy and sweet cranberry sauce can further enhance the fruity elements of the dish while adding a festive touch.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the meal and adds a crisp texture.

Special Occasions and Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions, from intimate family dinners to festive holiday celebrations. It makes a stunning centerpiece on any dining table, and its impressive presentation is sure to wow guests.

For a more elegant touch, consider serving this dish on a large platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and slices of roasted apples. Pairing it with a full-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay, or a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, enhances its flavors and makes for a complete dining experience.

Conclusion

The Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin Roll is a true showstopper that brings together a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas. The juicy and tender pork, filled with a delicious mixture of smoky bacon, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and fragrant herbs, creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and elegant. The accompanying pan-drippings gravy adds an extra layer of richness, making this dish a must-try for any special occasion.

Whether you’re preparing it for a festive gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress. With its stunning presentation, delicious flavors, and well-balanced components, it’s a meal that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Enjoy this exquisite stuffed pork loin roll with your favorite sides and savor every bite of this comforting yet sophisticated dish!