Savory Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin with Herb Roasted Potatoes
Indulge in a delightful blend of savory and sweet with this Savory Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin. This dish features a beautifully rolled pork loin, filled with a rich cornbread stuffing adorned with dried cranberries and crisp apples, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The accompanying herb-roasted potatoes add a rustic touch, making this recipe perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. With the option to prepare in advance and refrigerate before baking, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious. Impress your loved ones with this succulent and flavorful roast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Loin
2-3 lbs (Trimmed)
Stovetop Cornbread Stuffing Mix
1 (6 ounce) package (Prepared according to package instructions)
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (None)
Apple
1 (Peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
Bacon
5-6 slices (Optional, for wrapping)
Potatoes
5 (Washed, unpeeled, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
Kosher Salt
1 dash (To taste)
Ground Black Pepper
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Seasoning Salt
1 dash (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the stovetop cornbread stuffing mix according to the package instructions. Once completed, stir in the dried cranberries and diced apples. Set the stuffing aside to cool completely.
2
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
3
For the pork loin, start by trimming any excess fat. Place the pork loin on a clean cutting board with one end facing you. Using a sharp boning knife, carefully roll cut the loin by slicing along the side, approximately 1 inch from the cutting board. As you slice, gently unroll the pork loin to create a flat sheet.
4
Once the pork loin is unrolled, evenly spread the cooled stuffing mixture across the surface.
5
Carefully roll the loin back up, ensuring the stuffing is tucked inside tightly. If desired, wrap the rolled loin in bacon for added flavor and visual appeal.
6
Secure the ends of the loaf with butcher's twine. For added stability, tie 2-3 pieces of twine around the center.
7
Next, spray the inside bottom of a covered roaster with cooking spray. Arrange the washed, unpeeled potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces, evenly across the bottom of the pan. Season the potatoes with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8
Place the stuffed pork loin on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle with additional ground black pepper, seasoned salt, and kosher salt as desired.
9
Transfer the uncovered roaster to the preheated oven and bake at 450°F for 10 minutes to help brown the outside.
10
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
11
Cover the roaster and cook for another 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 170°F (77°C).
12
Once done, allow the pork loin to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. During this time, plate the roasted potatoes.
13
Remove the twine from the pork loin and slice into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick pieces. Serve alongside the roasted potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Savory Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin recipe?
The main protein is a 2-3 lb pork loin that has been trimmed of excess fat.
What type of stuffing is used in this dish?
The recipe uses a 6-ounce package of stovetop cornbread stuffing mix prepared according to package instructions.
What fruits are added to the stuffing mixture?
The stuffing is enhanced with 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and one peeled, cored, and diced apple.
How should the apple be prepared for the stuffing?
The apple should be peeled, cored, and diced into small 1/4-inch pieces.
Is bacon a mandatory ingredient for the pork loin?
No, the 5-6 slices of bacon are optional and used for wrapping the rolled loin to add flavor and visual appeal.
What kind of side dish is prepared alongside the pork?
The recipe includes herb-roasted potatoes made from 5 washed, unpeeled potatoes cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) for the initial browning phase.
How do I prepare the pork loin to be stuffed?
Use a sharp boning knife to roll cut the loin by slicing along the side approximately 1 inch from the cutting board, unrolling it into a flat sheet.
When should the stuffing be added to the pork?
The stuffing should be added once it has cooled completely and is then spread evenly across the surface of the unrolled pork loin.
How do you secure the stuffed pork loin?
Secure the ends of the roll with butcher's twine and tie 2-3 additional pieces of twine around the center for stability.
How should the roasting pan be prepared for the potatoes?
Spray the inside bottom of a covered roaster with cooking spray before arranging the cut potatoes across the bottom.
Where is the pork loin placed during roasting?
The stuffed pork loin is placed directly on top of the seasoned potatoes in the roasting pan.
What are the three different baking stages for this recipe?
First, bake uncovered at 450 degrees for 10 minutes; second, roast uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes; and third, roast covered at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork loin?
The pork loin is cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius).
How long should the pork rest after it is removed from the oven?
The pork loin should rest for at least 10 minutes before you remove the twine and begin slicing.
How thick should the pork loin slices be for serving?
The loin should be sliced into pieces that are 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
What seasonings are used for the potatoes?
The potatoes are seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What seasonings are applied to the pork loin?
The pork is sprinkled with ground black pepper, seasoned salt, and kosher salt as desired.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: pork loin, stuffing mix, cranberries, apple, bacon, potatoes, salt, pepper, and seasoning salt.
What is the benefit of the initial 10-minute bake at 450 degrees?
The high heat helps to brown the outside of the pork loin, creating a better crust and flavor.
Do you peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, the recipe specifies using unpeeled potatoes for a rustic touch.
How should the stuffing mix be prepared initially?
Prepare it according to the instructions on the package before adding the fruit components.
Why is butcher's twine used in this recipe?
It is used to secure the rolled pork loin so that the stuffing stays tucked inside tightly during the roasting process.
What should you do with the potatoes while the pork is resting?
While the pork rests, you should plate the roasted potatoes to prepare for serving.
What flavor balance does this dish achieve?
It creates a balance between savory meat and herbs and the sweetness of the cornbread, apples, and cranberries.
What specific cut of pork is required?
The recipe requires a whole pork loin, specifically between 2 and 3 pounds.
Is a covered or uncovered pan used for roasting?
Both; the roast starts uncovered to brown and is later covered for the final 45-50 minutes of cooking.
What is the recommended size for the potato pieces?
The potatoes should be cut into approximately 3/4-inch pieces for even roasting.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include pork, apple-cranberry, bacon-wrapped, dinner, and comfort food.