Savory Bacon and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Loin
Impress your guests with this mouthwatering Savory Bacon and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Loin. Perfectly seasoned and generously filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, blue cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant green onions, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors. Each slice reveals a succulent pork loin, generously stuffed and roasted to perfection, providing a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for any special occasion. It's an ideal choice for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any gathering where delicious food is paramount. Serve with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
8
Servings
250
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork loin
3-4 lbs (butterflied)
kitchen twine
as needed (for tying the roast)
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawed and drained)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup (for stuffing)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (for flavor)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons (for flavor)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
chopped green onion
1/2 cup (for stuffing)
bacon
2 slices (cooked and crumbled)
walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
To create the filling, combine the thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried basil, chopped green onion, crumbled bacon, and walnuts (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Prepare the pork loin by placing it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly the loin by slicing it lengthwise, almost through, then open it like a book. Repeat the process on the left and right sides to create a uniform thickness.
4
Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the opened pork loin, taking care to cover the entire surface.
5
Gently roll the pork loin up (similar to a jelly roll) starting from one end, ensuring the stuffing remains inside. Securely tie the rolled pork loin at 2-3 inch intervals with kitchen twine to hold its shape.
6
Transfer the rolled pork loin into a shallow roasting pan. Generously sprinkle garlic salt and black pepper over the top and sides of the loin.
7
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the pork loin for approximately 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 150-155°F (65-68°C). For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
8
Once done, remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
9
After resting, carefully slice the pork loin into medallions, removing the twine as you go. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16
Fat
3.5
Carbs
17
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cut of meat used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 3-4 pound boneless pork loin that has been butterflied.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many servings does this stuffed pork loin provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What are the ingredients in the blue cheese stuffing?
The stuffing includes frozen spinach, cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried basil, ground black pepper, chopped green onion, bacon, and optional walnuts.
How do you prepare the pork loin for stuffing?
Using a sharp knife, butterfly the loin by slicing it lengthwise nearly through, opening it like a book, and repeating on the sides for uniform thickness.
What is the recommended roasting time for the pork loin?
The pork loin should roast for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
What internal temperature should the pork reach for safety and flavor?
The internal temperature should reach between 150-155°F (65-68°C) according to a meat thermometer.
How long should the pork loin rest before slicing?
The meat should rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 250 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this dish?
There are 17 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with 3.5 grams per serving.
What amount of fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
How should the spinach be prepared before adding it to the stuffing?
The frozen spinach must be thawed and thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture.
What amount of blue cheese is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
What kind of mustard is used for the flavoring?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Are walnuts required for this recipe?
No, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts is optional for adding texture to the stuffing.
How is the pork loin secured after rolling it up?
The pork is secured with kitchen twine tied at 2-3 inch intervals.
What seasonings are applied to the exterior of the pork?
The exterior is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic salt and fresh ground black pepper.
Which herbs are included in the stuffing mixture?
The stuffing includes 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil.
What is the recommended serving style for the pork?
The pork should be sliced into medallions, removing the twine as you go, and served warm.
Is cream cheese used in this recipe?
Yes, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese is used to help bind the stuffing ingredients.
What amount of green onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped green onion for the stuffing.
Can I use ground pepper in the stuffing as well as on the outside?
Yes, there is 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper in the stuffing and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper used for the exterior seasoning.
What type of roasting pan should be used?
A shallow roasting pan is recommended for cooking the pork loin.
How much garlic salt is used for the crust?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt to season the top and sides.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for family dinners, holiday feasts, or gatherings where a flavorful centerpiece is needed.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber information is not specified for this recipe.
What is the total count of ingredients listed?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this savory pork loin dish.
Should the bacon be raw when added to the stuffing?
No, the bacon should be cooked and crumbled before being mixed into the stuffing.