This Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin is a show-stopping dish perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners. The pork is stuffed with a savory blend of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, garlic, apples, and cranberries, and then roasted to perfection. It’s served with a flavorful pan gravy made from the delicious drippings. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, making it an elegant and flavorful meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Pork Loin:

  • 4 lb center cut pork loin, boneless

  • 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

  • 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp sea salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

  • 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 Gravy:

  • 1 ½ tbsp butter

  • 1 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup pan drippings broth (strained)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a pan, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add diced shallots and cook until softened. Add spinach, garlic, and brandy (if using), cooking until the spinach wilts. Transfer to a bowl and mix in apples, cranberries, maple syrup, mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Pork Loin: Lay the pork loin fat side down on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully butterfly and flatten the loin into a large sheet. Season the fat side with salt, then spread the filling evenly on top. Roll the pork loin tightly and secure with kitchen twine.

3. Roast the Pork: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pan, heat butter and brown the rolled pork loin on all sides. Add garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and chicken broth. Cover and roast in the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Baste occasionally.

4. Make the Gravy: Strain the pan drippings and set aside. In a separate pan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually add the pan drippings and chicken broth. Cook until thickened, adding mashed garlic for flavor.

5. Serve: Once the pork rests for 15 minutes, slice into ½-inch thick slices. Serve with the gravy and your choice of side dishes.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 498 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 55g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 169mg

• Sodium: 1504mg

• Potassium: 1116mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 10g

This impressive dish combines sweet and savory elements, creating a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion!

A Perfect Fusion of Flavors: Sweet, Savory, and Smoky

The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious combination of flavors. The tender, juicy pork loin serves as the perfect vessel for the flavorful stuffing, which blends the smokiness of crispy bacon with the sweetness of apples and cranberries. The earthy, slightly bitter notes of fresh spinach complement the richness of the bacon and pork, while the addition of maple syrup and Dijon mustard ties everything together with a touch of sweetness and tang. The result is a savory-sweet combination that feels indulgent yet balanced.

The smokiness of the bacon and the herby flavors from fresh thyme and rosemary enhance the depth of the dish, making every bite a rich and satisfying experience. The stuffing itself becomes a harmonious mixture of textures and tastes, with tender bits of apple and cranberry contrasting the crispy bacon and soft spinach. This fusion of flavors ensures that the Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin is not just a meal, but an experience.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

As with any great dish, the quality of the ingredients used in preparing the Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin is crucial to achieving the best flavor. The choice of a boneless center-cut pork loin is essential because it provides a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, ensuring the dish remains juicy and succulent throughout the roasting process.

The bacon adds a delightful crunch and smokiness to the stuffing, infusing the pork with rich, savory flavor as it roasts. Using fresh, quality spinach and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme helps elevate the stuffing, making it not just a filler, but a central component of the dish. The apples and cranberries bring a burst of sweetness, adding contrast to the savory elements and rounding out the flavors. The optional addition of brandy or cognac adds a layer of depth and complexity, further enhancing the overall taste.

The Art of Stuffing the Pork Loin

Stuffing the pork loin is a delicate yet rewarding task. The process begins with butterflying the pork loin, carefully slicing it open to create a large flat sheet. This technique allows the stuffing to be spread evenly across the pork, ensuring that every bite contains the perfect amount of flavor. Once the filling is added, the loin is rolled tightly and secured with kitchen twine, allowing the stuffing to remain intact while roasting.

This method not only enhances the flavor of the pork but also ensures the stuffing is evenly distributed throughout the roast. The tight roll allows the pork to retain its moisture during the roasting process, preventing the stuffing from drying out and ensuring a juicy, tender result.

Roasting the Pork to Perfection

Roasting the stuffed pork loin is where the magic happens. The key to success lies in a well-heated oven and precise cooking. Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) ensures that the pork loin will begin to brown quickly, creating a crispy, caramelized exterior while retaining its juiciness on the inside. As the pork roasts, the flavors from the bacon, herbs, and stuffing meld together, infusing the pork with aromatic goodness.

The addition of whole garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and chicken broth during the roasting process helps keep the pork moist and adds extra flavor to the drippings, which will later be used to make a rich, flavorful gravy. Roasting for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes will ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, resulting in a perfectly cooked pork loin.

Making the Gravy: Elevating the Dish

No roasted meat dish is complete without a decadent gravy, and this Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin is no exception. The pan drippings from the roast, combined with chicken broth, form the base of a luscious gravy that complements the flavors of the pork and stuffing. Straining the pan drippings removes any solid bits, ensuring a smooth, silky texture for the gravy.

To create the gravy, a roux is made by melting butter and whisking in flour. This thickens the sauce, creating a rich, velvety consistency. Gradually adding the pan drippings and chicken broth helps achieve the perfect flavor balance, while mashed garlic enhances the savory profile. The result is a smooth, flavorful gravy that can be drizzled generously over the pork, further enhancing its savory-sweet appeal.

Serving the Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin

Once the pork has rested for a few minutes after roasting, it’s time to slice it. The tender pork, with its savory stuffing and crispy exterior, is cut into thick slices, each one showcasing the colorful and aromatic stuffing. The slices of pork are then served with a generous pour of the flavorful gravy, making for a visually stunning and delicious plate.

This dish pairs beautifully with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, which help balance the richness of the pork and gravy. The mild, earthy flavor of mashed potatoes complements the savory notes of the pork, while roasted sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that mirrors the apple and cranberry in the stuffing. Other side dishes like roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad can also enhance the meal, providing texture and freshness.

The Versatility of Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin

While this dish is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or special celebrations, its versatility extends beyond festive occasions. The Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin can easily be made for a weekend dinner or served at a dinner party, impressing guests with its elegant presentation and exceptional flavor. The stuffing can be adapted to suit different tastes, with variations that include the addition of different fruits, nuts, or even different herbs, depending on personal preference.

The combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors ensures that this dish will always be a hit, regardless of the occasion. Its impressive presentation and depth of flavor make it a standout centerpiece for any meal, while its relatively simple preparation allows for a stress-free cooking experience, even for novice cooks.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal for Any Occasion

The Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the best of both sweet and savory flavors. With its tender, juicy pork, aromatic stuffing, and rich pan gravy, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Whether served during the holidays or as a special weekend meal, this show-stopping dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable addition to any dinner table.