Description
This Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast combines the savory richness of seasoned pork with the sweetness of cranberries and the smokiness of bacon. The filling—packed with apples, garlic, and spinach—adds a flavorful balance to the dish, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday meal.
A rich, flavorful gravy poured over tender slices of roast pork elevates the dish even further, making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table. Serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a complete festive meal that will leave your guests raving.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 pounds pork loin, center cut
- 5 slices smoked bacon, diced
- 1 large shallot, chopped
- 4 cups young spinach leaves
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac (optional)
- 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 sprigs each of fresh rosemary and thyme
- 10 whole garlic cloves
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup strained drippings broth
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
Instructions
- Preheat a large pan over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Add shallots and cook until softened.
- Add spinach, garlic, and brandy (if using) to the pan. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then add apples, dried cranberries, spices, maple syrup, mustard, and fresh herbs. Stir until well combined.
- Lay the pork loin fat side down and slice through lengthwise. Flatten with a meat mallet and season with salt. Spread the filling over the pork and roll tightly. Tie with kitchen twine.
- In a hot pan, sear the pork loin on all sides until golden. Add garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and chicken stock. Cover and simmer.
- Roast in the oven at 425°F for 75-90 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- While roasting, prepare sweet potatoes by seasoning them and roasting at 425°F for 25-35 minutes until tender.
- After resting, slice the pork and serve with gravy and roasted sweet potatoes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes