If you’re searching for a dish that combines elegance with incredible flavor, this Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy pork wrapped around a creamy, tangy goat cheese filling mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil—each bite bursting with a perfect harmony of savory and fresh. This recipe isn’t just about ingredients; it’s a celebration of texture and taste that will wow your family or guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and color of the Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe. They come together effortlessly to create a dish that looks impressive but is easy to execute.
- Pork tenderloin (approximately 1.5 pounds): The lean, tender centerpiece that soaks up flavors beautifully and cooks quickly.
- Goat cheese, 4 ounces, softened: Adds creamy tanginess and richness to the filling.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup, chopped: Provides concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.
- Fresh basil, 2 tablespoons, chopped: Infuses a bright, herbaceous note that lightens the richness.
- Garlic, 2 cloves, minced: Brings savory depth that enhances the overall taste experience.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle, warm spice balance.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Used for searing and keeps the pork moist.
- Balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Gives a tangy glaze that complements the pork and cheese perfectly.
- Kitchen twine: Keeps your perfectly stuffed pork tenderloin intact during cooking.
How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to roast your tenderloin perfectly, creating a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Butterfly the Pork Tenderloin
Carefully slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise down the middle, making sure not to cut all the way through. Then open it like a book. This technique gives you a flat surface to spread the filling and creates an impressive presentation once rolled.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic. This mixture is where all the magic starts—creamy, tangy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Step 4: Spread and Roll
Evenly spread your goat cheese mixture across one side of the opened tenderloin. Then fold the other half over to encase the filling, creating a neat roll. Use kitchen twine, tying at 2-inch intervals, to hold everything securely while cooking.
Step 5: Season and Sear
Rub the outside of the pork with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side—this locks in juices and adds flavor depth.
Step 6: Add Balsamic and Roast
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the seared pork for a touch of sweet acidity. Then transfer the skillet to the oven to roast for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, tender pork.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let your pork rest in the skillet or on a plate for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Slice into medallions and prepare to impress your guests!
How to Serve Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or additional sprigs of herbs like thyme or rosemary make beautiful and fragrant garnishes. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the sliced tenderloin adds shine and a sweet finish that complements the savory stuffing perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, like asparagus or brussels sprouts, for a seasonal touch that adds crunch and color. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple garlic herb quinoa also match well, balancing the rich pork and tangy goat cheese filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sliced medallions fanned out on a large platter with the garnishes artfully arranged around. For an elegant touch, serve each portion on warm plates with a spoonful of pan juices drizzled on top. For casual gatherings, sliced pork tenderloin stacked on rustic wooden boards looks inviting and shareable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the slices covered helps maintain moisture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooked and cooled pork tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pork gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 10-15 minutes. You can also slice and warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a unique tang and creaminess, cream cheese or feta can be good alternatives, offering a slightly different flavor profile but similar texture.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). At this point, it will be juicy but fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed tenderloin a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to cook to save time on the day of serving.
What if I don’t have kitchen twine?
Kitchen twine helps keep the filling secure, but if you don’t have it, toothpicks can be used to hold the roll together. Just be sure to remove them before serving!
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple. This Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe is an approachable dish that yields impressive results, perfect for cooks of all levels.
Final Thoughts
This Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe has everything you could want in a meal—rich flavors, elegant presentation, and a satisfying balance of textures. It’s a dish that turns a routine dinner into a special occasion, impressing even the pickiest eaters. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe features a tender pork loin stuffed with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. The pork is butterflied, filled, seared to a golden brown in a skillet, then roasted to perfection in the oven for a juicy and flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 pork tenderloin (approximately 1.5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Kitchen twine
Filling
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the pork tenderloin.
- Butterfly Pork Tenderloin: Carefully slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise down the middle without cutting all the way through; then open it like a book to create a flat surface for stuffing.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened goat cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic to create the stuffing mixture.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the goat cheese mixture over one side of the opened pork tenderloin.
- Roll and Tie: Fold the other side of the tenderloin over the filling and secure it by tying kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals to keep the roll intact during cooking.
- Season Pork: Rub the outside of the tied pork tenderloin with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor and browning.
- Sear Pork: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, to develop flavor and texture.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the seared pork in the skillet to add a subtle tangy glaze during roasting.
- Roast Pork: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork tenderloin for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe and juicy doneness.
- Rest Pork: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tenderness.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the kitchen twine, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions, and serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Letting the meat rest after roasting helps retain its juices and improves texture.
- You can substitute fresh basil with other herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Tie the pork firmly but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the meat to another dish before roasting.
