This Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast is a flavorful and festive centerpiece perfect for holiday dinners. Juicy pork loin is stuffed with a savory-sweet mixture of bacon, spinach, cranberries, and herbs, then roasted to perfection. Paired with maple-glazed sweet potatoes and a rich homemade gravy, this dish is a complete meal that will delight your guests with its taste and presentation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Pork Roast

4 pounds center-cut pork loin
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
½ cup chopped dried cranberries
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
10 whole garlic cloves
2 sprigs each of fresh rosemary and thyme
1 cup chicken stock

Sweet Potatoes

4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence

Gravy

1½ tablespoons butter
1½ tablespoons plain flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup strained pan drippings

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Cook diced bacon in a hot pan until crispy. Add shallots and cook until soft.
Stir in spinach until wilted, then add garlic and brandy (if using). Cook for 2 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and combine with apple, cranberries, maple syrup, mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Prepare and Roll the Pork

Butterfly the pork loin to create an even, flat surface. Flatten with a meat mallet if needed.
Spread the filling evenly over the pork, leaving a border for rolling.
Roll the pork tightly, with the fat side facing up, and secure with kitchen twine.

Step 3: Brown and Roast the Pork

Sear the rolled pork in a pan with oil until golden on all sides. Add garlic cloves, rosemary, thyme, and chicken stock to the pan.
Transfer to a 425°F oven and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Baste occasionally with pan juices and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Strain pan drippings and separate the fat. Use 1 cup of drippings.
Make a roux with butter and flour, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the drippings and chicken stock. Mash and add roasted garlic for flavor.

Step 5: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube sweet potatoes, then toss with oil, maple syrup, and seasonings.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 25 minutes, covered. Uncover and roast for 15–20 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the pork roast into ½-inch slices and serve with sweet potatoes and gravy.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 320-360 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 650 mg

This dish is sure to be a hit with its combination of tender meat, vibrant filling, and comforting sides. Perfect for creating memorable holiday meals!

The Elegance of a Stuffed Pork Roast

A stuffed pork roast is a classic dish that embodies the spirit of holiday dining. The pork loin, with its mild yet juicy flavor, serves as the ideal canvas for a flavorful stuffing. Butterfly and roll it tightly, and you have a dish that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.

This Christmas rendition elevates the traditional stuffed roast by incorporating festive ingredients like dried cranberries and fresh herbs. The stuffing creates a burst of flavor in every slice, while the natural juices from the roast enhance the filling’s savory-sweet profile.

The Star of the Dish: The Stuffing

The stuffing is the heart of this recipe, combining a medley of flavors and textures that complement the pork perfectly:

Bacon: Adds smoky, savory richness and a satisfying crunch.
Spinach: Balances the richness of the bacon with its fresh, earthy flavor.
Dried Cranberries: Introduce a pop of sweetness and a chewy texture, tying the dish to the festive season.
Apple: Adds a subtle tartness that brightens the flavors of the stuffing.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with aromatic depth, enhancing the holiday essence.
Maple Syrup and Dijon Mustard: These ingredients add complexity, with the syrup providing a hint of caramelized sweetness and the mustard lending a slight tanginess.

This combination ensures the stuffing is not only delicious but also visually striking, with its vibrant colors and varied textures.

Perfectly Roasting the Pork

Achieving the ideal roast requires attention to detail. The key is to cook the pork to just the right internal temperature (145°F), ensuring it remains tender and juicy. Here are a few tips for perfection:

Butterflying and Rolling: Butterflying the pork loin ensures an even surface for the stuffing. Rolling it tightly and securing it with kitchen twine prevents the filling from escaping during cooking.
Searing Before Roasting: Searing the pork in a hot pan before roasting locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
Basting with Pan Juices: Basting the roast with its own juices as it cooks keeps it moist and enhances the overall flavor.
Resting the Roast: Allowing the roast to rest for 15 minutes before slicing ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in tender slices.

The Role of the Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

The maple-glazed sweet potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to the pork roast. Their natural sweetness, enhanced by the caramelized maple syrup and warm spices, complements the savory flavors of the roast. The addition of herbes de Provence and smoked paprika adds a subtle depth, making the sweet potatoes both comforting and flavorful.

The contrasting textures of the crispy edges and soft centers of the roasted sweet potatoes provide a delightful balance to the tender pork and stuffing. Their vibrant orange color also adds a festive touch to the plate.

Homemade Gravy: The Perfect Finish

No holiday roast is complete without a rich, velvety gravy. In this recipe, the gravy is made from the pan drippings, ensuring it captures all the flavors of the pork and its seasonings. A roux made with butter and flour serves as the base, while chicken stock and mashed roasted garlic cloves add depth and creaminess.

The gravy ties all the components of the meal together, enhancing the flavors of the pork and sweet potatoes while adding a luxurious touch to every bite.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Holiday Feast

This Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides to create a complete festive meal. Here are some pairing ideas:

Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or sautéed green beans with almonds.
Salads: A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a hearty winter salad with kale, pomegranate seeds, and goat cheese.
Grains: Wild rice pilaf or a creamy polenta.
Bread: Rustic dinner rolls or a warm baguette to soak up the gravy.

For beverages, consider a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a festive cocktail featuring cranberry or apple flavors.

Why It’s Perfect for the Holidays

This Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast embodies everything a holiday main course should be: flavorful, elegant, and satisfying. Its festive stuffing, vibrant sides, and luxurious gravy come together to create a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.

The combination of seasonal ingredients like cranberries, apples, and maple syrup ties the dish to the holiday season, while its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper on any table. Additionally, the ease of preparation allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your preferences:

Alternative Stuffings: Swap the cranberries and apple for figs and walnuts, or use a mixture of mushrooms and chestnuts for a more savory profile.
Different Proteins: Replace pork with a boneless turkey breast or a beef tenderloin, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetarian Version: Create a stuffed butternut squash or acorn squash using the same stuffing ingredients.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the stuffing for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast is the ultimate holiday main course, combining the bold flavors of a savory-sweet stuffing, tender pork, and festive accompaniments like maple-glazed sweet potatoes and homemade gravy. Its stunning presentation and rich, comforting taste make it a memorable centerpiece for any Christmas celebration.

This dish not only impresses with its flavor but also embodies the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Whether you’re serving it to a small family gathering or a large dinner party, this roast is sure to delight everyone at the table and create lasting memories.

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Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast