
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin looks amazing and tastes awesome too. Great for any holiday dinner like Christmas Eve or anytime you want to impress. The best part? It's actually pretty easy to pull off, so it's awesome for hanging with your family or when you've got friends over.
Jaw-Dropping Mainstay
I've whipped up this stuffed tenderloin so many times and it always gets rave reviews. My favorite part? The combo of bacon and mushrooms keeps the meat so juicy and loads it with flavor. The moment you slice through and see that swirl inside is priceless. All that effort is totally worth it when I see everyone’s faces light up.
Everything You’ll Gather
- Spinach: Go for fresh baby spinach to get those bright colors and a healthy touch in each bite.
- Pork Tenderloin: Make sure you're grabbing tenderloin, not the larger pork loin—it's more tender and just the right size.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Sprinkle these on before baking to make every bite tasty.
- Garlic and Shallots: These add bold flavors and bring out the best in the filling.
- Bacon: For smoky bite and another layer of yum.
- Mushrooms: Sauté them for that earthy kick that pairs so well with the rest.
Let’s Whip This Up
- Bake It Off
- Drizzle with olive oil, hit it with salt and pepper, and slide it into the oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it cook 25-35 minutes until it hits 145°F inside.
- Fill and Roll
- Spread out your filling all over, roll the pork up, then tie with string or secure with toothpicks.
- Flatten Everything
- Lay out some plastic wrap, cover your pork, and pound with a meat mallet until it's about half an inch thick.
- Butterfly the Pork
- Slice your tenderloin open but don’t slice all the way through—just open it up into a flat piece. Trim off any fat hanging around.
- Cook the Filling
- Start with the bacon in a pan until it's crispy, toss in the garlic and shallots, then cook the mushrooms till they're soft. Last, throw in your spinach until it wilts.
Nailing It Every Time
After a bunch of holiday meals, I can tell you—grab a meat thermometer for this one. Hitting that sweet spot at 145°F keeps the pork crazy juicy. And honestly, making it ahead gives you extra time back when you're throwing a big get-together. Less stress, way more fun.
Bringing It All Together
I like to plate up this tenderloin with sides that feel just as special. Something crisp like a winter salad with apple and toasted pecans is awesome for freshness. Roasted baby potatoes work great because they soak up the flavors. Watching folks see that pretty swirl when I carve it—best moment every time.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the correct way to butterfly tenderloin?
- Cut down the center without going all the way through. Flatten it to about ½ inch thickness after removing thick fat bits.
- → Why should I let it rest before slicing?
- Resting for 10 minutes under foil lets the juices spread evenly, so the meat stays juicy after you cut it.
- → When do I know it’s ready?
- An instant-read thermometer should show 145-150°F after around 25-35 minutes in the oven.
- → What’s the purpose of placing the toothpicks downward?
- It keeps the filling secure by sealing the roll closed during cooking.
- → Can I prep it ahead of time?
- You can butterfly the meat and prep the filling, but leave stuffing and cooking until right before serving for best taste.