SPREAD LOVE

Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast

As the festive season approaches, the kitchen becomes a hub of delightful aromas and warmth, reflecting the joy of the holidays. One dish that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas—with all its indulgence and flavor—is the Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast. Bursting with a rich, flavorful stuffing of cranberries, pecans, and herbs, this pork roast is sure to become a centerpiece at your holiday gathering. Prepare to be the star of your family’s Christmas dinner table!

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Festive: This pork roast features a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
A Visual Feast: The beautiful presentation of sliced pork revealing the colorful stuffing makes it a stunning dish for any holiday celebration.
Family Favorite: With its hearty, comforting taste, this recipe is perfect for sharing and creates lasting memories at family gatherings.

Easy Method for Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast

Creating this mouthwatering pork roast may seem daunting, but with a clear step-by-step approach, you will find that preparing it is not only manageable but enjoyable. Gather your ingredients and let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To create your Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast, gather the following ingredients:

3-5 pounds center-cut boneless pork loin
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for searing
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
Kitchen twine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
2 stalks celery, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups stale bread cubes (from a good quality loaf like sourdough or French bread)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup pecans, roughly chopped (walnuts would also be lovely)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth, plus more if needed
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 large onion, roughly chopped
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup non-alcoholic red wine alternative, cranberry juice, or additional broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening gravy)

Directions

Phase 1: Crafting the Festive Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing

Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by prepping all your stuffing ingredients. Finely dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, chop the pecans, and dice the stale bread. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and celery, sautéing them for about 5-7 minutes until tender and translucent.
Add the Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sage, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the stuffing mixture to a large mixing bowl. Combine the stale bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley, tossing well.
Integrate Wet Ingredients
Pour the sautéed mixture over the bread cubes. Add the beaten egg, chicken broth, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Mix Thoroughly
Stir gently using your hands or a large spoon until the stuffing is well combined. It should be moist but not soggy. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside to cool slightly.

Phase 2: Preparing the Pork Roast for Stuffing

Butterfly the Pork Roast
Place your pork roast on a cutting board. Carefully slice it horizontally about one-third of the way up, leaving half an inch uncut. Continue to butterfly until it opens like a book. This creates a spacious area for stuffing.
Season the Interior
Spread Dijon mustard over the interior surface. Combine the chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the mustard-coated pork.
Spread the Stuffing
Next, evenly spread the stuffing mixture over the seasoned pork, leaving a 1-inch border.
Roll and Tie the Roast
Starting with the long edge opposite the border, roll the pork roast into a tight cylinder. Secure it with kitchen twine, creating loops every 1 to 1.5 inches along the length of the roast.
Season the Exterior
Drizzle the outside of the tied roast with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Rub it in and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.

Phase 3: Roasting Our Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position an oven rack in the middle.
Prepare the Roasting Pan
Scatter the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a large roasting pan, which serves as the base for the roast and contributes flavor when cooking.
Sear the Roast (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, sear the roast in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear for 2-3 minutes on all sides until golden brown. After searing, transfer the roast to the prepared roasting pan.
Add Liquids to the Roasting Pan
Pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and ½ cup of a non-alcoholic red wine alternative, cranberry juice, or additional broth around the roast. This helps keep the meat moist and builds a base for the gravy.
Roast to Perfection
Roast for 1 hour, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness. Total cooking time will vary from 1.5 to 2.5 hours based on the size of your pork roast.
Rest the Roast
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute for tender slices.

Phase 4: Crafting the Rich Gravy (Don’t Skip This!)

Prepare the Pan Drippings
Pour the contents of the roasting pan through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof measuring cup, pressing down on the vegetables to extract flavor.
Make the Roux
Heat the reserved fat (or butter) in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour until a light roux forms.
Whisk in Drippings
Gradually add the strained drippings, whisking constantly until thickened to your desired consistency.
Season and Serve
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, keeping warm until serving.

Phase 5: Slicing and Serving Your Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast

Remove Twine
Using kitchen shears, carefully remove all kitchen twine from the roast after it has rested.
Slice the Roast
With a sharp carving knife, slice the roast into thick, even pieces, revealing the flavorful stuffing within.
Serve with Gravy
Arrange the slices on a serving platter, drizzle with gravy, and serve with extra gravy on the side.
Enjoy Your Masterpiece
Serve alongside holiday favorites like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Each bite captures the essence of the holiday spirit.

Storage Tips for Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast

To ensure your Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast remains fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at 40°F.
If freezing, wrap well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe dish. Enjoy within two months for optimal flavor and texture.

Serving Ideas for Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast

This stuffed pork roast can be served in many delightful ways:

Slice it Thick: Serve slices of the roast on its own, allowing the flavors of the stuffing to shine through.
Pair with Sides: Consider hearty sides like roasted potatoes, green beans, or a festive salad to complement the richness of the pork.
Make a Sandwich: Leftovers can be turned into delicious sandwiches with some mustard or a fruity spread, served on crusty bread.

Tips to Make Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast

Use Quality Meat: Ensuring you have a good quality pork loin will enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.
Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Resting the roast is crucial for a moist and tender outcome.
Taste Your Stuffing: Always taste your stuffing before it goes inside. Adjust seasonings as necessary for your ideal flavor profile.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up:

Go Vegetarian: Replace the pork with a large butternut squash or a portobello mushroom, using the same stuffing for a plant-based meal.
Change the Nuts: Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor profile, or leave out the nuts entirely if needed.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and assemble everything a few hours before cooking.

Q: How do I ensure the pork is tender?
A: Letting the roast rest after cooking is essential, as it allows for juices to redistribute, ensuring tender slices.

Q: What if I don’t have kitchen twine?
A: You can use toothpicks to secure the roast, though they may not hold it as tightly as twine can.

This Delicious Christmas Stuffed Pork Roast is bound to impress at your next holiday event or family gathering. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, following these steps will guide you to create a dish that embodies the flavors and warmth of the festive season. As this dish hits the table, it’s sure to elicit smiles and happy memories for years to come. Enjoy the cooking process, cherish the moments made around the table, and revel in the deliciousness of this holiday feast!