Irresistible Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin Recipe

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender pork, bursting with juicy apples and crispy bacon, all mingling together in a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. This dish transforms any ordinary dinner into a celebration, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

As you slice into the golden-brown crust, the sweet scent of caramelized apples hits your nose like a warm hug. I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were utterly speechless, except for the occasional “Wow!” and “Can I have seconds?” It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the table, sharing laughter and stories while savoring every bite. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this one handy for future feasts.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
  • The flavor profile combines sweet and savory elements that are simply irresistible.
  • Visually stunning, this dish will impress guests at any dinner party.
  • It’s versatile enough to serve with various sides or sauces to suit any palate.

I once served this dish at a potluck dinner where it quickly disappeared, leaving people asking for the recipe like it was an ancient family secret.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless Pork Loin: A 2-3 pound pork loin works best; ensure it’s fresh for optimal flavor.

  • Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith for a tart contrast to the rich pork.

  • Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a hearty texture and rich flavor.

  • Onion: Sweet onions add depth; sauté them until they’re translucent and fragrant.

  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic kick to the stuffing mixture.

  • Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy note that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t forget to adjust according to taste preferences.

For the glaze:

  • Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances caramelization on the pork’s surface.

  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy zing that balances out the sweetness from the apples and sugar.

  • Cider Vinegar: Brightens up flavors and adds depth to the glaze.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin

How to Make Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin

Prepare Your Oven and Workspace: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish or roasting pan; we want everything ready for our magnificent creation.

Create Your Stuffing Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in diced apples, onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.

Prepare The Pork Loin For Stuffing: Carefully butterfly your pork loin by slicing it down the center without cutting through; open it like a book. This creates space for our fabulous filling.

Stuff Your Pork Loin Generously: Spoon your apple-bacon mixture onto one side of the pork loin and fold over the other side. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks—this is key to keeping that delicious goodness inside while cooking.

Create The Glaze And Apply It : Mix brown sugar with Dijon mustard and cider vinegar in a small bowl. Spread this glaze generously over the top of your stuffed pork loin; trust me on this one—it’s going to be divine.

Bake To Perfection : Place your stuffed pork loin in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Allow it to rest before slicing—this step keeps all those tasty juices where they belong!

And there you have it! You’ve turned simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’ll have everyone at your table singing your praises (and possibly begging for leftovers).

With each bite of Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin, you’re not just tasting food; you’re savoring memories created around the table—a true culinary masterpiece filled with love!

Content: Here are three key tips to elevate your Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin experience.

Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures you reach the perfect doneness without overcooking. I once thought I could eyeball it—spoiler alert: I was wrong.

Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the pork to rest for 10-15 minutes. This keeps it juicy, unlike my first attempt when I sliced too soon and ended up with a dry disaster.

Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. A well-seasoned pork loin is a happy pork loin, or at least that’s what my grandma always says.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the pork loin on all sides to lock in flavors before stuffing and roasting it slowly. This method provides that golden crust we all love while keeping the inside deliciously tender.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out apples for pears or use different nuts like walnuts instead of pecans. These variations can create exciting new flavors while maintaining that delightful stuffing goodness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For a flavor boost, marinate the pork overnight in apple cider for extra juiciness.
  • Make sure to tie the stuffed loin tightly to prevent leaks during cooking.
  • Slicing against the grain ensures each piece is tender and easy to chew.

I remember one Thanksgiving when I decided to impress my family with this dish. They raved about it, and now it’s become our holiday staple!

FAQ

What side dishes pair well with Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin?

Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully, enhancing its rich flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Stuff and refrigerate the pork loin a day in advance for convenience.

What is the best way to know when it’s cooked?

A meat thermometer should read 145°F for perfectly cooked pork loin that’s safe and delicious.

Print

Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin

Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Loin is a show-stopping dish that combines juicy pork with sweet apples and crispy bacon, creating a delightful blend of flavors. This easy-to-make recipe transforms dinner into an unforgettable experience, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a golden-brown crust and mouthwatering aroma, this stuffed pork loin will impress guests and leave them asking for seconds.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 lbs boneless pork loin
  • 2 firm apples (such as Granny Smith), diced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish or roasting pan.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in diced apples, onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Butterfly the pork loin by slicing it down the center without cutting through; open it like a book.
  4. Spoon the apple-bacon mixture onto one side of the pork loin and fold over the other side. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
  5. Mix brown sugar with Dijon mustard and cider vinegar in a small bowl. Spread generously over the stuffed pork loin.
  6. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Allow resting for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 4 oz (113g)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Letting the pork rest helps retain its juices. Feel free to substitute apples with pears or add walnuts for added texture.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating