Ingredients
For the Pork
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1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
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1 Tbsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
For the Cranberry Stuffing
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1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or 1/2 cup dried cranberries)
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1 small apple, peeled & diced
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1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallot
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1 Tbsp butter
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1 tsp minced garlic
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2 Tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
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1/4 cup orange juice (or apple juice)
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1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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1 tsp chopped rosemary or thyme
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Pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
Make the Cranberry Stuffing
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
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Add onion and apple; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Add cranberries, brown sugar, and orange juice.
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Cook 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
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Stir in herbs and nuts if using. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Pork
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Slice tenderloin lengthwise, stopping ½ inch before cutting through.
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Open it like a book and flatten gently with a mallet.
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Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
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Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the surface (optional).
3. Fill, Roll & Sear
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Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the pork.
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Roll up tightly from the long side and secure with kitchen twine.
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Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet.
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Sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
4. Roast
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Transfer skillet to the oven.
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Bake 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use dried cranberries if you prefer a sweeter, less tart filling.
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Don’t skip the sear—it locks in juices and gives great color.
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Let it rest before slicing to prevent juices from running out.
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Add a glaze: Brush pork with a mix of maple syrup + Dijon + rosemary in the last 10 minutes of roasting.
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Use an oven thermometer: Pork is best at 145°F for juicy, tender slices.
🌟 Variations
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Apple-Walnut Stuffed: Replace cranberries with sautéed apples and add extra cinnamon.
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Savory Herb Stuffed: Use spinach, garlic, and cream cheese for a richer filling.
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Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap the entire tenderloin in bacon before roasting for extra flavor.
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Fig & Goat Cheese: Swap cranberries for chopped dried figs mixed with goat cheese.
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Spicy Version: Add ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g