Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin – A Juicy & Elegant Dinner Made Easy

There are certain dishes that just feel like a celebration the moment they hit the table. This Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is one of those recipes—it looks fancy, tastes amazing, yet comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Tender pork wrapped around a savory-sweet filling of apples, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and thyme. It’s seared until golden, then roasted to juicy perfection. The result? A centerpiece-worthy dish that’s just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for entertaining guests.

If you’ve been intimidated by the idea of stuffing and rolling meat, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step. You’ll see how easy (and impressive!) it really is.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Impressively Simple – Looks like a gourmet dish, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Sweet & Savory Balance – Apples bring sweetness, walnuts add crunch, and thyme ties it all together with a herby aroma.

Juicy & Tender – Searing locks in the juices, while roasting keeps the pork perfectly moist.

Versatile – Works for weeknights, holidays, or dinner parties—dress it up or keep it simple.

Customizable Filling – Swap nuts, add dried fruit, or experiment with fresh herbs for endless variations.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin to life:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Keeps everything moist and adds richness.
• 1 small red onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced – The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and juiciness.
• ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped – Adds crunch and nuttiness to balance the soft filling.
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs – Helps bind the filling together.
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme – Earthy and fragrant, thyme pairs beautifully with pork.
• 2 pounds pork tenderloin, butterflied – Lean, tender, and perfect for rolling around the stuffing.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning at every step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Tools

Set oven to 350°F. Soak 6–8 toothpicks in water to prevent burning during roasting.

2. Prepare the Filling

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and apples, cooking until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in walnuts, breadcrumbs, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Butterfly the Pork

Place tenderloin on a cutting board. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to about ½-inch thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and plenty of space for the filling.

4. Stuff & Roll

Spread the apple-walnut filling evenly over the pork. Roll tightly like a jelly roll and secure with the soaked toothpicks. Brush with the remaining olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

5. Sear the Pork

Heat the same skillet over high heat. Add the rolled tenderloin and sear for 5–6 minutes, turning to brown all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the roast a golden crust.

6. Roast to Perfection

Transfer skillet to oven and roast 20–30 minutes, or until pork reaches 155°F in the thickest part (an instant-read thermometer is your best friend here).

7. Rest & Serve

Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Discard toothpicks, slice into rounds, and serve hot.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Even Thickness is Key – Pound the pork to a uniform thickness for even cooking.

Don’t Overstuff – Use just enough filling so the roll closes easily and holds together.

Pan Sauce Bonus – After searing, deglaze the skillet with white wine or chicken broth for a quick sauce to drizzle over the finished dish.

Check Temperature – Pork is best when juicy—don’t overcook past 155°F before resting.

Recommended Equipment

Large Skillet (ovenproof if possible) – Makes it easy to go from stovetop to oven.

Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin – For pounding the tenderloin evenly.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Essential for prepping and butterflying.

Toothpicks – Keep the rolled tenderloin secure while roasting.

Instant-Read Thermometer – Guarantees perfectly cooked pork every time.

How to Serve Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a true centerpiece dish. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• With Mashed Potatoes – Classic and comforting.
• Over Wild Rice Pilaf – Adds nutty, earthy depth that complements the filling.
• With Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts make a perfect seasonal pairing.
• As Elegant Slices – Slice into rounds and fan them out on a platter for a stunning presentation.

What To Pair With Your Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Apple Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a wonderful dish because it blends savory, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors in a way that feels cozy yet elegant. The apples bring brightness, while the walnuts add earthy crunch, making the pork tenderloin hearty but not heavy.

To create a well-rounded menu around it, here’s a pairing suggestion from your recipe list:

Starter: Potato Cauliflower Soup – Creamy, Cozy & Comfort in a Bowl
→ A warm, creamy start that complements the tenderloin without overpowering it.

Side: Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
→ Fresh crunch and tangy-sweet flavors brighten up the richness of the pork.

Dessert: This Caramel Ice Cream Is So Creamy, You’d Never Guess It’s Homemade (No Churn!)
→ A smooth, indulgent finish that ties in with the caramelized notes of apple and walnut in the pork.

Diet-Friendly Options

Gluten-Free – Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds.

Dairy-Free – Naturally dairy-free as written.

Low-Carb/Keto – Skip breadcrumbs and use ground flaxseed or crushed pork rinds instead.

Paleo-Friendly – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and avocado oil instead of olive oil.

Best Ways to Store

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer – Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat – Warm gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until heated through.

Recipe Variations

• Festive Twist – Add dried cranberries to the filling for holiday flair.
• Nut Swap – Try pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts.
• Herb Swap – Replace thyme with sage or rosemary for a different aromatic touch.
• Grilled Version – Sear over direct heat, then finish with indirect heat until cooked through.

This Apple Walnut Pork Tenderloin is proof that elegant dinners don’t have to be complicated. With its juicy pork, sweet apple filling, and nutty crunch, it’s a dish that feels special yet comes together with simple steps.

Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or for a holiday meal, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests—and your taste buds.

So grab some apples, toast those walnuts, and get rolling—you’re about to make one unforgettable dinner.

Common Questions Answered