Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Tenderloins

Name: Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Tenderloins
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 3 stuffed tenderloins (4 servings each).
Ingredients: 3 pork tenderloins (1 pound each); 2 cups crumbled blue cheese; 3/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted; 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 6 bacon strips

I love blue cheese, so I combined it with toasted almonds, red onion, herbs and spices to create a savory filling for pork. If you like, add even more zip with red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

3 pork tenderloins (1 pound each)
2 cups crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 bacon strips

Directions

Make a lengthwise slit through the center of each tenderloin to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Open tenderloin so it lies flat; cover with plastic wrap. Flatten to 1/2-in. thickness. Remove plastic.
In a small bowl, combine the blue cheese, almonds, onion, rosemary, garlic and pepper flakes if desired. Divide among tenderloins. Close tenderloins and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap each with two bacon strips; secure with toothpicks.
In a large skillet, brown pork on all sides in batches until bacon is almost crisp. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 8-12 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 145°.
Let stand for 5 minutes. Discard toothpicks before slicing.

Originally published as Bluecheese, Red Onion and Almond Stuffed Pork Tenderloin in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2013