Hasselback Roasted Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Cranberries: A Festive Holiday Centerpiece

Roasted Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Cranberries is not just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate. This dish offers a sublime blend of tangy, herbaceous, and deeply savory flavors that promise to captivate every palate. The ingenious hasselback preparation of the pork tenderloin allows for an unparalleled infusion of rich flavor, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s truly the quintessential choice for an unforgettable holiday dinner.

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Wüsthof! As always, all opinions expressed here are my own. Your support for the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife is greatly appreciated!

As the year gracefully draws to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. It feels like only yesterday I was reflecting on the previous year, and now here we are, approaching another season of reflection and festive gatherings. This time of year fills me with a particular kind of joy, a desire to savor every moment and celebrate the wonderful experiences that 2018 brought.

For me, there’s no better way to celebrate than by sharing an extraordinary meal with cherished loved ones. You already know my passion for hosting and creating memorable gatherings, and the holiday season provides the perfect excuse to indulge this passion fully. It’s a time when the kitchen truly becomes the heart of the home, brimming with enticing aromas and the promise of delicious moments.

This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, embodying everything I love about holiday cooking. The succulent roasted pork offers a rich, profound flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the bright, tart burst of roasted cranberries. To elevate this exquisite combination even further, we craft a luscious white wine and herb pan sauce using the flavorful drippings, creating a magnificent glaze that ties all the elements together. It’s a dish designed to impress, delight, and bring warmth to any festive table.

The Magic of Hasselback Pork Tenderloin

This isn’t just any roasted garlic pork tenderloin; it’s a dish elevated by the elegant hasselback technique. Instead of simply seasoning the exterior, I carefully make a series of small, even slits across the top of the tenderloin. These slits aren’t just for aesthetics; they are strategic pockets designed to hold incredible flavor. Into each slit, I tuck a delicate slice of garlic, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and a hint of fresh rosemary.

This method ensures that the aromatic garlic and herbaceous goodness permeate the meat from within, creating a profound depth of flavor that a simple rub or marinade can’t quite achieve. As the pork roasts, these ingredients gently release their essences, infusing every fiber of the tenderloin. The result is a wonderfully moist, exquisitely flavored piece of meat that practically melts in your mouth, leaving you with an unforgettable culinary experience.

Elevate Your Cooking with Wüsthof Knives

Beyond the sheer delight of creating something delicious, a significant part of my joy in cooking comes from using the right tools. There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from wielding a perfectly balanced, razor-sharp knife. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of trying to carve a beautifully roasted piece of meat with a dull blade, you know it can quickly turn a triumph into a frustrating disaster. All that meticulous cooking effort can feel wasted when you present mangled slices of meat to eager diners.

That’s why investing in quality knives is non-negotiable for me. I first discovered the incredible Wüsthof 8″ Artisan Butcher Knife at the Denver Food & Wine Festival, and it immediately captivated my attention. The moment I held it, I felt its impeccable balance, a quality that makes it ideal for a multitude of kitchen tasks, from intricate food preparation to effortless carving. I can confidently say it was a dream to use when expertly carving our Thanksgiving turkey, gliding through the meat with astonishing ease and precision.

The Wüsthof Artisan Butcher Knife: A Carver’s Dream

The Wüsthof Artisan Butcher Knife truly carves through meat like butter, transforming what can often be a chore into an enjoyable part of the cooking process. Its sharpness and superior design make butchery and carving not only easier but genuinely pleasurable. This is particularly crucial for a dish like our hasselback pork tenderloin, where clean, precise cuts are essential for both presentation and flavor infusion. A knife of this caliber ensures that every slice is perfect, showcasing the beautiful interior and preventing any tearing or damage to the delicate meat fibers.

The Wüsthof 4″ Extra Wide Paring Knife: Precision in Your Palm

For more delicate tasks, like thinly slicing those tiny cloves of garlic for the hasselback slits or finely chopping fresh herbs, the Wüsthof 4″ Extra Wide Paring Knife is an indispensable tool. Its compact size and razor-sharp edge make precision work incredibly simple. It’s one of my go-to knives for any small food preparation, allowing for effortless control and accuracy. This paring knife makes tasks that could otherwise be fiddly, like stuffing the tenderloin, an absolute breeze.

Suffice it to say, the Wüsthof collection of knives is an essential fixture in my kitchen. Having the right, high-quality tools makes an immense difference not only in the efficiency and ease of cooking but also in the overall enjoyment of the culinary process. They transform cooking from a task into a true passion.

A Feast for the Senses and the Soul

This roasted garlic pork tenderloin with cranberries is more than just a main course; it’s a complete sensory experience. The aroma filling your kitchen as it roasts is simply divine, promising the feast to come. The vibrant colors of the golden-brown pork, the ruby-red cranberries, and the fresh green herbs create a visually stunning presentation that’s perfect for any holiday table. When paired with complementary side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans almondine, or a wild rice pilaf, this dish forms the heart of a truly magnificent holiday spread.

And for dessert? Consider following this savory masterpiece with an elegant vanilla bean San Sebastian Cheesecake. It’s surprisingly easy to make and provides a light, sweet finish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the main course. It’s about creating a cohesive dining experience that delights from start to finish.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Cook in Your Life

Are you searching for the perfect gift for the culinary enthusiast in your life? Look no further! My curated list of kitchen favorites gift guide features essential tools and gadgets that any cook, from novice to expert, would adore. Quality tools like those from Wüsthof are investments that truly elevate the cooking experience.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

As I highlighted, the Wüsthof 8” Artisan Butcher Knife is an absolute game-changer for carving and preparing larger cuts of meat. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen and will serve you well for years to come.

For those starting their culinary journey or looking to upgrade their basic collection, I highly recommend the simple yet effective Wüsthof Classic Chef’s 2 Piece Starter Knife Set. It provides two exceptional knives that are well worth the investment for their durability and performance.

This entire meal was beautifully cooked in my trusty Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet. Its versatility, moving seamlessly from stovetop to oven and back again, makes it perfect for dishes like this where searing and roasting are both required.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Roasted Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Cranberries Recipe

This impressive pork tenderloin receives the Hasselback treatment, generously stuffed with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Roasted to perfection alongside tart cranberries and finished with a rich, tangy pan sauce, this dish promises a truly unforgettable dinner experience.

Prep Time:

15 minutes
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Cook Time:

30 minutes
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Total Time:

45 minutes
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Equipment

• Wüsthof 8″ Artisan Butcher Knife, Hollow Edge
• Wüsthof Knife Set (for paring knife and general utility)
• Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet (or other oven-safe skillet)

Ingredients

PORK

• 2 lbs pork tenderloin
  trimmed of silverskin and excess fat
• 2 cloves garlic
  thinly sliced for hasselback stuffing
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

HERB PAN SAUCE

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp cold water
• 2/3 cup chicken stock (low sodium preferred)
• 1/8 tsp brown sugar (or to taste, for balance)

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pork. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). On a clean cutting board, take your trimmed pork tenderloin. Using a sharp knife (like a Wüsthof paring knife!), make about 20 horizontal slits across the top of the tenderloin, spacing them evenly apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
• Step 2: Stuff the Tenderloin. Carefully insert a thin slice of garlic into each slit. Follow with a small pinch of fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of chopped fresh rosemary. This hasselback technique ensures maximum flavor infusion. Season the entire tenderloin generously and evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Step 3: Sear the Pork. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet (a Le Creuset cast iron skillet works perfectly) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Once hot, carefully add the prepared pork tenderloin to the skillet. Sear on all sides, rotating as needed, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step builds incredible flavor.
• Step 4: Roast with Cranberries. Once seared, scatter the fresh cranberries around the pork tenderloin in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) with a meat thermometer. The cranberries will soften and release their tangy juices.
• Step 5: Rest the Pork. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the pork tenderloin and roasted cranberries to a serving platter. Tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm and allow the meat to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
• Step 6: Prepare the Pan Sauce. While the pork is resting, place the skillet (with all its flavorful drippings) back over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the white wine, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs to the pan. Bring to a vigorous simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. These bits are key to a flavorful sauce.
• Step 7: Thicken the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the cold water until you have a smooth slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering skillet, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer until the mixture visibly thickens to your desired consistency.
• Step 8: Finish the Sauce. Add the chicken stock and brown sugar to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer and cook for another few minutes until it thickens slightly more. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor. Remove the herb sprigs before serving.
• Step 9: Serve. Slice the rested pork tenderloin into thick, individual portions, showcasing the beautifully stuffed hasselback cuts. Arrange on the serving platter alongside the roasted cranberries. Drizzle generously with the warm, herbaceous pan sauce. Serve immediately and watch your guests marvel at this stunning and delicious holiday creation!

Cuisine:
Holiday, American

Category:
Pork, Main Course, Dinner

Conclusion: A Celebration of Flavor

This Roasted Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Cranberries is truly a dish that embodies the spirit of the holidays. It’s an elegant yet approachable recipe that guarantees a sensational dining experience. The thoughtful hasselback preparation ensures every bite is infused with robust garlic and herb flavors, beautifully complemented by the tartness of cranberries and the savory depth of the pan sauce. With the right tools, like our trusted Wüsthof knives, the preparation becomes as enjoyable as the meal itself.

I encourage you to try this recipe for your next holiday gathering or simply to bring a touch of festive elegance to a weeknight meal. It’s a testament to how simple techniques and quality ingredients, combined with the right tools, can create truly extraordinary food. May your kitchen be filled with warmth, delicious aromas, and the joyous company of those you love!