Best Cheeses To Compliment Roast Pork Tenderloin

When it comes to roast pork tenderloin, there are several types of cheese that can be used to elevate the dish. One option is to stuff the tenderloin with cheese, such as cheddar, cream cheese, or blue cheese. Alternatively, you can serve the tenderloin with a cheese side dish, like mashed potatoes with parmesan or a potato gratin with cheddar. If you're looking for a more low-maintenance option, simply slice the tenderloin and place it on a sandwich with Swiss cheese.

Blue cheese, gorgonzola, and sundried tomato

Gorgonzola, a variety of blue cheese, is known for its creamy texture and nutty aroma. When paired with the sweetness of sundried tomatoes, the result is a flavourful duo that complements the pork tenderloin beautifully. The saltiness of the cheese balances the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the creaminess softens the grit of the tomato seeds.

Preparing a roast pork tenderloin with blue cheese and gorgonzola involves creating a delicious sauce that enhances the overall taste experience. The sauce is typically made by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk to achieve the desired consistency. The key step is to then incorporate crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese into the sauce, whisking until the cheese melts smoothly. This sauce can be served over the tenderloin or used as a filling.

When stuffing a pork tenderloin, a mouthwatering combination is created by spreading the blue cheese and gorgonzola mixture over the flattened meat, along with other ingredients such as dried cranberries or figs, before rolling it up and securing it with twine or toothpicks. The pork is then baked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.

Whether served as a sauce or a stuffing, the combination of blue cheese, gorgonzola, and sundried tomatoes adds a unique twist to the classic roast pork tenderloin, making it a memorable and impressive dish for any occasion.

Spinach, pistachio, and parmesan

Combining spinach, pistachio, and Parmesan with pork tenderloin creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing and nutritious. Here's a suggested recipe and some tips to make the most of these ingredients.

Ingredients

• Pork tenderloin (1 lb.)
• Cooking spray
• Italian salad dressing (1/4 cup)
• Italian seasoning (2 tsp.)
• Frozen chopped spinach (10 oz.)
• Onion (1/2 medium, chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp., grated, fat-free)
• Pine nuts (2 tbsp., unsalted, unoiled, optional)
• Pistachio (ground)

Instructions

• Prepare the pork tenderloin by trimming any visible fat.
• In a bowl, mix together the Italian salad dressing, Italian seasoning, pepper, and lemon juice. Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat evenly. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for more intense flavours.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Place the marinated pork tenderloin on a greased baking sheet and pour any remaining marinade on top.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until it reaches the desired doneness. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Meanwhile, prepare the spinach by sautéing the onions in a greased saucepan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes.
• Add the frozen spinach to the onions and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the excess liquid and wring off as much water as possible.
• Add lemon juice and garlic to the spinach mixture and stir to combine.
• Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and pine nuts (if using) over the spinach and lightly toss.
• To incorporate the pistachio, consider creating a pistachio crust for the pork tenderloin or simply sprinkling ground pistachio over the dish as a garnish.

Tips and Variations

• When cooking pork tenderloin, it's common for one end to be smaller than the other. For even cooking, tuck the smaller end under so that both ends have a similar thickness.
• For a well-balanced meal, serve the pork tenderloin with spinach and Parmesan alongside roasted vegetables or a leafy green salad.
• If you're looking for a stuffed pork tenderloin, try this: Flatten the tenderloin, spread the spinach, Parmesan, and pistachio mixture over it, roll it up, and secure it with kitchen string before baking.
• Get creative with your ingredients! You can substitute feta cheese for Parmesan and add some dried dill weed and lemon juice for a Greek twist. Or, for a Mexican-inspired dish, include roasted chilies in the spinach filling and drizzle a homemade mole poblano sauce over the stuffed tenderloin.

Swiss cheese and asparagus

• Cheesy Baked Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is baked under a blanket of creamy Alfredo sauce until bubbling and browned, creating a decadent side dish.
• Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan: Roasting asparagus is a simple and quick way to prepare this vegetable. Enhance it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic for a more indulgent flavour.
• Asparagus and Gruyere Casserole: Combine asparagus with nutty Gruyere cheese, creamy Parmesan, and a crunchy panko topping for a hearty and satisfying side dish.

Suggested Recipes:

• Cajun-Style Potato Salad: For a spicy and flavourful side, try this potato salad with a kick of Cajun seasoning. It's an excellent complement to the Swiss cheese and asparagus, adding a touch of heat to the meal.
• Roasted Root Vegetables with Spicy Pecan Topping: This dish offers a rainbow of colours and flavours, with a variety of roasted root vegetables topped with a spicy pecan garnish. It adds texture and a bit of heat to the meal.
• Broccoli Bacon Salad: This make-ahead salad features broccoli, bacon, and a sweet and creamy dressing. It provides a nice contrast of flavours and temperatures to the Swiss cheese and asparagus.

Gruyere and parmesan

For a side dish, roasted garlic Parmesan fingerling potatoes are a delicious option. The potatoes are roasted to perfection, with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The blend of garlic and Parmesan adds a savoury touch, creating a harmonious flavour profile to complement the richness of the pork tenderloin.

Another option is to stuff the pork tenderloin with a mixture of cheeses, including Gruyere and Parmesan, along with other ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms and bacon. This creates a flavourful and decadent main course.

For a sauce to accompany the pork tenderloin, a morel mushroom and Gruyere sauce is a perfect choice. The sauce is made by sautéing morel mushrooms with garlic and shallots, deglazing the pan with white wine, and then adding cream and Gruyere cheese. This rich and creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the pork.

The versatility of Gruyere and Parmesan means they can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavour of roast pork tenderloin, whether it's in a side dish, a stuffing or a sauce.

Smoked Austrian cheese, apple, raisins, and apricots

For a mouth-watering meal, try serving sliced roast pork tenderloin with smoked Austrian cheese, apple slices, and a compote of raisins and apricots. You can cook the raisins and apricots in a little brandy and water to soften them and create a syrupy sauce. This will complement the savoury, slightly salty flavour of the pork and cheese.

Alternatively, you could stuff the pork tenderloin with a mixture of apples, raisins, and apricots before roasting. This will create a juicy, flavourful centre to your pork tenderloin. After roasting, you can slice the tenderloin and serve it with a sauce made from the pan juices, chicken stock, and some of the reserved fruit mixture.

For a sandwich option, try sliced roast pork tenderloin with smoked Austrian cheese, apple slaw, and apricot habanero aioli. This combination of flavours and textures will create a delicious, hearty sandwich.

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