Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

If you are craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and offers a delightful combination of textures, this Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Juicy pork tenderloin rolled around a rich cornbread, pecan, and parmesan stuffing is simmered to perfection in a vibrant tomato basil sauce, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. Every bite reveals a beautiful contrast between the savory stuffing and the tender pork, all balanced by the bright, herb-infused sauce. Whether you’re planning a special family meal or simply want to impress friends with something extraordinary, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role, combining simplicity with rich flavors. From the tender pork to the crunchy pecans and luscious tomato sauce, these essentials come together for a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually inviting.

• 2 pork tenderloins (about one to one and a half pounds each): The perfect lean cut that becomes tender when thinly pounded and rolled.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Used to dredge the pork rolls for a light crust and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the pork’s natural flavor.
• ⅓ cup olive oil: For browning the pork rolls beautifully and adding depth to the sauce.
• 1½ cups cornbread (crumbled): Adds a sweet, crumbly texture that contrasts delightfully with the pork.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, savory kick that enriches the stuffing.
• ½ cup roasted pecans (chopped): For crunch and a buttery flavor that elevates the stuffing mix.
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley: A fragrant herb that gives freshness to the stuffing.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth right into the stuffing.
• ½ cup onion (finely chopped): Creates a sweet and savory base in the sauce.
• 5 garlic cloves (minced): Adds bold garlic flavor to the tomato basil sauce.
• 56 ounces San Marzano tomatoes (2 28 oz cans): Their natural sweetness and acidity make the sauce velvety and vibrant.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Season the sauce and provide a subtle heat balance.
• 1 cup white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce’s flavor profile.
• ½ cup water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency as it simmers.
• 1 tablespoon dried basil: Brings classic Italian fresh herb notes to the sauce.
• Fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese: Optional garnishes that finish the dish with color and extra flavor.

How to Make Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Flatten the Pork

Start by cutting each pork tenderloin into eight equal pieces. You want each piece to be manageable and uniform for even cooking. Place the slices inside plastic storage bags and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about ¼-inch thick. This step tenderizes the meat and creates the perfect canvas for rolling up the delicious stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread and Pecan Stuffing

In a medium bowl, crumble the cornbread into small pieces. Combine the cornbread with parmesan cheese, dried parsley, minced garlic, chopped pecans, kosher salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This mix will bind together to form a stuffing that is both moist and full of texture — the pecans adding a delightful crunch with every bite.

Step 3: Roll and Secure the Pork Tight

Place several spoonfuls of the stuffing on each flattened pork piece. Roll the pork around the filling firmly but gently, then secure each roll with two pieces of kitchen string to ensure the stuffing stays inside during cooking. Don’t worry if a little stuffing escapes; it will only add flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Dredge the Pork Rolls in Flour

In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Dredge each pork roll in the flour mixture, coating evenly, and shake off any excess. This creates a light crust that helps brown the rolls beautifully and adds a little thickness to the sauce later on.

Step 5: Brown the Pork Rolls

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add four pork rolls and brown them for about one minute on each side. The goal here is a lovely golden exterior — not fully cooking the meat. Transfer the browned rolls to a wire cooling rack and repeat with the remaining rolls. This step locks in flavor and prepares the rolls for the sauce braise.

Step 6: Create the Tomato Basil Sauce Base

Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions to the skillet. Cook for about five minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the whole San Marzano tomatoes (with juice), dried basil, red pepper flakes, white wine, kosher salt, and water. Stir everything together to combine the rich flavors.

Step 7: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Use a potato masher or fork to gently break apart the whole tomatoes in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors concentrate. This reduction results in a sauce that clings beautifully to the pork, enhancing every bite.

Step 8: Bake the Pork Rolls in the Sauce

Nestle the browned pork rolls into the richly simmered tomato basil sauce, cover the pan, and place it in a 400-degree oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest roll reaches 145 degrees. Around the halfway point, carefully turn the rolls over to ensure even cooking and sauce absorption.

Step 9: Rest and Prepare for Serving

Once out of the oven, allow the pork braciole to rest for at least three minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute within the meat, making each slice tender and juicy when you serve.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Carefully cut the kitchen string away from each roll and discard it. Transfer the braciole to a platter and generously spoon the tomato basil sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese to elevate the presentation and add a burst of flavor.

How to Serve Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the braciole adds a pop of vibrant color and a mild, leafy brightness that perfectly contrasts the hearty flavors. A final shower of grated parmesan enhances the savory notes and adds a subtle salty finish. Don’t skip these simple touches—they elevate the entire dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Italian sides like creamy polenta, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread is also a wonderful companion to soak up the luscious tomato sauce. For a cozy meal, serve with mashed potatoes or even a simple buttered pasta for an extra hearty feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, arrange the rolled and sauced braciole on a rustic wooden board, letting guests admire the cross-section of the stuffing before serving. For a fancier twist, slice the rolls into medallions and plate individually with additional sauce drizzle and delicate pecan halves atop for crunch. You can even stuff the rolls loosely with fresh basil leaves for an herbaceous fresh element that impresses visually and aromatically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pork braciole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the sauce covers the rolls to retain moisture. This makes for an excellent next-day meal that tastes just as good as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the pork braciole with sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating. Freezing helps preserve all those robust flavors and textures so you have a ready-to-go meal on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the meat heats all the way through without drying. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time, and consider covering the dish with foil to keep the sauce moist and avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork instead of tenderloin?

While pork tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness and even thickness when pounded, you can also use pork loin chops if you prefer. Just make sure to pound them to the right thickness for even cooking and roll them tightly to hold the stuffing.

Is it necessary to use San Marzano tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their sweet, balanced flavor and low acidity, which creates a superior sauce. However, if you don’t have them, any good quality canned whole peeled tomatoes will work fine, though the flavor might be slightly different.

What if I don’t have cornbread on hand?

Cornbread adds a lovely sweetness and texture, but if unavailable, you can substitute with dry breadcrumbs mixed with a little cornmeal for that characteristic flavor. Just be mindful of adjusting the moisture content accordingly.

Can I prepare the stuffed pork rolls in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pork rolls up to the point of browning, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is perfect for meal prep or when hosting guests and wanting to pace your cooking.

How spicy is the tomato basil sauce?

The sauce has a subtle warmth from the red pepper flakes but is not overly spicy. You can adjust or omit the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, and the rest of the sauce balances beautifully with fresh herbs and wine flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress with a comforting yet elevated meal. The blend of tender pork, nutty cornbread stuffing, crunchy pecans, and homemade tomato basil sauce creates a truly unforgettable dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too. So grab your ingredients and dive into this flavorful adventure—you won’t regret it!

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