Sliced into medallions, these tasty and elegant Prosciutto and Pork Pinwheels disappeared quickly when served to my family!
Butterflied pork tenderloins were filled with prosciutto and Parmesan, rolled, then coated with herbs and garlic before roasting. They’re perfect when having company for dinner!.
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Pork pinwheels are an elegant and impressive dish that can serve as the centerpiece of a special meal. These appetizing spirals of pork are stuffed, rolled up, and oven baked until tender and juicy. While the finished presentation looks complex, pork pinwheels are easy to assemble with just a few simple steps.
What are Pork Pinwheels?
Pork pinwheels consist of pork tenderloin that is pounded thin, spread with a flavorful stuffing, then rolled up into a spiral log shape. The rolls are tied to hold their shape, then roasted in the oven until cooked through. As the pork cooks, the stuffing swirls around inside, creating eye-catching pinwheels of flavor.
Almost any type of stuffing can be used, allowing you to get creative. Popular options are spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, cheeses, pesto, or savory bread crumbs. The possibilities are endless!
Benefits of Cooking Pork Pinwheels
There are many benefits to making oven-baked pork pinwheels
- Elegant presentation with colorful fillings
- Allows you to stuff pork with your favorite flavors
- Tender, juicy pork pairs well with stuffings
- Easy to make ahead or meal prep
- Perfect for entertaining or impressing guests
- Easily customized to suit any taste
- Makes a special entrée for holidays or celebrations
Tips for Choosing Pork for Pinwheels
- Select pork tenderloin for its long uniform shape
- Look for tenderloins around 1-1.5 lbs each
- Make sure pork is trim and solid with no tears
- Pick tenderloins similar in size for even cooking
- Allow 1 full tenderloin per 3-4 people
The lean, mild meat takes well to both savory and sweet fillings.
Preparing Pork Tenderloin for Pinwheels
- Place tenderloin between sheets of plastic wrap
- Use a meat mallet to gently pound to a 1⁄4 inch thickness
- Be careful not to tear the meat
- Pound into an even rectangular shape
- Remove plastic and season meat with salt and pepper
- Spread filling evenly over surface, leaving a 1⁄2 inch border
- Starting at long edge, roll up pork tightly
- Use kitchen string to tie roll at 2-inch intervals
- Tuck ends under seam side for uniform shape
This process creates the classic pinwheel shape.
Oven Baking for Perfectly Cooked Pinwheels
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Place pinwheels seam side down on a rack in a baking pan
- Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes
- Test internal temperature to reach 160°F
- Let pinwheels rest 10-15 minutes before slicing
- Remove kitchen string and cut into pinwheels
Using a rack allows air flow for even cooking. 160°F ensures pork is cooked through without drying out.
Savory Stuffing Ideas for Pork Pinwheels
There are endless savory options for flavorful pork pinwheel fillings:
- Sautéed spinach, feta and sun-dried tomatoes
- Caramelized onions and swiss cheese
- Roasted red peppers, artichokes and pesto
- Cooked sausage, kale and Asiago
- Sautéed mushrooms with fresh thyme
- Bacon, cheddar and green onion
- Chopped olives, basil and lemon zest
- Crispy prosciutto and smoked mozzarella
Mix and match flavors to suit your tastes!
Sweet and Savory Filling Combinations
For a twist, try these sweet ingredients swirled into savory pinwheels:
- Dried cranberries, walnuts, garlic and rosemary
- Apricots, toasted almonds and ricotta
- Figs, blue cheese and chopped basil
- Apples, bacon, cheddar and mustard
- Pineapple, red pepper and green onion
- Pears, prosciutto and gorgonzola
- Peaches, arugula and crumbled feta
The options for unique flavor combos are endless.
Serving Suggestions for Pork Pinwheels
These oven-baked pinwheels pair well with many side dishes:
- Herb roasted potatoes or root vegetables
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Quinoa or couscous salad
- Buttered noodles or pasta
- Warm breads or rolls
- Leafy green salads with vinaigrette
A nice glass of wine, sparkling cider or fruit juice drink completes the meal.
With their beautiful presentation and juicy flavors, pork pinwheels are sure to impress. The next time you want to make a dinner extra special, give these elegant baked rolls a try. It’s an easy oven dish that looks like you fussed all day!
Prosciutto and Pork Pinwheels
I spied this recipe in the Indy Star food section over the holidays. Cook Tony Hanslits sent it. He used to run an Italian restaurant in a cool village just south of my neighborhood. I had a feeling it would be a hit. Over the holiday break, I served these prosciutto and pork pinwheels to my family. The guys practically inhaled this entree—it was a huge success.
Butterflying Pork Tenderloins
You can always ask your butcher to butterfly your pork tenderloin, but it’s simple to do at home. All you need is a sharp knife and a cutting board. Put one tenderloin on the cutting board. Holding the knife parallel to the board, cut the pork lengthwise through the middle, but don’t go all the way through. This will allow you to open it like a book.
One last thing: don’t cut all the way through. You can always cut it open a little more. From there you pound the meat to an even thickness before filling and rolling. Next, put the prosciutto and Parmesan on top of the tenderloins. Then, roll them up into beautiful packages and cover them with garlic and herbs. I’m sure your family will enjoy it as much as mine did. The pork slices also make a beautiful presentation fit for a special event, so make it again when you have guests over.
P.S. These Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloins are another terrific pork recipe!
Manitoba Pork: How to Stuff a Pork Loin Roast
FAQ
How long do you cook pork in the oven at 350 degrees?
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What temperature should I cook pork tenderloin at?