If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines tender, savory pork with the comforting flavors of cornbread and pecans all smothered in a rich tomato sauce, you’ve got to try this Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Sauce Recipe. This recipe is a personal favorite that never fails to impress with its layered flavors and delightful textures. Every bite showcases the juicy pork roll filled with a fragrant stuffing, adding a beautiful crunch from the pecans and the subtle sweetness from the cornbread, all swimming in a vibrant, homemade tomato sauce. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and makes any mealtime special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each item plays a vital role—from the tender pork and crisp pecans to the rich tomato sauce and fragrant herbs—ensuring every mouthful bursts with flavor, color, and texture.
- Pork tenderloins: Choose one to one and a half pounds each; this lean cut is perfect for rolling and stuffing.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging, it helps achieve a light crust on the pork rolls.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the meat and the stuffing properly.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat throughout.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the pork and sautéing the aromatics, it adds richness.
- Cornbread: Crumbled cornbread muffins contribute a sweet, crumbly texture to the stuffing.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that blends beautifully with the other stuffing ingredients.
- Roasted pecans: Chopped to add crunch and a toasty contrast in the filling.
- Dried parsley: Sprinkles color and a mild herbaceous note into the stuffing.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses both the stuffing and sauce with wonderful aroma and warmth.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it forms the savory base of the tomato sauce.
- San Marzano tomatoes: Use whole canned tomatoes with juice for a deep, naturally sweet sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: For gentle heat that awakens the tomato sauce without overpowering.
- White wine: It adds acidity and complexity to balance out the richness of the pork and sauce.
- Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency as it simmers.
- Dried basil: Adds classic Italian herb flavor that beautifully complements the tomatoes.
- Fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese: Perfect finishing touches for garnish and extra flavor.
How to Make Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Flatten the Pork
Start by cutting the pork tenderloins into eight equal pieces. Place each piece into a plastic storage bag and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s about a quarter-inch thick. This thinning makes it easy to roll and ensures the pork becomes tender after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a medium bowl, crumble the cornbread and combine it with the parmesan, dried parsley, minced garlic, kosher salt, chopped roasted pecans, and olive oil. This mixture creates a flavorful stuffing with delightful textures—soft cornbread meets crunchy pecans, all tied together with cheesy savoriness.
Step 3: Roll and Secure
Place several spoonfuls of your cornbread stuffing on each flattened pork piece, then roll up tightly into cylinders. Secure each roll with two pieces of kitchen string to keep the stuffing intact during cooking. Don’t worry if some stuffing peeks out—it all adds to the rustic charm.
Step 4: Dredge the Pork Rolls
Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge each pork roll in this mixture, shaking off any excess. This flour coating helps create a nice crust when you brown the pork, giving it delectable texture and locking in moisture.
Step 5: Brown the Pork Rolls
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown four pork rolls for about a minute on each side to develop color and flavor, then transfer them to a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining rolls. Keep in mind, they won’t be fully cooked yet—that happens later in the sauce.
Step 6: Make the Tomato Sauce Base
Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for about five minutes until soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This creates a savory foundation for the tomato sauce.
Step 7: Build and Simmer the Sauce
Add the whole San Marzano tomatoes with their juices, dried basil, red pepper flakes, white wine, and water. Use a potato masher or fork to break up the tomatoes gently. Let the sauce simmer for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and bursting with flavor.
Step 8: Combine and Bake
Nestle the browned pork rolls into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the skillet or transfer to an ovenproof dish. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 20 minutes, flipping the rolls at the halfway point to ensure even cooking. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Step 9: Rest and Finish
Once out of the oven, allow the pork rolls to rest for at least three minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even juicier and more tender.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Carefully cut away the kitchen string and plate the pork braciole. Spoon the luscious tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese if desired. It’s time to savor every bite of this comforting, flavor-packed meal.
How to Serve Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds vibrant green color and a gentle herbal brightness that complements the dish wonderfully. A generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese adds an irresistible salty, nutty finish that enhances every forkful.
Side Dishes
This pork braciole pairs beautifully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to balance the richness. For extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette provide lovely texture contrasts and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the pork rolls crosswise to reveal the beautiful spiral of cornbread and pecans inside. Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with sauce drizzled over. For a festive touch, garnish with toasted pecan halves and a sprig of fresh herbs to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pork braciole with cornbread, pecans, and tomato sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork rolls and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. This slow reheating method prevents drying out and keeps the pork tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork tenderloin works best for its tenderness and size, you can experiment with pork loin if thinly sliced and pounded evenly, but the texture may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to tie the pork rolls with kitchen string?
Yes, tying helps keep the stuffing securely inside during cooking. If you don’t have kitchen string, toothpicks can work in a pinch but make sure to remove them before serving.
Can I make the tomato sauce from scratch without canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes can be used but may require longer cooking to develop the right flavor and consistency. Canned San Marzano tomatoes give a balanced, rich taste making the process much easier.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that brightens the sauce without making it spicy hot. You can always adjust or omit based on your heat preference.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time for a dinner party?
Absolutely! You can assemble and brown the pork rolls a day ahead, refrigerate, and then finish cooking in the sauce just before serving to save time and impress guests with a fresh-made meal.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Braciole with Cornbread, Pecans, and Tomato Sauce Recipe is truly a celebration of comforting, bold flavors wrapped up in tender pork. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet approachable, perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. I encourage you to give it a try—you may find yourself making it again and again because it’s just that good and heartwarming.
