Stuffed Pork Neck Roll with Mushroom and Bacon Filling

Stuffed Pork Neck Roll is a rich and savory dish that brings together succulent pork, earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and crispy smoked bacon for an unforgettable meal. The pork neck, tender and juicy, is seasoned with a variety of spices like mustard, oregano, and curry, and then stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sautéed onions, mushrooms, and capers. Bacon adds an extra layer of smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish. Finally, the pork is rolled, tied, and slow-roasted in the oven until perfectly golden and juicy.

This dish is ideal for special occasions, holidays, or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping main course. The balance of textures and flavors—tender pork, crispy bacon, and soft, flavorful mushrooms—makes this a crowd-pleasing dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pork Roll:

  • Pork neck – 1.2 kg
  • Garlic – 4 cloves
  • Mustard – 3 teaspoons
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Oregano – 1 teaspoon
  • Curry powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Sunflower oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Onion – 2 medium, finely chopped
  • Mushrooms – 300 g, chopped
  • Capers – 2 tablespoons
  • Smoked bacon – 70 g, sliced
  • Paprika – for sprinkling

For the Glaze:

  • Honey – 2 tablespoons
  • Mustard – 1 tablespoon
  • Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Neck:

  • Rinse the pork neck thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
  • Cut the pork neck into a flat, even layer about 2-2.5 cm thick by slicing it horizontally, leaving one side intact, like a large sheet of meat.
  • Make small cuts across the surface of the meat, which helps to tenderize it and absorb the spices better.
  • Lightly beat the pork with a meat mallet to further tenderize it, making it easier to roll.

2. Season the Pork:

  • Rub the pork generously with crushed garlic, making sure to get it into the cuts for maximum flavor.
  • Spread 3 teaspoons of mustard evenly over the meat, massaging it into the surface.
  • Sprinkle the pork with salt, black pepper, oregano, and curry powder. Make sure the seasoning covers the entire surface evenly.
  • Once seasoned, gently roll the edges of the pork inward and let the meat rest for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate.

3. Prepare the Filling:

  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onions and sauté them until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and stir well to combine. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
  • Lightly season the mixture with salt and stir in the capers.
  • Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

4. Assemble the Pork Roll:

  • Lay the pork neck flat on a clean surface.
  • Place the slices of smoked bacon evenly over the pork, covering the entire surface.
  • Spread the onion and mushroom mixture evenly over the bacon.
  • Carefully roll the pork into a tight log, starting from one end and working your way to the other, ensuring the filling stays inside.
  • Once rolled, tie the pork roll securely with kitchen twine to hold its shape while cooking.

5. Marinate the Pork:

  • Line a baking sheet with foil and grease it with a little vegetable oil.
  • Place the tied pork roll on the prepared baking sheet and cover it with foil.
  • Let the pork roll marinate for 1 hour at room temperature to absorb the flavors.

6. Prepare the Glaze:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, and soy sauce to make the glaze.
  • Set aside for later use.

7. Roast the Pork:

  • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  • After the pork has marinated for 1 hour, brush it generously with the prepared honey-mustard glaze.
  • Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, uncovered, allowing a golden crust to form.
  • After 30 minutes, cover the pork roll with two layers of foil to prevent it from drying out and continue roasting for another 1 hour at 190°C.
  • Every 20 minutes, baste the pork with its own juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

8. Final Bake:

  • After the initial roasting time, remove the foil and sprinkle the pork roll with paprika.
  • Return the pork to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to allow the crust to develop further.
  • Once fully cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Tips:

  • Tenderizing the Meat: Beating the pork neck with a meat mallet helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
  • Even Cooking: Tying the pork roll with kitchen twine ensures the meat cooks evenly and holds its shape during roasting.
  • Flavorful Glaze: The honey-mustard-soy glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to the dish. Make sure to apply it generously for the best results.
  • Resting Time: Allowing the meat to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, making the pork roll juicier and easier to slice.
  • Alternative Fillings: You can customize the filling by adding grated cheese, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Leftover pork roll can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freezing: The cooked pork roll can also be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and the specific brands of ingredients used.


FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork loin or pork shoulder as alternatives to pork neck. However, pork neck is preferred because it has more fat, which keeps the meat moist during roasting.

2. What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can add spinach, cheese, or dried fruits like apricots or cranberries to complement the flavors of the pork.

3. How do I prevent the pork from drying out?

Be sure to cover the pork roll with foil during most of the cooking time to retain moisture. Also, basting the pork with its own juices helps keep it tender and flavorful.

4. Can I make the pork roll ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pork roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature before roasting.

5. What side dishes go well with this pork roll?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. A side of garlic bread or rice would also complement the rich flavors of the pork roll.


Conclusion:

Stuffed Pork Neck Roll with Mushroom and Bacon Filling is a stunning and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal. The combination of tender pork, savory mushroom and onion filling, and crispy smoked bacon creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

The golden, caramelized crust from the honey-mustard glaze adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the pork. This dish is easy to prepare yet delivers impressive results that will surely impress your guests. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!