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Turkey Tenderloins With Cornbread Stuffing: A Southern-Inspired Delight

I can still remember the first time I made these stuffed turkey tenderloins. It was a crisp autumn evening, the leaves were turning gold, and I wanted to impress my family with something a little different for Sunday supper. The aroma of bacon sizzling, mingling with the savory scent of cornbread stuffing, filled the kitchen. When I finally sliced into the golden-brown turkey and revealed the moist, flavorful stuffing, the silence at the table spoke volumes. Everyone devoured it, and ever since, it’s been a dish I pull out whenever I want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 2 stuffed tenderloins
Dietary Type: Gluten-Aware (can be made gluten-free with GF stuffing mix)

Ingredients

For the Stuffing:

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 1/2 cups cornbread stuffing mix (use gluten-free mix for a gluten-free version)
3/4 cup vegetable broth (low sodium is recommended)

For the Turkey:

2 (1 lb) fresh turkey tenderloins
1/4 teaspoon hickory smoke salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Toothpicks
Meat thermometer
Grill

Instructions

Preheat your grill for indirect cooking. This means you’ll be cooking the turkey away from the direct flame, ensuring it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
Reserve bacon drippings: Carefully remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the skillet. Reserve the remaining bacon drippings for brushing on the turkey tenderloins later. That bacon-infused fat is liquid gold!
Sauté the vegetables: To the skillet with the remaining tablespoon of bacon drippings and cooked bacon, add the finely chopped onion and finely chopped celery. Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the celery is slightly softened. The bacon will add incredible flavor to the sauté.
Prepare the stuffing: Add the cornbread stuffing mix and vegetable broth to the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the stuffing mix is evenly moistened.
Cover and remove from heat: Cover the skillet and remove it from the heat. Let the stuffing sit for a few minutes to allow the cornbread to absorb the broth fully.
Butterfly the turkey tenderloins: On a cutting board, starting at the long side of one turkey tenderloin, carefully cut it in half horizontally. Slice almost, but not completely, through the tenderloin. The goal is to create a “butterfly” shape.
Flatten the turkey: Open the tenderloin like a book and gently flatten it slightly with your hand. Repeat this butterflying and flattening process with the remaining turkey tenderloin. This creates a larger surface area for the stuffing.
Stuff the tenderloins: Spoon the cornbread stuffing evenly onto the cut side of one tenderloin. Don’t overstuff them; you want to be able to close them easily.
Assemble the stuffed tenderloins: Place the second tenderloin, cut side down, directly over the stuffing on the first tenderloin.
Secure with toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the stuffed tenderloins together, ensuring that the stuffing stays inside during cooking. Insert the toothpicks at intervals along the seam.
Brush with bacon drippings: Brush the outer surface of the assembled stuffed tenderloin generously with the reserved bacon drippings. This will help to create a beautiful, golden-brown crust and add even more savory flavor.
Season generously: Sprinkle the stuffed tenderloins evenly with hickory smoke salt, fresh coarse ground black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s key to flavorful turkey.
Grill the turkey: When the grill is ready for indirect cooking, place the stuffed turkey tenderloin on the grill grates, away from the direct heat source.
Cook and baste: Cook the stuffed turkey tenderloin for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing registers 185°F (85°C). Turn the tenderloin twice during cooking, and brush it with any remaining bacon drippings each time.
Remove toothpicks and serve: Once the stuffed turkey tenderloin is cooked through, carefully remove the toothpicks. Let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. To serve, cut the stuffed turkey tenderloin into slices and arrange them on a platter.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook the turkey! Turkey tenderloin is lean and can dry out easily. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 185°F in the center.
If you don’t have a grill: You can bake the stuffed tenderloins in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for the same amount of time.
Make-ahead stuffing: Prepare the cornbread stuffing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day of cooking.
Elevate the flavor: Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans to the stuffing for extra texture and flavor.
Use a flavorful broth: Using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth will add more savory depth to the stuffing.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the bacon: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding will cause the bacon to steam instead of crisp.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the sliced stuffed turkey tenderloin hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables. A cranberry sauce complements the savory flavors perfectly.

Leftover stuffed turkey tenderloin should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices, but for the best results, gently reheat the entire tenderloin in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it, or the turkey will dry out.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	251 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	72 g	29%
Total Fat	8 g	12%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	13%
Cholesterol	104.4 mg	34%
Sodium	304.8 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	2.6 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.2 g	0%
Sugars	0.8 g	3%
Protein	39.5 g	78%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornbread stuffing mix to make this dish gluten-free.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing for a touch of heat.
Vegetarian: Substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth and omit the bacon drippings.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the stuffing, such as sage, thyme, or rosemary.
Fruit Variations: Add dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots to the stuffing for sweetness and chewiness.
Cheese Variations: Add some shredded cheese like Gruyere or cheddar to the stuffing to make it more decadent.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought stuffing mix, or should I make it from scratch?
A: Store-bought stuffing mix works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to choose a good quality mix that you enjoy.

Q: How can I prevent the turkey tenderloins from drying out on the grill?
A: Basting the turkey tenderloins with bacon drippings helps keep them moist. Also, avoid overcooking them by using a meat thermometer.

Q: Can I prepare the stuffed turkey tenderloins ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the stuffed turkey tenderloins a few hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to grill.

Q: What if I don’t have hickory smoke salt?
A: You can substitute regular salt and add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the bacon drippings.

Q: What side dishes go well with this dish?
A: Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables are all excellent choices.

Final Thoughts

These Turkey Tenderloins with Cornbread Stuffing are a delightful way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal. The combination of tender turkey, savory bacon, and moist cornbread stuffing is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and substitutions to create your own unique version of this classic dish. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback with me! Pair it with a crisp, dry white wine for a truly memorable dining experience. Happy cooking!

Turkey Tenderloins With Cornbread Stuffing Recipe