Grilled Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin filled with melted cheddar and spicy jalapeños, grilled to smoky perfection for a flavorful main course. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, shredded cheddar cheese, seeded and finely chopped jalapeños for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Slice 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin lengthwise down the center, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
  2. Step 2: Mix 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 3 seeded finely chopped jalapeños in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Stuff the cheese and jalapeño mixture into the pork pocket, then secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
  4. Step 4: Rub the outside of the pork with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill the pork tenderloin for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Tenderloin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?

BBQ & Smoked pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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