If you’re searching for a dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a festive celebration, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe. It marries the rich, savory flavor of perfectly cooked flank steak with a luscious filling bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, creamy texture of cheeses, and a hint of aromatic rosemary. This combination creates a tender, juicy masterpiece that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is irresistible to the palate. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or craving a unique weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 4 Pounds flank steak: The star of the dish that provides a hearty, meaty base perfect for stuffing.
- 1 Teaspoon sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the meat’s natural flavors.
- 1 Cup cranberry jelly: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the savory elements.
- ¼ Cup balsamic vinegar: Brings acidity and depth to balance the richness of the filling.
- 2 Sprigs rosemary: Fresh herb that infuses woodsy, fragrant notes into the steak.
- 1 white onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and texture when caramelized alongside the meat.
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced: Amplifies savory aromas and deepens the dish’s complexity.
- 1 Cup blue cheese: Crumbled for a bold, tangy punch mixed into the filling.
- ½ to 1 Tablespoon peppercorns, freshly cracked: Adds bursts of spicy heat to awaken the taste buds.
- ½ Cup cranberries: Fresh berries that bring vibrant color and tartness to the stuffing.
- 1 Tablespoon rosemary, fresh: Chopped finely to blend herbaceous flavor into the filling.
- 1 shallot, small: Offers subtle sweetness and crunch to the texture contrast.
- ¼ Cup walnuts, chopped: Adds a pleasant nutty crunch to every bite.
- 4 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: Ensures creamy, spreadable consistency that binds the stuffing together.
- 1 Teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning with a mild, warming bite.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flank Steak
Begin by carefully butterflying your flank steak so it opens up evenly like a book—this step is key to creating a flat surface for the stuffing. Sprinkle the sea salt over both sides to season the meat deeply, allowing it to rest for a few minutes at room temperature to soak in the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, blue cheese, chopped walnuts, fresh cranberries, minced shallot, chopped rosemary, black pepper, and a touch of garlic. Stir all these ingredients together until they form a creamy, chunky filling bursting with texture and lively flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Flank Steak
Spread the cranberry cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the butterflied flank steak. Start rolling the steak from one edge, tucking and rolling tightly to form a compact roulade, sealing in all that delicious filling.
Step 4: Sear and Roast
In a hot skillet, sear the stuffed flank steak on all sides to lock in juices and develop a beautiful caramelized crust. Then, transfer it to the oven and roast at 375°F (190°C) with rosemary sprigs scattered over the top and slices of white onion laid around. Midway through roasting, glaze the steak generously with a mixture of cranberry jelly and balsamic vinegar for an enticing glossy finish.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove the flank steak from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This crucial pause lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice stays moist and tender. Slice thinly against the grain to reveal the beautiful swirls of cranberry cream cheese filling inside.
How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, garnish your sliced flank steak with freshly chopped rosemary and a scattering of whole fresh cranberries. This adds a pop of color and invites guests to taste the herbs woven through the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs exceptionally well with simple, bright sides like garlic roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans with almonds, or a crisp winter salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. These sides provide contrast in texture and flavor, rounding out the meal perfectly without overwhelming the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted vegetables for a rustic family-style feast. Alternatively, try plating individual slices atop a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice to elevate the dish for a dinner party setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover stuffed flank steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining most of its flavor and juiciness if stored promptly.
Freezing
If you want to save the leftovers for longer, slice the steak first, then freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s best eaten within 2 months to enjoy the best texture and taste of the cranberry cream cheese filling.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at low heat (around 300°F/150°C) wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the steak tender and avoid compromising the texture of the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of flank steak?
While flank steak is ideal for this recipe because of its lean yet tender texture when sliced thin, you could also try skirt steak or a flat iron cut. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute cream cheese and blue cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and omit the blue cheese or replace it with a nut-based cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed flank steak a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. This makes it great for entertaining or meal prep.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot complements the tangy cranberries and rich cheese without overpowering the beef’s flavors.
How do I know when the flank steak is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is your best bet – aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium. Remember to rest the meat afterward for the best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe enough if you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a spectacular meal at home. With every bite, you’ll delight in its vibrant flavor contrasts and comforting textures that feel both festive and cozy. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this unforgettable dish—you won’t regret it!
PrintCranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak is a savory and festive dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. A tender flank steak is rolled and stuffed with a rich cranberry and cream cheese filling enhanced by blue cheese, rosemary, shallots, and walnuts, offering a delightful balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors. The steak is marinated with cranberry jelly, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns, then oven-roasted to perfection, culminating in a unique and impressive centerpiece for your meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours including marinating time
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Steak and Marinade
- 4 Pounds flank steak
- 1 Teaspoon sea salt
- 1 Cup cranberry jelly
- ¼ Cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Sprigs rosemary
- 1 White onion, sliced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 Cup blue cheese
- ½ to 1 Tablespoon freshly cracked peppercorns
For the Cranberry Filling
- ½ Cup fresh cranberries
- 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 Small shallot
- ¼ Cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 Cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 4 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 Teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a food processor or bowl, finely chop the fresh cranberries, fresh rosemary, and shallot until well combined. Mix in the chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, cream cheese at room temperature, and black pepper thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy filling with a balanced texture.
- Prepare the Flank Steak: Lay the flank steak flat on a clean surface or cutting board. If needed, butterfly the steak to an even thickness for easier rolling. Using a sharp knife, score the meat gently to allow the marinade to penetrate more effectively.
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine cranberry jelly, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly cracked peppercorns. Rub this marinade evenly over both sides of the flank steak. Lay the rosemary sprigs and sliced white onions on top of the steak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, ideally overnight, to infuse the flavors.
- Stuff the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Spread the cranberry cream cheese filling evenly across the steak surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage when rolling.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll the steak tightly from one end to the other, enclosing the filling inside. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the roll tightly so the filling doesn’t escape during cooking.
- Sear the Steak: Preheat a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sear the rolled flank steak on all sides until browned and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in juices and flavor.
- Roast the Steak: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet with the seared flank steak into the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F to 140°F for medium rare. Adjust time if you prefer a different doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the flank steak from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the steak into thick medallions to reveal the colorful cranberry cheese filling and serve immediately.
Notes
- For more tender results, marinate the steak overnight.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Ensure cream cheese is soft at room temperature to mix well with the other filling ingredients.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Remove kitchen twine before slicing the steak for serving.