Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast

Short Description

Orange cranberry pork loin roast is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring tender pork slow-roasted with a sweet and tangy glaze made from fresh oranges, cranberries, and aromatic spices. This holiday-worthy meal is perfect for festive gatherings, Sunday dinners, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and savory – A perfect balance of citrusy orange and tart cranberries.
• Juicy and tender – Slow-roasted for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Elegant yet easy – Looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
• Perfect for the holidays – A great main dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.
• Versatile – Pairs well with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pork Roast:

• Boneless pork loin roast (about 3-4 lbs)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic (minced)
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary

For the Orange Cranberry Glaze:

• Fresh cranberries (or frozen)
• Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• Orange zest
• Honey or maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Cinnamon
• Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Directions

Prepare the Pork:

1. Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the pork – Rub pork loin with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Sear the pork – In a hot skillet, sear the pork on all sides until golden brown. Transfer to a roasting pan.

Make the Orange Cranberry Glaze:

4. Cook the cranberries – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and cinnamon. Simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
5. Blend or leave chunky – For a smooth glaze, blend the sauce; for a chunkier texture, leave as is.

Roast the Pork:

6. Glaze and roast – Brush half of the glaze over the pork and roast for 50-60 minutes, basting occasionally.
7. Check doneness – Pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Rest and serve – Let pork rest for 10 minutes, then slice and drizzle with remaining glaze.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the glaze.
• Slow cooker option – Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Extra citrusy – Add lemon juice or zest for a brighter flavor.
• Herb-infused – Add fresh rosemary or sage to the glaze for an aromatic touch.
• Gluten-free – Naturally gluten-free; just check all ingredients for cross-contamination.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze sliced pork with sauce for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave with extra glaze to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin?

Yes! Reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes, as tenderloin cooks faster.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but soak them in orange juice before cooking for a plumper texture.

How do I prevent my pork from drying out?

Baste with glaze while roasting and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before using.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or wild rice.

Can I make this without searing the pork?

Yes, but searing locks in juices and enhances flavor.

How do I thicken the glaze?

Simmer longer, or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free.

What’s the best way to slice pork loin?

Use a sharp knife and slice against the grain for tender pieces.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes, but homemade glaze tastes fresher and less processed.

Conclusion

Orange cranberry pork loin roast is a stunning, flavor-packed dish perfect for holidays or special dinners. With its juicy, tender pork and a sweet-tangy glaze, this recipe will impress guests while being easy to make. Try it today for a mouthwatering meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table!

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