Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast

Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast is a flavorful and festive dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or elegant weeknight meals. The sweet-tart cranberry glaze complements the savory, juicy pork loin beautifully, making every bite a blend of bold and balanced flavors. This roast is as stunning to serve as it is easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry-glazed pork loin is a showstopper that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It combines simple ingredients to deliver rich, seasonal flavor with a beautiful presentation. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Perfect for the holidays or special dinners
• Sweet and savory balance from the cranberry glaze
• Moist, tender pork with a caramelized glaze
• Easy to prep and mostly hands-off cooking
• Makes for great leftovers

ingredients

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

• Boneless pork loin roast
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• Cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. If using fresh herbs, press them onto the surface of the pork.
3. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. Heat over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Place pork loin in a roasting pan or baking dish. Brush with a layer of the cranberry glaze.
5. Roast for 50–60 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 15–20 minutes.
6. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze spooned over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the glaze.
• Herb-forward: Use a blend of thyme, sage, and rosemary for a deeper, more aromatic roast.
• Citrus twist: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy note.
• Slow cooker: Sear the pork first, then cook on low in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours with the glaze.
• Stuffed version: Butterfly the pork loin and stuff with a cranberry and herb mixture before roasting.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 300°F oven, covered, for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave slices with a spoonful of glaze to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time as tenderloin is smaller and cooks faster—about 20–30 minutes total.

What’s the best cranberry sauce to use?

Whole berry cranberry sauce or a homemade version works best for texture and flavor, but jellied can be used in a pinch.

Do I need to sear the pork before roasting?

It’s not necessary but adds a nice caramelized crust. You can sear it in a hot pan before roasting if you prefer.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the pork in the glaze overnight and roast it the next day. The glaze can also be made in advance.

How do I keep the pork from drying out?

Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove the roast at 145°F, then let it rest to retain juices.

Is this dish sweet?

The glaze is sweet-tart, but the pork balances it well. You can reduce the sugar if you prefer it less sweet.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, if making homemade cranberry sauce, frozen cranberries work great—just cook them down with sugar and a bit of water.

What sides go well with this roast?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a green salad pair beautifully with the cranberry glaze.

How do I know when the roast is done?

Use a digital meat thermometer. The pork is done at 145°F, and it should rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Can I double the glaze?

Absolutely. Make extra to serve on the side—it also pairs well with chicken, turkey, or even over mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast is a stunning yet simple dish that delivers elegance and bold flavor. With its juicy meat and tangy-sweet glaze, it’s ideal for impressing guests or adding a festive touch to your weeknight table. Give it a try, and it just might become your new favorite way to roast pork.

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