Are you looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple dinner recipe? This Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze is the perfect answer! It's bursting with festive flavors, incredibly juicy, and comes together quicker than you think. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound boneless pork loin roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry is best)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice crispy sear. Rub the pork loin generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider, brown sugar, thyme, and garlic powder until well combined. This tangy-sweet glaze is the secret to this dish's incredible flavor.
Step 3: Roast the Pork Loin
Place the seasoned pork loin in a roasting pan. Pour half of the cranberry Dijon glaze over the top of the roast, ensuring it's coated evenly.
Step 4: Baking and Basting
Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork loin registers 145°F (63°C). During the last 15 minutes of cooking, baste the pork loin with the remaining glaze every 5 minutes. This will help create a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Carve the pork loin into slices and serve immediately. The delicious apple cider cranberry glaze is perfect to drizzle over the top!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Pork Loin:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the pork loin has enough space in the roasting pan to brown properly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure the pork loin is cooked to the perfect internal temperature. Undercooked pork can be unsafe, so a thermometer is crucial.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your pork loin.
- Let it rest: Allowing the pork to rest is key to achieving maximum tenderness.
Variations:
- Add some spice: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Use fresh herbs: Substitute fresh thyme and rosemary for the dried herbs for an even more intense flavor.
- Different glaze: Experiment with different fruit glazes like apricot or cherry.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple yet elegant recipe that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, savory, and tart flavors creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy!