Fall is the perfect season to bring together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one dish, and this Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze does just that! This dish marries the tartness of fresh cranberries with the smooth tang of Dijon mustard, all tied together by a luxurious apple cider glaze. Imagine slicing into a tender, juicy pork loin with flavors that dance on your palate—it’s a dinner experience you’ll savor!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings. My love for cooking holiday-inspired meals drove me to create this dish that combines simple techniques with extraordinary flavors. The apple cider glaze is my secret weapon—it’s rich and caramel-like, yet bright and zesty.
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The Charm Behind This Dish
Pork has been a holiday staple in many cultures, and this recipe pays homage to classic European and American traditions of pairing pork with fruit. Apples and cranberries add a seasonal twist, perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive dinner. The apple cider glaze draws from French culinary techniques of balancing acidity and sweetness, while the Dijon mustard adds depth and a hint of sharpness.
Let’s Dive Into the Recipe
Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze
Ingredients
- For the Pork Loin:
- 3 lb pork loin roast
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Loin:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pork loin in a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this mixture all over the pork loin for an even coating.
- Add the Cranberries:
- Scatter the fresh cranberries around the pork loin in the roasting pan.
- Roast the Pork Loin:
- Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Baste the pork with its pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
- While the pork is roasting, combine apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it simmers.
- Let the glaze reduce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Glaze and Rest:
- Once the pork is finished roasting, brush the apple cider glaze generously over the roast.
- Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the pork and serve it with the remaining glaze drizzled on top.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Notes
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 40g
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pork Loin
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Pork is perfectly tender at 145°F.
- Cranberry Boost: For extra tang, mash some roasted cranberries into the glaze before serving.
- Side Pairings: This dish shines with buttery mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, or a warm dinner roll.
Call to Action
Did you love this recipe? Try it for your next dinner party or holiday feast, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love bold, seasonal flavors. For more delightful recipes like this one, make sure to follow me!
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