Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin
This Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin is the ultimate show-stopping dish for your next gathering. Bursting with flavor from a savory blend of prosciutto, garlic, and fresh rosemary, this roast boasts a tender and juicy interior artfully complemented by its crispy herb crust. It's incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Serve it alongside braised Belgian endive or sautéed broccoli rabe for a delightful contrast, and don't forget a fresh green salad and a glass of crisp white wine. Whether hosting a casual get-together or a formal dinner, this versatile dish will impress your friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork Loin
2 to 3 pounds (Trim excess fat if necessary)
Softened Butter
3 tablespoons (At room temperature)
Finely-chopped Prosciutto
3 ounces (Chop finely)
Minced Garlic
2-3 tablespoons (Peel and mince)
Chopped Fresh Rosemary
2-3 tablespoons (Chop leaves from stems)
Grated or Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1-1 1/2 tablespoons (Freshly grated or shredded)
Black Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Dry White Wine
1-2 cups (Pour slowly over the roast)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, finely chopped prosciutto, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, grated parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper. Mix well and set aside. For optimal flavor, this mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated; just remember to bring it to room temperature before using.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Prepare the pork loin by cutting slits about an inch long and half an inch deep all over the top of the roast. This will help the herb mixture penetrate and flavor the meat.
4
Spread the prepared butter mixture generously over the roast, ensuring to pack it into the slits for maximum flavor infusion.
5
This step is optional but recommended: Wrap the seasoned roast in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor, or you can proceed right away.
6
Place the roast in a roasting pan and slowly pour the dry white wine over it, allowing it to seep into the bottom of the pan.
7
Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the pork loin. Baste the roast with the pan drippings every 30 minutes to ensure it remains moist.
8
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial for retaining the juices.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cut of meat used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a boneless pork loin, ideally between 2 to 3 pounds.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to cook the Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin?
The roast typically takes between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours depending on the size of the meat.
What are the ingredients in the herb crust?
The crust is made from softened butter, finely chopped prosciutto, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, grated parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Why should I cut slits into the pork loin before cooking?
Cutting slits about an inch long and half an inch deep allows the herb butter mixture to penetrate the meat for deeper flavor infusion.
Can I prepare the herb butter mixture in advance?
Yes, the mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just ensure it reaches room temperature before you apply it to the roast.
Is it necessary to rest the meat after cooking?
Yes, resting the roast for 15 minutes while tented with foil is crucial for retaining the juices before slicing.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 cups of dry white wine to be poured into the roasting pan.
How often should I baste the pork?
It is recommended to baste the roast with the pan drippings every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
Can I marinate the pork overnight?
Yes, for deeper flavor, you can wrap the seasoned roast in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight before roasting.
What side dishes go well with this pork loin?
It pairs beautifully with braised Belgian endive, sautéed broccoli rabe, or a fresh green salad.
How much prosciutto is needed?
The recipe requires 3 ounces of finely-chopped prosciutto.
Should the butter be melted for the crust?
No, the butter should be softened at room temperature so it can be mixed into a paste.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2-3 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What kind of parmesan is best for the crust?
Freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Do I need to trim the pork loin?
You should trim excess fat from the boneless pork loin if necessary before preparing.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
While fresh rosemary is specified for its aromatic qualities, you could use dried, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an incredibly easy dish to prepare, making it suitable for both casual gatherings and formal dinners.
How do I apply the herb mixture?
Spread the mixture generously over the roast and pack it into the pre-cut slits.
What is the purpose of the white wine in the pan?
The wine seeps into the pan to create a flavorful liquid for basting and helps keep the meat moist.
Should I cover the roast with foil while it is in the oven?
No, the roast is cooked uncovered to allow the crust to become crispy, but it is tented with foil during the resting period.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields a 2 to 3 pound roast, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.
Can I substitute the pork loin with another cut?
This specific recipe is designed for pork loin; other cuts may require different cooking times and temperatures.
Is the parmesan cheese finely grated?
The recipe suggests 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of either grated or shredded parmesan.
How do I prepare the rosemary?
The rosemary leaves should be removed from the stems and finely chopped.
Can I use red wine instead of white?
The recipe specifically recommends dry white wine to complement the herb and pork flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this pork loin recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pork, roast, herb-crusted, party recipe, dinner, easy recipe, and make ahead.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The current data does not provide specific values for calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
What should the consistency of the herb crust be?
It should be a spreadable paste made from butter, cheese, herbs, and prosciutto.