Savory Cranberry-Apple Glazed Pork Loin Roast
This Savory Cranberry-Apple Glazed Pork Loin Roast is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of succulent pork with the tart sweetness of cranberries and apples. Inspired by a classic Southern recipe, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The pork loin roast is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat that pairs beautifully with the caramelized apples and zesty cranberry glaze. Whether you choose to make it in the crock pot or the oven, this meal will impress your family and friends. Although you can omit the apples for a simpler version, their sweetness adds a wonderful depth of flavor that truly elevates the dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Loin Roast
3 lbs (Trim excess fat)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Cranberry Sauce
1 (16 ounce) can (Ready to use)
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
Apple Juice
1/2 cup (Ready to use)
Apples
2 (Cored, peeled, and coarsely chopped)
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your pork loin roast. Pat it dry with paper towels, then rub the minced garlic all over the surface of the meat, ensuring it's evenly coated.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and apple juice. Stir until well blended.
3
Add the coarsely chopped apples to the sauce mixture and stir gently to combine.
4
Place the pork loin in a slow cooker or a roasting pan. Pour the cranberry-apple mixture over the top, ensuring that the roast is well-coated.
5
If using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 7-9 hours, until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 160°F (71°C). If cooking in the oven, preheat to 325°F (163°C) and roast for about 2-3 hours, or until fully cooked.
6
Once cooked, remove the pork from the cooker or oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
7
Serve slices of the pork loin garnished with the cranberry-apple mixture, and enjoy alongside rice and a fresh side salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Savory Cranberry-Apple Glazed Pork Loin Roast?
The main protein used in this recipe is a 3-pound pork loin roast.
What are the two cooking methods suggested for this recipe?
You can prepare this dish using either a slow cooker or an oven.
How long does the pork need to cook in a slow cooker?
When using a slow cooker, cook the pork loin roast on the low setting for 7 to 9 hours.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting?
If cooking in the oven, preheat it to 325°F (163°C).
How long should the pork roast in the oven?
The roast should cook in the oven for approximately 2 to 3 hours or until fully cooked.
What internal temperature should the pork reach?
The internal temperature of the pork should reach 160°F (71°C) to be considered safe and fully cooked.
How many apples are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 apples, which should be cored, peeled, and coarsely chopped.
Can I omit the apples from the glaze?
Yes, you can omit the apples for a simpler version, though they add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
What type of cranberry sauce is needed?
You will need one 16-ounce can of cranberry sauce.
How much brown sugar is used in the glaze?
The glaze requires 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What liquid is added to the cranberry-apple mixture?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of apple juice.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Use 2 cloves of garlic that have been minced.
What is the first step in preparing the pork?
Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and rub the minced garlic evenly over the surface of the meat.
How do you make the glaze mixture?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and apple juice, then stir in the chopped apples.
Should the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, let the pork rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to help it retain its juices.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this roast?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice and a fresh side salad.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and is perfect for special occasions.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, this recipe is designed to be incredibly easy to prepare, making it suitable for beginners.
Do I need to trim the pork before cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to trim any excess fat from the pork loin roast.
How is the glaze applied to the pork?
The cranberry-apple mixture should be poured over the top of the roast once it is placed in the slow cooker or roasting pan.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It offers a delightful combination of savory pork, tart cranberries, and sweet caramelized apples.
What is the source of inspiration for this dish?
This dish is inspired by a classic Southern recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: pork loin, garlic, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, apples, salt, and pepper.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal for easy cleanup.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
The recipe specifies a 16-ounce can of cranberry sauce for the best glaze consistency.
What should I do with the sauce remaining in the pan?
Serve the sliced pork loin garnished with the cooked cranberry-apple mixture from the pan.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized under comfort food tags.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste.
Is the pork loin slow-cooked or roasted?
It can be either slow-cooked or roasted depending on your preference and available equipment.
What is the texture of the meat when finished?
The meat should be tender and juicy after slow-cooking or roasting and resting properly.