Sizzling Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast Recipe for Weeknights

My kitchen adventures with a quick savory cranberry glazed pork loin roast always spark excitement among dinner guests.

Succulent meat paired with tart berry notes creates an irresistible combination.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly to craft a stunning main course.

Holiday gatherings demand memorable centerpiece dishes that wow everyone around the table.

Rich flavors emerge from simple techniques and carefully selected components.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how elegantly this recipe comes together.

You won’t believe how effortlessly delicious this pork roast can be.

Prepare to impress with minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact.

Why Quick Savory Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast Wins Dinner

• Elevate Holiday Dining: Impress guests with a stunning main course that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your family table.
• Master Complex Flavors Easily: Combine sweet cranberry and tangy mustard for a gourmet-style glaze without advanced cooking skills.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Impact: Create a show-stopping roast with just a few simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or special weekend meals that appeal to both adults and kids.

Ingredients in Quick Savory Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast

• Pork Loin: A tender and lean cut of meat that serves as the primary protein for this savory roast.

• Cranberry Sauce, Apple Jelly: Sweet and tangy fruit-based components that create a rich, glossy coating for the pork.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp and zesty flavor to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Chicken Bouillon: Provides depth and richness to the overall sauce flavor.

• Horseradish: Contributes a spicy and slightly pungent kick to the glaze.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a mild, aromatic seasoning that enhances the meat's flavor.
• Thyme: A classic herb that brings an earthy and subtle herbal note to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the pork and help create a flavorful crust.

How to Cook Quick Savory Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C), preparing it for a flavor-packed roasting adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glorious Glaze

• Cranberry sauce
• Apple jelly
• Dijon mustard
• Chicken bouillon
• Horseradish
• Garlic powder
• Thyme

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, stirring until everything melds into a harmonious sauce.

Step 3: Prep the Roasting Stage

Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Nestle the pork loin in the center, positioning the fatty side facing upward.

Shower the meat with a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Lavish with Glaze

Using a pastry brush or spoon, lovingly coat the pork with your freshly crafted cranberry glaze, ensuring every inch gets some delicious coverage.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for about 45 minutes. Every 10 minutes, baste the pork with additional glaze.

The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Carefully remove the roast from the oven.

Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve this magnificent cranberry-glazed masterpiece to eager diners.

Helpful Hints for a Juicy Pork Loin Roast

• Swap cranberry sauce with homemade cranberry compote for a more vibrant, fresh flavor profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the perfect internal temperature without overcooking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace chicken bouillon with low-sodium gluten-free broth or stock.
• Create a lower-sugar option by using sugar-free apple jelly and reducing the amount of cranberry sauce.
• Consider adding fresh rosemary or sage to the glaze for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.

Flavorful Ways to Switch Up Pork Loin Roast

• Citrus Cranberry Roast: Replace apple jelly with orange marmalade and add fresh orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the pork.
• Spicy Maple Cranberry Version: Swap horseradish with sriracha and use maple syrup instead of apple jelly, creating a sweet and heat-packed glaze that elevates the pork's richness.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Incorporate rosemary and oregano instead of thyme, and mix in some red wine vinegar to the glaze for a Mediterranean-inspired roast with complex undertones.
• Smoky Bourbon Cranberry Roast: Add bourbon whiskey to the glaze mixture and include a touch of smoked paprika, transforming the pork into a deeply flavored, southern-style dish with robust character.

Sides That Pair Well with Cranberry Glazed Pork

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that complements the sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, enhancing the pork's rich flavor profile.
• Serve with Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Create a side dish of crispy golden potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme, which harmonize perfectly with the herb notes in the cranberry glaze.
• Match with Crisp Apple Slaw: Prepare a light, refreshing apple and cabbage slaw dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the pork's richness and provide a bright, crunchy contrast.

How to Store Quick Savory Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap sliced pork tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pork slices in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Option: Place pork slices on a microwave-safe plate, drizzle with remaining glaze.

Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast FAQs

• How do I know when the pork loin is perfectly cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. When it reaches 145°F (63°C), your pork is cooked to a safe and juicy medium-rare.

• Can I use whole berry cranberry sauce instead of regular sauce?

Absolutely! Whole berry cranberry sauce will add extra texture and a more rustic feel to your glaze, making the dish even more delicious.

• What if I don't have apple jelly?

No worries. You can substitute with apricot preserves or honey, which will provide similar sweetness and help create a gorgeous glaze for the pork.

Quick Savory Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin Roast Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent pork loin meets tangy cranberry glaze in this irresistible holiday centerpiece. Seasonal flavors meld perfectly, promising a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 (3-pound/1.36 kg) pork loin roast

Sauce and Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) apple jelly
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) prepared horseradish

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C), ensuring the cooking environment is hot and ready for the pork loin.
2. Create a vibrant glaze by combining cranberry sauce, apple jelly, Dijon mustard, chicken bouillon, horseradish, garlic powder, and thyme in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Simmer the mixture gently, stirring continuously until the ingredients meld together and form a smooth, glossy sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Prepare a large baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place the pork loin in the center, positioning the fat side facing upward.
5. Generously season the pork with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
6. Carefully brush or spoon the prepared cranberry glaze over the seasoned pork, creating a rich, flavorful coating that will caramelize during roasting.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 45 minutes, periodically basting the meat with additional glaze every 10 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
8. Check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer; remove the roast when it reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
9. Transfer the pork loin to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent result.
10. Slice the roast and serve immediately, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Select a lean pork loin with minimal visible fat to ensure a healthier, less greasy final dish.
• Adjust the horseradish quantity based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization for different palate preferences.
• Use homemade or low-sugar cranberry sauce to control the glaze’s sweetness and reduce overall sugar content.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that the chicken bouillon and mustard are certified gluten-free before preparing the recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg