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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C), ensuring the cooking environment is hot and ready for the pork loin.
- 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.
- Simmer the mixture gently, stirring continuously until the ingredients meld together and form a smooth, glossy sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- Generously season the pork with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
- Carefully brush or spoon the prepared cranberry glaze over the seasoned pork, creating a rich, flavorful coating that will caramelize during roasting.
- 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.
- Check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer; remove the roast when it reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
- 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.
- 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