This Cranberry Apple Pork Loin Roast is a tasty dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners! The sweet apples and tart cranberries create a wonderful flavor that pairs beautifully with the juicy pork.
Whenever I make this roast, my friends can’t help but swoon over the yummy smells filling the kitchen. It’s easy to prepare and looks impressive on the table—what’s not to love? 🍏🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: The star ingredient! A 2 to 3-pound boneless roast is excellent for this dish; however, you can also use a bone-in roast for extra flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Apples: I recommend using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness. If you’re looking for alternatives, Granny Smith apples offer a nice tang, while Braeburn adds complexity. Choose based on your taste!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are tart and bright. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work too; just let them thaw before use. You can even swap them out for dried cranberries, but you may want to reduce the sugar a bit.
Apple Cider: Using apple cider adds depth, but if you don’t have any, apple juice is a fine substitute. For those avoiding sugar, unsweetened cranberry juice can add a tangy kick.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Searing Pork Loin?
Searing is crucial for flavor! It creates a beautiful crust. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding olive oil.
- Use a generous amount of salt and pepper before searing for flavor.
- Don’t rush it; allow the pork to brown for 3-4 minutes on each side without moving it too much. This builds up a lovely crust.
- Once seared, let it rest a bit before placing it into the oven to maintain its juiciness.
Cranberry Apple Pork Loin Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Roast:
- 2 to 3-pound boneless pork loin roast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Apple and Cranberry Mixture:
- 1 medium apple (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Optional Garnish:
- Additional fresh thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful roast takes about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 50-60 minutes for cooking. With an additional 10 minutes to rest after cooking, you can have this delicious main dish ready in under 1.5 hours—making it perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your roast cooks evenly right from the start!
2. Season the Pork:
Pat your pork loin dry with paper towels. Generously season it with salt and black pepper on all sides, giving it a nice flavor boost for cooking.
3. Sear the Pork:
In a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully sear the pork loin on all sides until nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. This step creates a delicious crust!
4. Sauté the Apples and Cranberries:
Remove the pork loin temporarily from the pan. In the same pan, toss in the sliced apples, cranberries, minced garlic, brown sugar, and thyme. Stir this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until your kitchen fills with a wonderful aroma!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to create a flavorful sauce.
6. Combine and Roast:
Place the pork loin back into the pan on top of the apple and cranberry mixture. Transfer the whole pan to your preheated oven and roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Rest the Roast:
Once your roast is beautifully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time keeps it juicy and tender when you slice it.
8. Slice and Serve:
Carefully slice the pork loin and spoon the apple-cranberry sauce generously over the top. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs if you like.
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve this delicious roast warm, alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful and visually inviting Cranberry Apple Pork Loin Roast!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes! While a boneless pork loin roast is ideal, you can also use a pork tenderloin or bone-in pork chop. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary; tenderloin cooks faster than a loin roast, so adjust accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or sauce to keep them moist, and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple and cranberry mixture and sear the pork a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them separately. Bring them to room temperature before roasting the next day to ensure even cooking.
What Are Some Variations for the Sauce?
If you want to mix it up, you can add some orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist! Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar can introduce a tangy depth to the flavor, complementing the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.