If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both delicious and impressive, this Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze is the perfect recipe to try! With a flavorful balance of tangy cranberries, sharp Dijon mustard, and the sweet richness of apple cider, this pork roast delivers an unforgettable combination of flavors that will have your family or guests asking for seconds. It’s especially special because you can easily make this at home, and it’s perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or a holiday gathering. Just like the recipe you mentioned, it’s a favorite and sure to be loved by anyone who tries it!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because the sweet and savory elements complement each other beautifully. The pork loin is juicy and tender, while the glaze made with apple cider, Dijon mustard, and cranberries adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Cooking the pork in the oven allows it to retain moisture while developing a golden, flavorful crust. The glaze finishes it off with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that ties everything together, making it the perfect dish for special occasions or when you want to impress someone you love.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the Pork Loin Roast:
3-4 lb pork loin roast, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries (if you prefer)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for an added layer of flavor)
For Serving:
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables (to accompany)
How to Make This Recipe
Prepare the Pork Loin:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rub the pork loin roast with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Optionally, sprinkle with dried thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
Place the seasoned pork loin on a roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet.
Roast the Pork Loin:
Roast the pork loin in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The cooking time will depend on the size of your roast and your oven. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). To ensure the meat is juicy and tender, be careful not to overcook it.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
While the pork is roasting, prepare the apple cider glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, Dijon mustard, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, butter, cinnamon, and ginger (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and reduced by half. It should be syrupy and slightly sticky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (you can add more sugar or vinegar to balance the sweetness or acidity).
Glaze the Pork:
Once the pork loin has rested, slice it into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter.
Drizzle the apple cider glaze over the sliced pork. If you prefer, you can also pour the glaze directly over the entire roast before serving.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the dish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
Serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
For extra flavor: Before roasting, you can sear the pork loin in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a golden crust. This will add extra flavor to the exterior of the roast.
Make ahead: You can prepare the apple cider glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before drizzling over the pork.
Leftovers: If you have any leftover pork, it’s great in sandwiches, wraps, or sliced over a salad the next day.
Cranberries: If you prefer fresh cranberries, simply cook them down in the apple cider with sugar until they burst and become soft, creating a homemade cranberry sauce for the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
Mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.
Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a delicious vegetable side.
A light apple salad with spinach, walnuts, and feta cheese complements the flavors of the roast and provides a refreshing contrast.
Timing
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (for the roast) + 15 minutes for the glaze
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
This Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze recipe is a delicious and easy way to make a flavorful pork roast at home. With its tangy and sweet glaze, it’s a meal that will leave everyone impressed. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating your family to something extraordinary, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.