Christmas Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce is a festive and flavorful centerpiece perfect for holiday dinners. The tender pork pairs beautifully with a tangy homemade cranberry sauce that adds a bright, seasonal touch to the meal.

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs pork loin
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Season the pork loin with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Place the pork loin in a roasting pan.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Pour the cranberry sauce over the pork loin in the roasting pan.
6. Step 6: Roast the pork loin for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Step 7: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
8. Step 8: Serve the sliced pork loin with additional cranberry sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork loin with herbs and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
• Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the cranberry sauce for a citrus twist.
• Use fresh herbs like sage or parsley as an alternative to rosemary and thyme.
• Resting the meat after roasting is crucial to keep it moist and tender.

Storage

Store leftover pork loin and cranberry sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the pork moist, and warm the cranberry sauce on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well in the sauce. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess water before cooking.

How do I know when the pork loin is fully cooked?

The pork is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C). Letting it rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for the best texture.

Christmas Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 128 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This festive Christmas Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce combines a tender, herb-seasoned pork loin roasted to perfection and topped with a vibrant, homemade cranberry sauce. A perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners, this recipe balances savory and sweet flavors in an easy-to-follow method that yields juicy, flavorful meat and a tangy, fresh sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pork Loin

• 2–3 lbs pork loin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Cranberry Sauce

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the pork loin.
2. Season Pork Loin: Rub the pork loin evenly with olive oil, then season it thoroughly with salt, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme to infuse it with aromatic herbal flavors.
3. Prepare for Roasting: Place the seasoned pork loin in a roasting pan, ensuring it sits securely for even cooking.
4. Make Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Apply Sauce: Pour the warm cranberry sauce over the pork loin, coating the meat thoroughly to enhance flavor during roasting.
6. Roast Pork Loin: Roast the pork loin in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
7. Rest Meat: Remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy.
8. Serve: Slice the pork loin and serve it with additional cranberry sauce on the side for extra tang and sweetness, ideal for holiday celebrations.

Notes

• Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking.
• For a thicker cranberry sauce, simmer it a bit longer until desired consistency is achieved.
• Allow the pork to rest after roasting to maintain juiciness.
• Use fresh cranberries for best flavor, but frozen cranberries can be substituted if necessary.
• Rosemary and thyme can be adjusted to taste or replaced with sage for a different herbal note.
• If preferred, cranberry sauce can be served on the side rather than poured over the meat during roasting.
• This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete holiday meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas pork loin, cranberry sauce, holiday roast, festive pork recipe, roasted pork loin with cranberries, herb-seasoned pork, holiday dinner main course