Description
This Thanksgiving Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast combines tender roasted pork with a tangy Dijon and brown sugar rub, a festive cranberry-apple topping, and a sweet-tart apple cider glaze. It’s an elegant and flavorful alternative to traditional turkey for a holiday dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pork Loin:
- 3–4 lb pork loin roast
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cranberry Apple Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, brown sugar, olive oil, dried thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork loin.
- Place the pork loin in a roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the oven, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- While the pork roasts, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cranberries, diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the apples soften and the cranberries begin to pop. Set aside.
- For the glaze, combine apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar in another saucepan. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
- Slice the rested pork loin and arrange it on a serving platter. Spoon the cranberry-apple topping over the pork and drizzle with the apple cider glaze. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
- Allowing the pork to rest before slicing helps keep it juicy.
- The cranberry-apple topping and cider glaze can be prepared while the pork is roasting.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving pork loin, cranberry Dijon pork, cranberry pork loin, apple cider glaze, Thanksgiving dinner, pork loin roast, holiday pork roast, cranberry apple pork