recipes

Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze

6 min read

A Sweet, Savory, and Elegant Main Dish for Any Occasion

Few things look as impressive on the table as a perfectly roasted pork loin. When it’s topped with a deep red cranberry-Dijon glaze and finished with an aromatic apple cider reduction, it’s not just dinner — it’s an experience. The tender pork roast is juicy and subtly seasoned, pairing beautifully with the bold tang of cranberries, the warmth of Dijon mustard, and the gentle sweetness of apple cider.

This recipe is not only visually stunning but also surprisingly simple to execute. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive meal or an elevated weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress.

🧾 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✅ Crowd-pleasing centerpiece for family dinners or holidays

  • ✅ Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory

  • ✅ Pork loin stays juicy thanks to simple roasting technique

  • ✅ Apple cider glaze adds restaurant-level flavor

  • ✅ Easy to make ahead and reheat

🍽 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

🐷 For the Pork Loin:

  • 3–4 lb boneless pork loin roast

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon rosemary

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

  • 1 cup chicken broth or apple cider (for roasting pan)

🍒 For the Cranberry Dijon Glaze:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • ½ cup apple cider

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • Pinch of salt

🍎 For the Apple Cider Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 ½ cups apple cider

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water, if you prefer a thicker glaze)

🧂 Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs

  • Pomegranate seeds or extra cranberries for color

  • Sliced apples or orange wedges

🛠 Equipment Needed

  • Roasting pan with rack or baking dish

  • Saucepan (for glaze)

  • Meat thermometer

  • Aluminum foil

  • Basting brush (optional)

  • Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth glaze)

⏲ Time Overview

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 60–75 minutes

  • Resting Time: 10–15 minutes

  • Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika into a paste.

  3. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels.

  4. Rub the seasoning paste all over the pork loin, covering all sides.

  5. Place the roast fat-side up in a roasting pan fitted with a rack or into a lined baking dish.

  6. Pour 1 cup of broth or cider into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist and infuse flavor as it roasts.

🔥 Tip: Let the pork rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before roasting for more even cooking.

🔥 Step 2: Roast the Pork

  1. Place the pork in the preheated oven.

  2. Roast uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached.

  3. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, baste the pork with the cranberry glaze (see next step) every 5–7 minutes.

  4. When done, remove the roast, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

🍒 Step 3: Make the Cranberry Dijon Glaze

While the pork is roasting:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:

    • Cranberries

    • Apple cider

    • Brown sugar

    • Apple cider vinegar

    • Dijon mustard

    • Pinch of salt

  2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and the mixture thickens.

  3. Stir in the butter to finish.

  4. Optional: Blend the mixture using a blender or immersion blender for a smooth glaze. Or leave it chunky for texture.

  5. Keep warm until ready to baste the roast and serve.

🍯 Step 4: Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze (Optional)

  1. In a small saucepan, bring apple cider to a boil and reduce by about half (8–10 minutes).

  2. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, and butter.

  3. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and whisk in.

  4. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until glossy and syrupy.

  5. Use as a finishing drizzle when serving.

🔪 Step 5: Slice and Serve

  1. Slice the pork roast into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.

  2. Arrange on a serving platter or individual plates.

  3. Spoon the remaining cranberry glaze over the top.

  4. Drizzle the apple cider glaze on the plate or over the meat for extra shine and flavor.

  5. Garnish with fresh herbs, cranberries, or apple slices for presentation.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with classic fall and holiday sides:

Starches:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes

  • Garlic and herb roasted sweet potatoes

  • Wild rice pilaf

  • Buttery egg noodles

Vegetables:

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic

  • Honey-glazed carrots

  • Sautéed green beans with almonds

  • Butternut squash purée

Breads:

  • Warm dinner rolls

  • Rustic sourdough

  • Cornbread

Don’t forget a crisp salad or a fruity slaw to balance the rich flavors.

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate:

  • Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Keep the cranberry glaze and cider sauce in separate containers.

Freeze:

  • Freeze pork and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat:

  • Warm slices gently in a covered dish at 300°F for 15–20 minutes.

  • Reheat glaze on the stovetop or microwave until warm and pourable.

🔁 Flavor Variations

🧄 Garlic-Herb Crusted Version:

  • Add minced fresh garlic, sage, or rosemary to the seasoning rub.

🌶 Spicy-Tangy Glaze:

  • Add 1–2 tablespoons of hot pepper jelly or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a kick.

🍊 Orange Cranberry Twist:

  • Swap apple cider with orange juice in the glaze for a citrusy punch.

🥃 Bourbon Apple Glaze:

  • Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the cider glaze for depth.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 380

  • Protein: 33g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbs: 17g

  • Sugar: 11g

  • Sodium: 450mg

(Values will vary based on glaze and serving size)

✅ Expert Tips

  • Internal temp matters: Always use a meat thermometer — pork is perfectly juicy at 145°F.

  • Don’t skip resting: This locks in the juices and makes slicing easier.

  • Double the glaze: Make extra cranberry glaze — it’s great on turkey, ham, or even sandwiches.

  • Presentation counts: Serve on a wooden board or white platter with a drizzle of glaze for a gourmet touch.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Apple Cider Glaze is a dish that brings together warmth, elegance, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, cooking a Sunday family dinner, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly impressive.

The savory richness of the pork, the sweet tang of cranberries, and the velvety apple cider glaze come together in harmony — creating a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like...