Contents

Juicy Pork Loin Roast with Tangy Balsamic Cranberry Sauce: A Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

This incredible Pork Loin Roast with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce is the ultimate showstopper for any gathering. Imagine a perfectly cooked, moist, and tender pork loin, generously coated in a luscious, sweet-tart balsamic cranberry sauce that glistens with flavor. It’s truly a dish that speaks volumes of warmth and celebration, making it ideal for holiday meals and special occasions.

(Disclaimer: This content was developed in collaboration with the National Pork Board #Porksgiving program as a member of One2One Network. While compensation was received, all opinions expressed are genuinely my own.)

Embracing the Joy of Holiday Gatherings and Meaningful Meals

As the holiday season draws near, there’s an undeniable magic in the air. For many, this time of year is synonymous with gathering loved ones around a table, sharing laughter, stories, and, of course, delicious food. There’s truly nothing quite as fulfilling as connecting with family and friends over a beautifully prepared meal.

When my husband and I embarked on the journey of parenthood, we often discussed the values and traditions we wished to instill in our family. Paramount among these was the importance of the family meal. We both cherished memories of growing up with nightly family dinners, a consistent and comforting ritual. You could practically set your watch by the dinner bell, and those moments around the table were invaluable for bonding and sharing our daily lives.

This tradition continues to thrive in our own home. Dinner is typically served around 5:30 P.M., and it’s a cherished time when we gather at our kitchen table. We pause to say grace, share a hearty meal, and recount the day’s events. While it’s not always possible for all six of us to be there every single night – with busy college-aged children, active younger ones, and my husband’s work travels – we make the most of the moments we have. For those who are present, there is always a warm meal and an opportunity to connect. And, of course, our door is always open; there’s always enough food for an unexpected guest, and my heart is truly happiest when every seat at our table is filled.

#Porksgiving: Giving Back Through the Gift of a Home-Cooked Meal

The National Pork Board champions a wonderful initiative called #Porksgiving. It’s a heartwarming program dedicated to celebrating gratitude and giving back to those who consistently give to others. There’s arguably no gesture more sincere or impactful than saying “thank you” or “I am grateful for you” with a delicious, home-cooked meal. It’s a personal expression of appreciation that nourishes both body and soul.

This holiday season, I encourage you to consider: Who are YOU most grateful for? Who deserves the special effort of a meal prepared with love and thoughtfulness? Imagine the smiles and warmth you could bring by offering a plate of something truly special.

Just recently, our family gathered around a table laden with this magnificent Pork Loin Roast with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce. We paired it with creamy garlic whipped mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying meal. Every day, I am profoundly grateful for my family. There is truly no one else I would rather share such a memorable meal with, celebrating our connection and the simple joy of being together.

Why Pork Loin Roast is a Fantastic Choice for Your Holiday Table

Pork loin roast is an excellent option for holiday meals for several reasons. It’s a lean, versatile cut that, when cooked correctly, remains incredibly tender and juicy. Its mild flavor serves as a perfect canvas for bold sauces like our balsamic cranberry creation. Furthermore, it’s often more economical than other holiday roasts, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. With its impressive presentation and relatively straightforward cooking process, it’s a dish that looks sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to master. It truly embodies comfort and elegance.

Crafting the Perfect Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

The secret to elevating this pork loin from great to extraordinary lies in its exquisite sauce. The balsamic cranberry sauce offers a delightful balance of flavors – the tartness of fresh cranberries, the sweetness of sugar, the bright citrus notes of orange zest and juice, and the deep, complex tang of balsamic vinegar. Shallots and garlic provide an aromatic base, adding depth and savory richness. As it simmers, the sauce thickens to a glossy, spoonable consistency, perfect for drizzling generously over each succulent slice of pork. This sauce isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s an integral part of the dish, creating a symphony of flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates.

The combination of pork and fruit is a classic for a reason. The richness of the pork is beautifully cut by the acidity and sweetness of the cranberries and orange, while the balsamic vinegar adds a sophisticated, savory counterpoint. This makes every bite a complex and satisfying experience.

~~~

ENJOYED THIS RECIPE?
Share your thoughts and leave a star rating below!

Overhead view of Pork Loin Roast with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

(Rated 4.42 out of 5 stars by 12 users)

Print Recipe

Pork Loin Roast with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

This pork roast is incredibly moist and tender, perfectly complemented by the most delicious balsamic cranberry sauce.

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Course: Pork |
Cuisine: American |
Keyword: Pork Loin Roast with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

Servings: 8 servings |
Calories: 3590 kcal |
Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer

Ingredients

3 pound Pork Loin Roast
Salt & Pepper to taste
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

For the Sauce:

1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup water
3 Tablespoons sugar
Zest and juice of 1 large orange
1 Tablespoon butter
1/2 cup shallots, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Generously season all sides of the pork loin roast with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully sear the pork roast on all sides until nicely browned. This creates a flavorful crust.
Transfer the Dutch oven with the seared pork to the preheated oven. Roast until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) when measured with a digital meat thermometer. This typically takes approximately 30 minutes, but cooking times may vary based on your oven and the exact thickness of the roast.
While the pork roast is baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and the zest and juice of one large orange. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst, and the sauce will naturally thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the pork roast reaches its target internal temperature, remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Carefully transfer the roast to a plate, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
While the pork rests, prepare the pan sauce. Add butter to the drippings remaining in the Dutch oven (still over medium heat). Once melted, add the diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavor. Stir in the prepared cranberry sauce and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
To serve, slice the rested pork loin roast into generous portions and drizzle generously with the warm balsamic cranberry sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

~~~

Join the #Porksgiving Movement and Share the Joy

Don’t let the opportunity pass to spread joy and appreciation through the simple, yet profound, act of sharing a meal. Get inspired to give back with juicy, tender pork all season long by visiting PorkBeInspired.com/Porksgiving. On this platform, the National Pork Board shares inspiring stories highlighting how Americans nationwide are expressing gratitude and giving thanks with the thoughtful gift of pork.

For more delicious and inspiring pork-focused recipes, and to become part of a community that celebrates the versatility and flavor of pork, be sure to follow the National Pork Board on their social media channels: Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Let’s make this holiday season a time of unforgettable flavors and heartfelt connections, all centered around the joy of giving and sharing a wonderful meal.