The Perfect Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Succulent orange cranberry pork loin roast brings a burst of vibrant flavors to your dinner table.

Festive and aromatic, this dish combines tangy citrus with sweet-tart berries.

Juicy pork becomes the perfect canvas for a remarkable culinary creation.

Holiday meals deserve something special that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of rich, complex notes.

Each slice promises a tender, mouthwatering experience that will have you craving more.

Grab your apron and prepare to impress everyone at the table with this show-stopping centerpiece.

Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast Bursting with Flavor

• Unlock Gourmet Flavors: Elevate your home cooking with a restaurant-worthy dish that combines tangy orange, sweet cranberry, and succulent pork in one impressive meal.
• Impress Without Stress: This recipe looks complicated but requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to create a stunning main course without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or weekend special meals that appeal to both adults and kids with its balanced, delicious flavor profile.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, transforming basic components into a sophisticated, mouthwatering roast that feels like a culinary achievement.

Ingredients to Gather for Pork Loin Roast Success

• Pork Loin: A lean and tender cut that serves as the main protein for this flavorful roast.

• Orange Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Marmalade, Cranberry Sauce: A vibrant combination that creates a sweet and tangy glaze for the pork.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential ingredients that enhance the meat's flavor and help create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Orange Slices, Cranberries: Fresh garnishes that add visual appeal and complement the dish's citrus and berry notes.

Instructions for Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roasting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Give your pork loin a gentle pat-down with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Season and Oil

Massage the pork with a light coating of olive oil.

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Create a Golden Crust

Fire up a pan until it’s screaming hot.

Sear the pork, turning it carefully to brown each side.

You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that’ll make mouths water.

Step 4: Craft the Flavor Explosion

• Orange juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Marmalade
• Cranberry sauce

Stir until everything comes together in delicious harmony.

Step 5: Prepare for Roasting

Transfer the seared pork to a roasting pan.

Pour the glaze over the meat, making sure it’s well-coated.

Step 6: Slow and Steady Cooking

Slide the pan into the oven.

Roast for 60-80 minutes, showing some love by basting with sauce every 20 minutes.

Keep an eye on the internal temperature – you want it to hit 140-145F for perfect doneness.

Step 7: Take a Breather

Once out of the oven, tent the roast with foil and let it rest.

This is when the magic happens – juices redistribute, making the meat extra tender.

Step 8: Sauce Magic

While the meat rests, grab the pan and add a splash of orange juice.

Simmer and reduce the sauce until it thickens into liquid gold.

Step 9: Bring It to the Table

Slice the roast with confidence.

Drizzle with the glossy sauce.

Add a few fresh orange slices and cranberries for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Pork Loin Roast: Top Tips for Tender Results

• Pat the pork loin completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and lock in moisture during roasting.
• Use fresh orange juice and high-quality cranberry sauce to create a vibrant, tangy glaze that complements the rich pork.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking that can make the pork tough and dry.
• Baste the pork regularly during roasting to infuse extra flavor and keep the meat succulent throughout cooking.
• Allow the roast to rest under foil for exactly 10 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and ensures tender, juicy slices when serving.

Pork Loin Roast Flavor Options for More Excitement

• Herb-Crusted Alternative: Replace marmalade with Dijon mustard and coat pork with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage before roasting for an aromatic herbal version.
• Spicy Citrus Swap: Substitute cranberry sauce with mango chutney and add red pepper flakes to create a zesty, slightly spicy orange-infused roast.
• Low-Carb Modification: Use sugar-free orange marmalade and omit cranberry sauce for a diabetic-friendly option that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Replace apple cider vinegar with white wine, add olives and capers to the glaze, transforming the roast into a Mediterranean-style dish.

Serving Orange Cranberry Pork Loin for Dinner Parties

• Festive Feast Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes beautifully complement the tangy orange cranberry flavors, soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Holiday Table Star: Arrange the sliced pork loin on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a stunning presentation.
• Seasonal Side Delight: Roasted winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips provide a hearty and colorful accompaniment that matches the dish's warm, rich profile.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied pinot noir or a crisp Riesling to balance the pork's richness and enhance the citrusy cranberry notes.

Storing Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast Properly

• Store leftover pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap sliced pork tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place pork in baking dish, add splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• What makes this pork loin roast unique?

The combination of orange juice, marmalade, and cranberry sauce creates a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the savory pork, giving it a delightful flavor profile.

• Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for pork loin, you could also use pork tenderloin, adjusting the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Just make sure to use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

• How do I know when the pork is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 140-145F. This ensures the pork is cooked through but remains juicy and tender.

Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich orange cranberry pork loin roast brings festive holiday flavors to your dinner table with bold Mediterranean-inspired zest. Juicy roasted pork mingles with tangy cranberries and bright citrus, creating a memorable main course you’ll savor and celebrate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) boneless pork loin roast

Liquid Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) orange juice (divided)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sweet orange marmalade (1/2 jar)
• 7 ounces (198 grams) whole cranberry sauce (1/2 can)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and thoroughly drying the pork loin with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning and searing.
2. Massage the pork with olive oil, then generously coat with salt and pepper, covering all surfaces for maximum flavor penetration.
3. Heat a skillet to high temperature and sear the pork, rotating every 2 minutes to create a golden-brown crust on all sides, approximately 10 minutes total.
4. Create a vibrant glaze by whisking together orange juice, apple cider vinegar, marmalade, and cranberry sauce in a mixing bowl until well combined.
5. Transfer the seared pork into a roasting pan and lavishly coat with the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage.
6. Roast the pork in the preheated oven, periodically basting with sauce every 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140-145F, which typically takes 60-80 minutes.
7. Remove the roast from the oven and tent with foil, allowing it to rest for 10 minutes to redistribute internal juices and ensure tenderness.
8. While the pork rests, pour remaining orange juice into the roasting pan and simmer the sauce, reducing and intensifying its flavors.
9. Slice the roasted pork, drizzle with the thickened sauce, and garnish with fresh orange slices and cranberries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Pat the pork completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect crispy exterior and prevent steaming during searing.
• Replace cranberry sauce with raspberry preserves or apricot jam for a different flavor profile that still complements the pork.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, as pork loin can quickly become dry and tough when left too long in the oven.
• Prepare the glaze a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors and save time on cooking day.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 317
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 264 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg