Cranberry Roast Pork
A flavorful roast pork infused with bright cranberry and orange flavors, complemented by warm spices—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Rub the pork roast with salt and pepper.
- Place the roast on a rack in a broiler pan.
- Bake for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer reaches 175°F.
- In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, cranberries, and chopped onion, then bring to a boil.
- Remove the sauce from heat.
- About halfway through the baking process, baste the roast with the cranberry mixture.
- Repeat basting every 15 minutes until the roast is done.
- Serve the remaining sauce with sliced roast.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the orange juice mixture overnight. If fresh cranberries are available, consider using them for a tart twist. You can substitute the pork roast with a pork loin or tenderloin if you prefer a leaner cut. Adjust the baking time accordingly for smaller cuts, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the roast thinly and serve it with the warm cranberry sauce drizzled on top. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes or Green Beans Bundles for a festive meal. For a complete feast, consider complementing it with Sallie'S Special Baked Beans and a fresh salad for balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or the cranberry sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, use a microwave on low power, checking frequently to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Roast Pork contains roughly 143 calories, with 1g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2932mg per serving (127% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as they may require longer to break down. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the sauce to avoid excess moisture.
What can I serve with Cranberry Roast Pork?
This roast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For an extra treat, look into making Aloha Ham Loaves for a delightful combination.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The best way to check if the pork is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast; it should read 175°F for well-done pork. For a juicier result, consider cooking it to 145°F and letting it rest before slicing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).