Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce

There’s something about the combination of tender, savory pork and sweet-tart cranberry sauce that feels like the ultimate comfort meal, especially during the holidays. This Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce is a show-stopping main dish that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.

I love how the herb crust adds a flavorful, fragrant coating to the juicy pork loin, while the cranberry sauce provides the perfect contrast with its bright, fruity zing. My family always requests this dish for special dinners, and I’m more than happy to oblige—it’s a classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a winner.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: Yes! A pork tenderloin works as a leaner option, but reduce the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

Q: What herbs work best for the crust?
A: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley are ideal, but you can customize with sage or oregano for a unique twist.

Q: Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cranberry sauce can be made up to three days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Q: What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice pilaf make excellent accompaniments.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Store leftover pork and cranberry sauce separately in airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What You Need to Make Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce

• For the Pork Loin:
  • 2-pound pork loin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Cranberry Sauce:
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Herb Crust:
   • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
3. Season the Pork Loin:
   • Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Rub the herb mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring even coverage.
4. Roast the Pork Loin:
   • Place the pork loin on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
   • While the pork is roasting, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
6. Serve:
   • Slice the pork loin and serve with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce

• Room Temperature Pork: Let the pork sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even roasting.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Add a Glaze: For an extra touch, brush the pork with honey or maple syrup during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
• Cranberry Sauce Variations: Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth in the sauce.
• Rest the Pork: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the pork tender and juicy.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The herb crust was so flavorful, and the cranberry sauce paired perfectly with the pork. This is my new favorite holiday dish!” – Emily

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy to follow and absolutely delicious. My family loved it, and it looked so impressive on the table.” – John

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a dinner party, and everyone asked for the recipe. The cranberry sauce was a standout!” – Claire

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I swapped the orange juice for apple cider in the cranberry sauce, and it was amazing. Highly recommend!” – Sophie

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This dish was so simple yet elegant. The pork was juicy, and the herb crust was spot on.” – Michael

Printable Recipe

Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce is a tender, flavorful dish perfect for holidays or special occasions. The herb crust adds savory depth, while the cranberry sauce brings a bright, festive touch.

Print

Ingredients

• For the Pork Loin:
• 2-pound pork loin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Cranberry Sauce:
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Herb Crust:

• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to form a paste.

Season the Pork Loin:

• Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Rub the herb mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring even coverage.

Roast the Pork Loin:

• Place the pork loin on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Make the Cranberry Sauce:

• While the pork is roasting, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

Serve:

• Slice the pork loin and serve with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any special occasion or family dinner. If you loved this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with your friends and family on social media! Tag me in your posts so I can see your creations. Cooking is all about bringing people together, and this dish is sure to make every gathering unforgettable. Spread the joy, and happy cooking!