Gather your loved ones for a truly special holiday feast with this Cider-Glazed Roast Pork. Infused with the cozy, comforting flavors of apple cider, brown sugar, and warm spices, this juicy, tender pork roast is the ultimate centerpiece for your seasonal celebrations. With easy, chef-tested steps to guarantee reliable results, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Cider-Glazed Roast Pork for Holiday Gatherings
Hosting a holiday gathering can be stressful, but this Cider-Glazed Roast Pork makes it easy to impress your guests with minimum effort. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors creates a truly indulgent and craveable main dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The rich, velvety cider glaze perfectly complements the tender, juicy pork, while festive spices like cinnamon and cloves fill your kitchen with the inviting scents of the season. Plus, with make-ahead tips and simple, straightforward instructions, this recipe allows you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Cider-Glazed Roast Pork requires just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. You’ll need a bone-in pork loin roast, apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, fresh thyme, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. These classic fall flavors come together to create a truly irresistible holiday showstopper.
- 1 (4-5 lb) bone-in pork loin roast – the star of the show
- 2 cups apple cider – the base for our flavorful glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – adds caramelized sweetness
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – for tangy balance
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic foundation
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves – fresh herbal notes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – warm, cozy spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – earthy, comforting flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice – subtle holiday spice
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Roast: If you can’t find a bone-in pork loin roast, you can use a boneless pork loin roast instead. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Apple Cider: For the apple cider, you can also use apple juice or even hard cider for a slightly more pronounced flavor.
How to Make Cider-Glazed Roast Pork for Holiday Gatherings
Follow these easy, chef-tested steps to create a holiday-worthy Cider-Glazed Roast Pork:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to create the flavorful cider glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pork roast in a large, oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, and pour the cider glaze over the top, making sure to coat the entire surface of the meat. Roast the pork for 2-2.5 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the pork is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy, tender result. While the pork is resting, you can use the remaining glaze in the pan to make a delicious pan sauce, if desired.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To serve, slice the pork roast and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle any remaining cider glaze or pan sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a beautiful, festive presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: For a slightly different twist, try adding a touch of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the glaze for extra depth of flavor.
- Spice Blend: You can also experiment with different spice blends, such as using a combination of rosemary, sage, and black pepper.
- Leftover Pork: If you have any leftovers, the Cider-Glazed Roast Pork makes a fantastic base for sandwiches, salads, or even pork fried rice. Just be sure to store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Serving Idea: For a show-stopping presentation, try serving the Cider-Glazed Roast Pork on a large wooden board or platter, surrounded by roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and perhaps even a few slices of crispy bacon.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad, and perhaps a seasonal fruit compote or cranberry sauce.
Storage: Any leftover pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the pork in a baking dish and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This Cider-Glazed Roast Pork can be partially prepared in advance to make your holiday hosting even easier. You can mix the cider glaze and refrigerate it up to 3 days before cooking. On the day of your event, simply pour the glaze over the pork and roast as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Cider-Glazed Roast Pork is not only delicious, but it’s also a fairly nutritious dish. A 4-ounce serving provides approximately 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 4 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a great source of lean protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boneless pork loin roast instead of a bone-in roast?
Yes, you can use a boneless pork loin roast, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless pork roasts generally cook faster than bone-in, so be sure to check the internal temperature regularly and baste the roast frequently to prevent it from drying out.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This Cider-Glazed Roast Pork can be partially prepared in advance to make your holiday hosting even easier. You can mix the cider glaze and refrigerate it up to 3 days before cooking. On the day of your event, simply pour the glaze over the pork and roast as directed. You can also roast the pork a day or two in advance, let it cool, and then reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use hard cider instead of regular apple cider?
Absolutely! Using hard cider will give your Cider-Glazed Roast Pork a slightly more pronounced, adult-friendly flavor. Just keep in mind that the alcohol content may cause the glaze to caramelize more quickly, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on the pork and adjust the basting schedule as needed.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your Cider-Glazed Roast Pork is cooked through is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it’s not touching any bone. The pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Can I use this recipe for a smaller pork loin or tenderloin?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted for a smaller pork roast. For a 2-3 pound pork loin or tenderloin, you’ll want to reduce the cooking time to 1-1.5 hours, and adjust the amount of glaze accordingly. Just be sure to keep a close eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Try These Next
- Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Bites For Holiday Gatherings
- Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins For Holiday Parties
- Savory Herb Glazed Turkey Meatballs For Friendsgiving
Cider-Glazed Roast Pork for Festive Holiday Gatherings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
A succulent roast pork glazed with a sweet and tangy cider sauce, perfect for festive holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs pork loin roast
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together apple cider, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Place the pork loin in a roasting pan and pour the cider mixture over it.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the glaze.
5. Check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
6. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve with the remaining glaze.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the cider mixture overnight. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pork, roast, cider, holiday, festive