Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is like that friend who brings joy to every gathering—warm, comforting, and always ready to impress. Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the sweet and tangy aroma of cranberry sauce mingling with savory pork, reminiscent of cozy family dinners and holiday feasts. This dish doesn’t just fill your belly; it fills your heart with nostalgia!
Now, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you want nothing more than a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter the Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin, a culinary superhero that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor—a true testament to the power of slow cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to kick back while it cooks.
- The flavor profile blends tart cranberries with savory pork for a delightful taste experience.
- Visually, it’s stunning with its vibrant cranberry glaze coating the tender meat.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main course for any occasion or even as leftovers for sandwiches!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pork Loin: A boneless pork loin works best, ensuring it stays juicy during cooking. Aim for around 2-3 pounds.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; either one adds the perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Onion: One medium onion chopped will add depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic (about three cloves) minced makes everything better—trust me!
For seasoning:
- Salt and Pepper: Use these staples generously; they enhance all flavors beautifully.
- Thyme: Dried thyme gives a lovely herbal note that complements the pork perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Begin by patting your pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear later if you choose to brown it first (though it’s not necessary). Season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), and then add minced garlic for another minute until fragrant. This step adds an incredible base flavor!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork loin on top, then pour in your cranberry sauce evenly over everything. Feel free to lick that spoon—it’s practically mandatory!
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 6-8 hours or high for around 4 hours. Go live your life while this beauty cooks away!
Step 5: Check for Doneness
When time’s up, check if your pork loin has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). If so, congratulations—you’ve nailed it!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked through, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for about ten minutes before slicing. Serve with a drizzle of that luscious cranberry sauce over each slice.
Just imagine plating this gorgeous dish: tender slices of succulent pork glistening under a rich cranberry glaze—your guests will be begging for seconds!
You Must Know
- This slow cooker cranberry pork loin is not just a dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that practically cooks itself.
- The blend of sweet and savory flavors will have your taste buds dancing.
- Plus, the cleanup is minimal—who doesn’t love that?
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate slow cooker cranberry pork loin, start by searing the pork for a beautiful crust. Then, toss it into the slow cooker along with cranberries and seasonings. Let it simmer low and slow while you sip on your favorite drink.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up this recipe! Try adding sliced apples for extra sweetness or swapping cranberries for apricots. You can also use different herbs like rosemary or thyme to give it a unique spin.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sear your pork loin before adding it to the slow cooker; this enhances flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the resting period after cooking—it’s key to juicy meat.
- Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker model; some run hotter than others.
It was during a family gathering that I first made this slow cooker cranberry pork loin. Everyone raved about it, and my aunt even asked for the recipe—talk about pressure!
FAQs:
What is the best way to serve Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin?
Serving Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is simple and delightful. Pair the tender pork with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful cranberry sauce. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. The sweet and tangy flavors complement many sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Can I prepare Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin in advance. To do this, season and sear the pork loin a day ahead, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also mix the cranberry sauce ingredients and refrigerate them separately. On cooking day, simply combine everything in your slow cooker and let it cook until perfectly tender.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin?
Cooking Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin typically takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the pork remains juicy and tender. Always check that the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Can I use frozen pork loin for this recipe?
While it’s recommended to use fresh pork loin for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen pork loin as well. Just ensure that you thaw it completely before cooking. If starting from frozen, increase your cooking time by about an hour to ensure thorough cooking. Keep an eye on the internal temperature for safety and quality.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin:
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is an easy yet impressive dish that combines savory and sweet flavors seamlessly. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe makes weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings special. Remember, allowing ample cooking time helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness we all love in pork loin. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 13 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin combines tender pork with a luscious cranberry glaze, creating a heartwarming dish perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds boneless pork loin
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- 1. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- 2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 3. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork loin on top. Pour cranberry sauce evenly over everything.
- 4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- 5. Ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
- 6. Once cooked, let the pork rest for about ten minutes before slicing. Drizzle with cranberry sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider searing the pork loin before placing it in the slow cooker. You can add sliced apples or substitute cranberries with apricots for a different twist.
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