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Crown Pork Roast Recipe: Easy Holiday Showstopper for Festive Dinners

crown pork roast recipe - featured image

This crown pork roast is a stunning holiday centerpiece, featuring juicy, tender pork seasoned with herbs, garlic, and a touch of apple cider. It’s easy to prepare, delivers bold flavor, and is sure to impress guests at any festive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 crown pork roast (810 lbs), ribs prepared in crown shape
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup apple cider (or chicken broth/white wine)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 23 cups stuffing (optional, for filling the center)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or fresh herbs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place crown pork roast in a large roasting pan, bone tips up. If not pre-shaped, tie ribs with kitchen twine to form a circle. Let roast come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture all over pork, pressing into nooks. Spread Dijon mustard on top and sprinkle brown sugar if using.
  3. Wrap exposed bones with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  4. Pour apple cider (or broth/wine) into the bottom of the pan.
  5. If using stuffing, mound stuffing into the center of the crown, leaving room for expansion.
  6. Roast in oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Check after 1 hour, baste with pan juices, and rotate pan for even browning.
  7. Remove roast from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 20 minutes.
  8. Remove twine and foil. Slice between ribs for individual chops, spoon stuffing onto plates, and garnish with parsley, apple slices, or pomegranate seeds.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Tie the crown firmly with kitchen twine for stability. Baste often for extra flavor and shine. Let the roast rest before carving to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing or roasted vegetables. If browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last hour. Increase oven to 425°F for final 10 minutes for extra crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crown pork roast, holiday roast, festive dinner, pork recipe, showstopper, Christmas, Thanksgiving, easy roast, centerpiece, family gathering