If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings a perfect mix of savory and sweet to your table, this Cranberry Pork Loin Slow Cooker Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully easy dish where tender pork loin is bathed in a luscious sauce combining tart cranberry sauce, zesty French dressing, and savory onion soup mix. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth pork with a vibrant cranberry glaze that makes every bite pure joy. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish shines with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Pork Loin Slow Cooker Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the robust pork loin to the tangy cranberry sauce and the savory seasoning, every component enhances the dish’s beautiful balance of flavors and colors.
- 5 pound pork loin: The star of the dish, this cut becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix: Brings depth and savory notes that complement the sweetness nicely.
- 1 cup French dressing: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet base for the sauce.
- 14 ounce cranberry sauce: Provides that signature fruity tartness and a beautiful red glaze.
- Dried cranberries (for garnish): Offer a chewy texture and extra bursts of cranberry flavor.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a hint of herbaceous brightness on the plate.
How to Make Cranberry Pork Loin Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin
Place your pork loin right into the slow cooker. This is the easiest start you can imagine and sets the stage for juicy, flavorful meat without any fuss.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, French dressing, and cranberry sauce. Mixing these three ingredients creates a rich and tangy sauce that infuses the pork with bold flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Coat the Pork
Pour the cranberry mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring every part is generously covered. This is where your pork begins absorbing all those wonderful sweet and savory notes.
Step 4: Start Slow Cooking
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. Slow cooking slowly breaks down the pork loin, making it incredibly tender and allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
When done, serve the pork with extra cranberry sauce spooned on top for an extra punch of flavor. The pork should be tender, juicy, and bursting with the beautiful cranberry-infused sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with Flair
Sprinkle dried cranberries and fresh parsley on top before serving. These garnishes not only add a lovely pop of color but also enhance the overall taste experience.
How to Serve Cranberry Pork Loin Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
Adding dried cranberries and fresh parsley is a simple step that elevates the presentation and taste. The dried cranberries bring a chewy texture that complements the tender pork, while parsley adds a delicate fresh aroma and vibrant green color.
Side Dishes
This pork loin shines when paired with sides that balance its sweet and savory profile. Consider creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the sauce, or sautéed green beans and roasted carrots for a fresh vegetable contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the pork atop a bed of wild rice or herbed couscous to add texture and color contrast. For a festive twist, consider plating with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts to introduce a satisfying crunch alongside the soft meat and sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cranberry pork loin keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover the meat and sauce well to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish by placing cooled pork and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will maintain best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. This helps restore the tender texture and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork loin is ideal for its tenderness and mild flavor, pork shoulder can also work well but may require longer cooking times due to its higher fat content.
Is the cranberry sauce sweet or tart?
Most canned cranberry sauces balance sweet and tart flavors, which is perfect for this recipe. If you prefer more tartness, try using fresh cranberry sauce or adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
This recipe is designed for slow cooking, but you can bake the pork loin covered in the sauce at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally to keep it moist.
What if I don’t have French dressing on hand?
You can substitute Italian dressing or a mix of ketchup and vinegar for tanginess, but French dressing’s sweet-tangy balance pairs best with the cranberry sauce here.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin should read 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption with medium-rare pinkness retained, or slightly higher if you prefer well done.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot beat the ease and deliciousness of this Cranberry Pork Loin Slow Cooker Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to infuse pork with unforgettable sweet and savory flavors while freeing you up to enjoy your day. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did, and your family and friends will be asking for seconds in no time.
Print
Cranberry Pork Loin Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Pork Loin recipe features a tender and flavorful pork loin slow-cooked in a savory blend of dry onion soup mix, French dressing, and tangy cranberry sauce, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a festive flair. Garnished with dried cranberries and fresh parsley, it makes a delightful main course for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pound pork loin
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup French dressing
- 14 ounce cranberry sauce
Garnish
- Dried cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Loin: Place the 5-pound pork loin in the slow cooker, ensuring it lays evenly at the bottom.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, French dressing, and cranberry sauce thoroughly until well blended.
- Coat the Pork: Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the pork loin, making sure it is well-covered.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, spoon additional cranberry sauce over the pork loin before serving to enhance the flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle dried cranberries and fresh parsley on top for a colorful and festive presentation.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork loin in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley can be used as a substitute.
