Description
A stunning and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table, this crown pork roast features tender, juicy meat filled with a fragrant spiced apple stuffing and finished with a honey glaze for a beautiful caramelized touch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 crown pork roast (about 10–12 ribs, 8–9 lbs), trimmed and tied by your butcher
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 cup apple cider or chicken broth (for basting)
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko for extra texture)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook for 5 minutes until apples soften slightly.
- Stir in breadcrumbs, nuts, and apple cider. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Pat the crown pork roast dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Stand the roast upright in a roasting pan, forming a crown shape. Spoon the spiced apple filling into the center cavity, packing gently. Cover bone tips with foil.
- Roast for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste every 30 minutes with apple cider or pan drippings.
- During the last 20 minutes, mix honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Brush glaze over the roast for a glossy finish.
- Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15–20 minutes before carving.
- Slice between ribs to serve individual chops. Spoon spiced apple filling and pan juices over each serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 145°F. Let the roast rest before carving to retain juices. The apple filling can be made a day ahead. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked rice. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8 oz (225 g) i
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crown pork roast, holiday roast, spiced apple stuffing, Christmas dinner, festive main course, pork recipe