Irresistible Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin Recipe

Recipe By:
Ava Mack
Updated:

The aroma of a Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace like a favorite blanket. Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, simmering to perfection while you go about your day. Slow Cooker Beef Bites The deep, savory notes mingle delightfully with the bright bursts of cranberry, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Savory Cranberry Tartlets.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin Recipe

This dish isn’t just any meal; it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable occasion. Picture cozy family gatherings or festive holiday celebrations where this stunning centerpiece steals the show. Christmas Fruitcake Cookies You’ll find everyone asking for seconds β€” or thirds! Prepare to impress your loved ones as you serve up this culinary masterpiece that promises to bring joy to every gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts, providing effortless preparation
  • The vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas elevate any table setting
  • Plus, it’s incredibly versatile β€” serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even on sandwiches for exciting leftovers!

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family’s eyes lit up with joy when they took their first bites. It instantly became our go-to comfort food!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pork Loin: Choose a lean cut for tenderness and flavor; it’s perfect for slow cooking.
  • Fresh Cranberries: Opt for firm berries to add tartness and vibrancy; frozen works too!
  • Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the acidity of cranberries beautifully.
  • Onion: Use yellow onions for their subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves deliver pungent flavor; feel free to adjust based on preference.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a fragrant touch that complements the pork perfectly.
  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps things flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
  • Soy Sauce: A splash enhances umami depth in this delightful dish.
  • Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of spice.
  • Cornstarch (optional): Use to thicken the sauce if desired; mix with water before adding.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water and pat them dry. Chop your onion and mince garlic cloves while preheating your slow cooker on low.

Season the Pork Loin: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the pork loin. This step enhances its natural flavors as it cooks slowly throughout the day.

Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork loin in the slow cooker. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, soy sauce, thyme, and chicken broth around it.

Let It Simmer Away!: Cover and let your Slow Cooker work its magic on low heat for about 6-8 hours until you can shred it easily with two forks.

Create a Delicious Sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some liquid after cooking. Mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved. Stir back into slow cooker liquid until thickened over medium heat.

Don’t forget: Taste along the way! Adjust seasoning if you want more sweetness from brown sugar or acidity from cranberries.

Now that you’ve created an incredible dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, it’s time to enjoy every bite! Serve it warm with your favorite sides β€” think fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans β€” and watch as everyone eagerly digs in. Comforting Potato Soup. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

You Must Know

  • Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is a game-changer for weeknight dinners
  • The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce infuses the pork with flavor, making each bite a delight
  • Plus, the aroma wafting through your home will feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve tender, juicy results, sear the pork loin first for extra flavor, then slow cook with cranberries for 6-8 hours on low.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for apricots or use apple juice instead of broth for a fruity twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Ensure your pork loin is well-trimmed to avoid excess fat during cooking
  • Use fresh cranberries if available; they enhance flavor significantly
  • Let the dish rest before slicing to maintain juiciness and tenderness

The first time I made Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! They even asked if I could cook it every month for our gatherings, which was quite the compliment. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries for Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just add them directly without thawing.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully.

Can I substitute pork loin with another meat?

Absolutely! Pork shoulder or chicken thighs also work wonderfully in this recipe.

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Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin Recipe

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin


  • Author: Ava Mack
  • Total Time: 45 minute
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin is the ultimate comfort food that transforms your dinner into a memorable feast. This dish features tender pork loin slow-cooked in a rich, sweet-tangy cranberry sauce, creating a delightful explosion of flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this recipe is both effortless and impressive. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and watch your loved ones ask for seconds!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb pork loin
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Rinse cranberries and pat dry. Chop onion and mince garlic.
  2. Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the pork loin.
  3. Combine: Place pork in slow cooker; add onions, garlic, cranberries, brown sugar, soy sauce, thyme, and broth.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender and easily shredded.
  5. Sauce (optional): For thicker sauce, remove some liquid; mix cornstarch with water and stir into the liquid until thickened.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 6 oz)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, sear the pork loin before slow cooking. Substitute cranberries with apricots or use apple juice instead of broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the microwave.

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