Elevate Your Holiday Dinner with this Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin!
If you’re looking for a stunning centerpiece for your next holiday dinner, look no further than the Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin.
This simple recipe turns a classic roasted pork loin into a festive delight, perfect for Sunday supper or special occasions like Easter Sunday dinner and Christmas dinner.
The caramelized brown sugar and tangy Dijon mustard create a mouthwatering glaze that’s sure to impress your guests.
The Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin not only delivers on taste but is also straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday cooking.
Why Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin is a ‘Must-Try’
This dish is a holiday showstopper, and here’s why it should be on your menu:
- Roasted Pork Perfection: The pork loin is roasted to tender, juicy perfection.
- Holiday Dinner Favorite: Perfect for special occasions like Easter Sunday and Christmas dinner.
- Caramelized Brown Sugar Glaze: The glaze adds a rich, sweet, and savory flavor to the pork.
- Simple Recipe: Easy to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin Ingredients
(Refer to the recipe card for detailed quantities & instructions)
- Pork Loin: The main ingredient, providing a tender and juicy base for the glaze.
- Olive Oil: Used for roasting the pork loin, helping to create a crispy exterior.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Key for the glaze, adding a rich, caramelized sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the pork loin.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to infuse the pork with aromatic flavors.
- Parsley (Chopped, for Decoration): Fresh parsley for garnishing, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Pork Loin: Rub with olive oil, and season with sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Make Glaze: Mix dark brown sugar and Dijon mustard.
- Apply Glaze: Coat the pork loin evenly with the glaze.
- Roast: Place in a roasting pan and bake for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For a standard-sized pork loin (around 2-3 pounds), this will be roughly 40-60 minutes. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C), indicating it is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Rest: Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Serve: Slice and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Simplified Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Wrap the pork loin in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, tightly wrap in plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe container, keeping it good for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Let the pork reach room temperature, then reheat it covered in foil for 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: For quick reheating of slices, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
What to pair with Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin
Pairing the right side dishes with Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin can enhance the overall dining experience.
Here are some excellent options:
Roasted Root Vegetables: The natural sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and beets, when roasted, complements the savory glaze of the pork loin.
Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprout Bake: This dish brings a cheesy, garlicky twist to Brussels sprouts, adding a deliciously rich flavor to balance the sweetness of the pork.
Spinach Gratin: A creamy and cheesy spinach gratin offers a smooth texture and a rich taste that pairs wonderfully with the tender pork.
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes: These visually appealing potatoes add a sweet and savory element, which works well with the caramelized glaze of the pork.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes: A combination of cheese, bacon, and ranch with potatoes creates a decadent side that’s hard to resist alongside the glazed pork.
Creamed Corn Au Gratin: The sweetness of corn in a creamy, cheesy sauce adds a luxurious texture and flavor, complementing the pork loin.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce offer a comforting and hearty side that’s perfect with the rich pork.
Mashed Potato Casserole: A casserole version of mashed potatoes, often topped with cheese or breadcrumbs, provides a creamy and satisfying addition to the meal.
FAQ Section
What temperature to roast Brown Sugar Pork Loin?
To roast a Brown Sugar Pork Loin, it’s recommended to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This temperature is ideal for cooking the pork thoroughly while allowing the brown sugar glaze to caramelize properly without burning.
Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork loin reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the oven.
Let it rest for about 10 minutes after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful pork loin.
Other Main Dishes to Try!
Baked Chicken Breast with Garlic Sauce
Honey Fried Chicken
Marry Me Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken
Steak Stuff Peppers
Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs
Holiday Drinks To Pair with Sugar Glazed Pork Loin
Vanilla Pear Holiday Punch
White Christmas Mimosas
Cranberry Margaritas
Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin
The Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin is a delightful blend of sweet and savory. This dish features a tender, perfectly roasted pork loin with a caramelized brown sugar and Dijon mustard glaze. Garnished with fresh herbs, it's an eye-catching and delicious centerpiece ideal for any special occasion or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. pork loin
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon parsley, (chopped, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Pork Loin: Rub with olive oil, and season with sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Make Glaze: Mix dark brown sugar and Dijon mustard.
- Apply Glaze: Coat the pork loin evenly with the glaze.
- Roast: Place in a roasting pan and bake for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For a standard-sized pork loin (around 2-3 pounds), this will be roughly 40-60 minutes. It's important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C), indicating it is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Rest: Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Serve: Slice and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork loin reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the oven.
- Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 433Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 136mgSodium 500mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 0gSugar 18gProtein 45g