If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that combines elegance with bold flavor, this Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish skillfully marries the tender, juicy texture of a pork crown roast with a sweet and smoky whiskey glaze that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family gatherings, it offers a beautiful presentation and unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze Recipe comes to life with a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build rich flavors, create an irresistible glaze, and bring vibrant color to the plate. These ingredients are simple but crucial for achieving that perfect balance between savory roast and sweet glaze.
- 7-9 pounds crown roast of pork: The star of the show providing tender, flavorful meat with plenty of chops for everyone.
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt: Helps draw out moisture, enhancing the pork’s natural juiciness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Used to baste and keep the roast moist during cooking.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, green garnish that brightens the rich pork.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the whiskey glaze.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity in the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami depth that balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup whiskey: The star liquor that lends warmth and smoky sweetness to the glaze.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Provides aromatic punch to the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger): Provides a gentle spice and zest.
- ¼ to ½ cup honey: Gives a luscious sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the roast.
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice: Adds fruity brightness to balance the whiskey’s depth.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances the glaze flavors and ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Stirred into the glaze last to give it a silky finish.
How to Make Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Roast
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take your crown roast out of the fridge and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it browns perfectly. Rub the entire roast generously with the Kosher salt and ground black pepper, making sure to season inside the ribs and all over the exterior. This simple seasoning forms the flavor foundation that lets the pork shine.
Step 2: Roast the Pork with Butter Basting
Place the roast on a rack in a large roasting pan, tucking the bones upward to form that stunning crown shape. Dot the softened butter over the top and sides of the roast to help keep it moist. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices and melted butter to develop that beautiful golden crust and tender meat inside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfect doneness.
Step 3: Prepare the Whiskey Glaze
While the roast is resting, pour the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, whiskey, minced garlic, ginger paste, honey, apple cider, and salt into a saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by about half and develops a thick, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and whisk in the final tablespoon of butter for a smooth, rich glaze that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
Once the roast has rested for 15 minutes after cooking, brush the whiskey glaze generously over the entire crown roast, letting the glaze cling to every curve and crack. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Slice between the rib bones to serve individual chops, each coated in that luscious glaze.
How to Serve Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley is all you need to lift the dish visually and add a fresh note to complement the richness of the pork and glaze. For an added touch, you can also use thin slices of apple or orange zest to echo the fruity notes in the glaze.
Side Dishes
This roast pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up every drop of glaze. Roasted root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips add a natural sweetness and earthiness that harmonize perfectly. For a green contrast, sautéed green beans or a crisp kale salad work wonders to refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Because the roasted rib bones form a circular “crown,” consider filling the center cavity with a colorful mix of roasted vegetables or even a festive stuffing. This centerpiece presentation brings extra wow-factor to your table. Setting the roast on a large wooden board surrounded by garnishes like fresh herbs, cranberries, or citrus slices creates an inviting and rustic vibe that feels both celebratory and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pork crown roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slice the meat and keep the glaze separate to reheat later, ensuring the pork stays juicy and the glaze retains its luscious texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the sliced pork tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Store the glaze in a separate freezer-safe container. Both can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing quality.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the pork slices in a warm oven (around 300°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm the whiskey glaze on the stovetop or microwave and drizzle over just before serving, refreshing the flavors and keeping the pork tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make the whiskey glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The whiskey glaze can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just gently reheat it on the stove before glazing your roast to bring back its glossy texture and aroma.
What if I don’t have a crown roast? Can I use a rack of pork instead?
You can use a rack of pork if you don’t have a crown roast, but the crown shape adds a stunning presentation perfect for holiday meals or celebrations. A regular rack will still taste delicious but won’t have the same visual impact.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for whiskey in the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute whiskey with apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of water or non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives. While the flavor won’t be identical, the glaze will still be rich and flavorful.
How do I ensure the pork stays juicy?
The butter basting during roasting is vital to maintaining moisture, along with cooking to the recommended internal temperature (145°F) and allowing the roast to rest before slicing. These steps help retain all those juicy juices inside.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large crowd?
Definitely! This Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze Recipe naturally serves about 10 people, making it ideal for family gatherings. You can cook multiple roasts or supplement with hearty side dishes to feed even more guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like presenting a stunning Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze Recipe to your family and friends. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable event filled with laughter and delight. So, don your apron and give this recipe a try—you’ll love the way the whiskey glaze enhances every bite and the warm smiles it brings to the table.
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Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This elegant Pork Crown Roast with Whiskey Glaze recipe features a tender and flavorful crown roast of pork, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, then basted with a rich whiskey glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider. Perfectly roasted to juicy perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions where impressive presentation and mouthwatering taste are key.
Ingredients
Pork Crown Roast
- 7–9 pounds (1 roast) crown roast of pork (14–18 chops)
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Whiskey Glaze
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup whiskey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼–½ cup honey
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the crown roast thoroughly with 3 tablespoons kosher salt and 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage all around. Spread the softened 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over the roast to help retain moisture and enhance browning.
- Roast the Pork: Place the crown roast bone side down on a roasting pan rack. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. Roast for approximately 2 hours (120 minutes), or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for juicy, medium doneness. Baste occasionally with pan drippings to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Prepare the Whiskey Glaze: While the roast is cooking, combine 2 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup whiskey, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons ginger paste, ¼-½ cup honey (to taste), ½ cup apple cider or apple juice, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to blend flavors. Reduce the glaze until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for a shiny, rich finish.
- Glaze the Roast: During the last 20 minutes of roasting, gently brush the whiskey glaze over the pork crown roast every 5-7 minutes. This layering of glaze will build a delicious, caramelized coating that complements the savory roast perfectly.
- Rest and Serve: Once the roast has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before slicing between the ribs and serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked without being overdone.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to your preferred sweetness.
- Allowing the roast to rest after cooking ensures juicy, tender slices.
- If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmer.
- Make sure to baste the roast regularly with the glaze to build up a flavorful crust.
