17 Pork Loin Recipes for Simple Dinners That Feel Extra Special

Pork loin is a tender, juicy cut of lean meat that (much like its fattier counterpart, pork shoulder) is fantastic when roasted, grilled or braised. Despite what it sounds like, pork loin and pork tenderloin are not the same cut of meat—pork loin is larger, wider and fatter than the narrow pork tenderloin, and it can be either bone-in or boneless. Pork loin is the perfect choice when you want an impressive (but affordable) roast to feed a crowd. Just take this recipe for example; it relies on Dijon mustard and thyme leaves to bring extra flavor, and hard cider acts as the flavorful braising liquid. Dot the pan with dried fruits for extra sweet flavor—they’ll soak up the drippings to become perfectly plump.

Beer, allspice berries, tarragon and sugar come together to make an impressive and unique marinade for this hearty recipe. First marinate the meat for up to five hours, then place the loin atop your hot grill. Help the fire get extra smoky by adding a hotel pan with water under the grill grates—the moisture will help the apple wood smoke and the hotel pan will catch any dripping fat.

Wrapping a pork roast with bacon is an easy way to elevate flavors and add extra decadence. After roasting in the oven the bacon will become delightfully crispy, while dripping it’s juices into the pork loin at the same time. Dijon and whole grain mustard mixed with honey add the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavor.

Sweet Vidalia onions are the perfect complement to roasted pork loin in this hearty recipe. Apples add extra sweetness, while caraway seeds, mustard and thyme add complex, earthy flavor. This is an impressive dish that’s ready in under an hour for busy weeknights.

Making a stuffed pork roast might seem intimidating, but this recipe makes it feel easy, straightforward, and impressive. Start by pounding the meat with a mallet to increase the surface area, then season and evenly spread the filling. Roll the meat jellyroll-style, then secure it with kitchen twine. Roast it for just under two hours, then let it rest, slice and serve.

Thought pork loin couldn’t get any more hearty? Try this pork loin recipe that gets stuffed, breaded and fried. A homemade sauce made from shallots, Dijon, lemon juice, and yogurt is the perfect way to balance out this rich dish.

Apples and pork are a winning combination, and we love this recipe for roasted pork loin with homemade apple sauce. Whole grain mustard adds savory bite to the rich dish that’s seasoned with flavorful herbs like sage, thyme and garlic. Serve with roasted potatoes or steamed green beans.

Prosciutto adds a pleasant saltiness to any dish it’s featured in, and this piece of pork loin is the perfect vessel for crispy, savory prosciutto to work its magic. Brown sugar and maple syrup add a touch of sweetness, and jalapeno pepper adds a bit of heat. After the meat has roasted and rested, spoon any leftover pan sauces over the sliced meat.

Instead of roasting pork loin, try it in your slow cooker for a simple, hands-off dinner. Season the loin with dried spices like garlic and ginger, then place in your slow cooker with chicken stock and soy sauce. Allow the meat to braise for five hours, then serve with a pan sauce made from the drippings.

This impressive dish yields 12 servings, which means it’s the perfect way to serve a crowd for a special holiday meal. First season the roast with salt and pepper, then coat it with sage and parsley leaves. Next, wrap it fully with bacon and roast. Roasted fingerling potatoes and red onions are the perfect accompaniment.

Blackberry preserves and mustard make a bright marinade that’s pleasantly sweet and perfectly acidic in this roast pork recipe. After marinating the meat, wrap it with bacon and secure with kitchen twine. Roast until the bacon is crisped and the meat reaches 145 degrees, then serve with pan gravy and roasted red onions.

In this recipe rich pork chops get a creamy finish with the addition of mascarpone cheese. Baby spinach adds earthy flavor, and freshly squeezed lemon juice helps balance out the rich decadence.

Brining the pork loin overnight is the secret to juicy, savory roast pork in this classic recipe. After taking a bath in the brine, pat the roast dry then roast in the oven. Combine butter, panko, thyme, scallion, parsley and juniper berries in a food processor, then pat the mixture all over the meat. Return the roast to the oven to finish, and cook until the crust is crisped.

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy to make but feels a little bit fancy, let roast pork loin with a blood orange mostarda be your new go-to. Just season the pork loin and roast it in the oven with blood oranges and onions, then make the mostarda. Blood orange juice, mustard, raisins, sugar, honey and rosemary combine to make an unforgettable sauce that your guests will dream about long after they leave your house.

This impressive dish feels extra special, even though it’s incredibly simple. The pork loin gets rolled in a buttery breadcrumb mixture then roasted and served with roasted pears, onions and garlic. It’s ready in under two hours, so it’s the perfect dish to prepare when you find yourself hosting a spontaneous dinner party or unplanned family dinner.

Roast pork loin is savory and rich, and it’s reminiscent of a special holiday meal. Though it may taste like it cooked all day, this recipe can be ready in just 35 minutes. Serve with our homemade vegetable cobbler for a cozy, hearty meal your entire family will love.