Crown Roast of Pork with Juniper Herb Crust Recipe

by  Chef Austin

 

Turkey and ham can be predictable as the main event. Spice up this year's holiday dinner with a crown pork roast. Not only is it affordable, a crown pork roast makes a beautiful centerpiece and can feed a crowd. A little juniper berry and a whole lot of herbs really bring out the flavor of the pork and will make your dinner a meal to remember.

The crown pork roast is a specialty cut you can ask your butcher to make for you. To make a crown roast, a bone-in pork loin has the rib bones frenched. Then, the roast is bent and tied together so the ends meet - the bones make a crown shape at the top when the roast is tied. A 10-pound roast should be able to comfortably feed 10-12 people.

---

Juniper & Herb Crusted Crown Pork Roast

---

 

Makes: 10-12 Servings

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 - 2 Hours Depending on size of roast

Ingredients:

 

Crown Pork Roast - 10lbs
1 Tbsp Juniper
2 Tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary Leaves
2 Tbsp Fresh Sage Leaves
5-6 Garlic Cloves, peeled
4-5 Small Shallots, peeled
1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
1 Tsp Cracked Black Pepper

2 lbs Baby Potatoes
1 lb Brussels Sprouts
1 Red Onion
1 Granny Smith Apple
Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
1 Tsp Cracked Black Pepper

 

*if you are unable to find juniper berries at your local grocery store, you can substitute whole caraway seeds or more fresh rosemary

Featured Products: 

All-Clad Roaster Pan

Cuisinart Mini Chopper

The best extra virgin olive oil

Digital Thermometer

 

Directions:

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. 

Step 2
Slice brussels sprouts in half. Peel and rough chop the red onion. Core and dice the granny smith apple. 

Step 3
In a large roasting pan, add baby potatoes, sliced brussels sprouts, chopped red onion, and diced granny smith apple. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper then toss to combine.

 

Step 4
Add the peeled shallots, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, juniper, salt, and pepper into the food processor bowl. Pulse until the shallots are finely chopped scraping down the sides with a silicone spatula if necessary. 

 

Step 5
Take the herb blend and spread it on the outside of the crown roast. Take some foil and wrap each bone on top of the crown roast - this will prevent the bones from browning while it bakes in the oven making it look even more gorgeous once it's done.

Step 6
Place the crown pork roast on top of the mixed vegetables in the roasting pan. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 12 minutes per pound or until internal temperature reaches 135°F at the thickest part of the meat (the roast will continue to cook and raise the temperature to a perfect 145°F as it rests). 

 

Step 7
Lastly, transfer the crown pork roast to a serving platter. Garnish by placing all the roast vegetables around the roast. Slice between each bone to cut into chops to serve.

 

---

  

About the Author:  Chef Austin Merath is Everything Kitchen's Culinary Wizard, Kitchen-Gadget Reviewer, and New-Product Tester. He studied under chefs in College of the Ozarks' Culinary Program. It's his job to make sure you choose the kitchen tools that are right for you by testing the best we have to offer. When not cooking, Austin is tinkering with computers or exploring the Ozarks with his wife Amy. Click here for his full bio.