Crown Roast Of Pork

Get ready to impress your guests with this stunning and delicious Crown Roast of Pork. A true showstopper, this beautifully presented dish features a crown roast of succulent pork, perfect for a special occasion or festive gathering. To ensure you have the desired number of chops, remember to request the crown roast from your butcher a day or two in advance. Aim for about 1½ chops per person, or 2 chops per person if you want delightful leftovers. For an added flavor boost, consider incorporating minced garlic or chopped herbs along with the salt and pepper. And to protect the ends of the ribs from burning, you can easily cap each one with a piece of aluminum foil. Now, let’s dive into this culinary masterpiece and prepare an unforgettable Crown Roast of Pork.

SERVES 10 TO 16 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 crown roast of pork, 6 to 10 pounds (12 to 20 chops; see Note above)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Caramelized Applesauce (recipe follows; optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F and adjust an oven rack to the center position. Liberally season the pork roast with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned crown roast on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Slow-roast the pork until the internal temperature reaches 140°F on an instant-read thermometer, which typically takes about 2 hours.
2. Remove the crown roast from the oven, tent it with foil, and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes, and up to 45 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become even more tender and juicy.
3. Preheat the oven to 500°F. Return the rested crown roast to the hot oven and cook it until the exterior becomes crisp and beautifully browned, which usually takes about 10 minutes. After roasting, remove the roast from the oven, tent it with foil once again, and allow it to rest for an additional 15 minutes.
4. To serve, expertly carve the crown roast by slicing between the ribs. Optionally, accompany this delightful centerpiece with the Caramelized Applesauce for a truly delightful pairing.

CARAMALIZED APPLE SAUCE:  

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch cubes
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• ½ cup apple cider
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with the brown sugar until evenly coated. Set the mixture aside.
2. Heat the butter in a 12-inch nonstick or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until the foaming subsides. Add the coated apples and cook, tossing and stirring occasionally, until the apples caramelize and soften, typically taking about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cider vinegar and apple cider, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the apples break down, and the juices thicken, which usually takes another 5 minutes or so.
4. Season the Caramelized Apple Sauce to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

The Crown Roast of Pork is the epitome of elegance and flavor, sure to impress your guests with its striking presentation and succulent taste. This dish is perfect for celebratory occasions, and with the addition of Caramelized Apple Sauce, the flavors reach new heights of deliciousness. So, let the aroma of this magnificent roast fill your home, and savor each bite of tender, flavorful pork. Whether it’s a special holiday feast or a grand family gathering, the Crown Roast of Pork is sure to be the highlight of the table. Enjoy every moment of this exquisite culinary experience!