Stuffed Crown Roast of Pork

The Stuffed Crown Roast of Pork is the ultimate celebratory dish, worthy of a centerpiece at any holiday feast. With its regal shape, golden-brown crust, and savory-sweet wild rice stuffing, this roast will make jaws drop at first glance—and keep them talking long after the last bite. Stuffed with a flavorful blend of apples, cranberries, aromatic herbs, and hearty wild rice, this dish offers the perfect balance of textures and seasonal flavors. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want to create a show-stopping moment with minimal fuss. The crown roast may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare—and unforgettable to taste.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 crown roast of pork (about 10-12 ribs, 6-8 lbs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup celery, chopped

• 1 apple, peeled and diced

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 2 cups cooked wild rice

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Pat the pork roast dry and rub with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add celery and apple, cook an additional 3 minutes. Stir in cranberries and cook another minute.

5. Remove from heat and combine with cooked wild rice, pecans (if using), parsley, and chicken broth. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

6. Carefully stand the crown roast in a roasting pan and fill the center with the stuffing. Cover the stuffing with foil to prevent over-browning.

7. Roast uncovered for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove foil halfway through the roasting time.

8. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing between ribs to serve.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

The Ultimate Holiday Centerpiece: Stuffed Crown Roast of Pork with Apple-Cranberry Wild Rice

When it comes to hosting a truly memorable holiday feast, there’s one dish that stands above the rest in both presentation and flavor—the Stuffed Crown Roast of Pork. Regal, impressive, and deeply satisfying, this dish combines the rustic heartiness of a perfectly roasted pork crown with the festive flair of a sweet and savory stuffing made with wild rice, apples, cranberries, and herbs.

Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gathering, or New Year’s celebration, this recipe is more than a meal—it’s a statement. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special, and why it deserves a place of honor on your table.

What is a Crown Roast of Pork?

A crown roast of pork is not just a meal—it’s a masterpiece of culinary craftsmanship. This dish begins with a bone-in pork loin that’s expertly trimmed and tied into a circular shape resembling a crown. The exposed rib bones are “frenched,” meaning the meat and fat are removed to create elegant bone handles that rise dramatically around the edges of the roast.

This iconic presentation dates back to 18th- and 19th-century European banquet halls, where elaborate roasts were the norm for formal dinners. Over time, the crown roast became a staple of festive American tables—especially during the holidays.

Why This Stuffed Crown Roast is the Best

There are plenty of ways to prepare a crown roast of pork, but this version stands out for several important reasons:

1. Balanced Flavor Profile

The sweetness of apples and dried cranberries blends beautifully with the earthy depth of wild rice, herbs, and aromatic vegetables. This stuffing doesn’t just fill the roast—it infuses it with layers of seasonal flavor.

2. Visually Stunning Presentation

The crown-like shape makes this roast the undeniable centerpiece of any dinner table. With the ribs pointing upward and the golden-brown exterior glistening, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

3. Nutritional Benefits

Pork is a rich source of protein, B vitamins (especially B12 and thiamin), and essential minerals like zinc and selenium. When paired with antioxidant-rich cranberries, fiber-filled wild rice, and vitamin-packed apples, it becomes a well-rounded and nourishing entrée.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead, season the meat the night before, and simply assemble and roast on the day of your event. This makes it ideal for entertaining when you want to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

Each component in this recipe has been carefully chosen to offer a balance of flavor, nutrition, and texture.

• Pork crown roast: Bone-in cuts retain more moisture and flavor during roasting. The shape of the crown also allows for even cooking and an elegant appearance.
• Wild rice: A nutty, chewy grain that adds texture and fiber. It’s also gluten-free and high in antioxidants.
• Apples: Offer a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the pork.
• Dried cranberries: Provide tang and vibrant color to the stuffing.
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley): Infuse the dish with aromatic brightness and elevate the overall flavor.
• Chicken broth: Moistens the stuffing and helps all the flavors come together.

Step-by-Step Success: Tips from the Test Kitchen

While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few expert tips can take it from great to unforgettable:

1. Choosing the Right Roast

Ask your butcher to prepare a crown roast of pork with 10–12 ribs, which typically feeds 8–10 people. Make sure the ribs are frenched for the best presentation.

2. Season Generously

Don’t skimp on the seasoning. The outer rub of garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme creates a flavorful crust that complements the mild flavor of pork.

3. Moisture Matters

Cover the stuffing with foil for the first half of roasting to retain moisture. Removing the foil later ensures a golden, slightly crispy top without drying it out.

4. Use a Meat Thermometer

Roasting pork to the correct internal temperature (145°F or 63°C) ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat. Resting the roast for 10–15 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.

How to Serve a Crown Roast of Pork

This dish is dramatic by design, so serve it on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs, apple slices, and perhaps a drizzle of pan juices or a complementary sauce (like an apple cider reduction or balsamic glaze). It pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, turnips)
• Mashed or scalloped potatoes
• Green beans almondine
• A crisp white wine (Chardonnay or Riesling)

If you’re feeling extra festive, you can even add decorative “frills” to the tips of the rib bones, a tradition that dates back to formal dining rooms of the Victorian era.

Variations and Customization

The versatility of this recipe is part of its charm. Here are a few ways to adapt it to different tastes or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free when using wild rice and gluten-free broth.
• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans in the stuffing without sacrificing flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a touch of cayenne to the rub or mix diced jalapeños into the stuffing.
• Sweet Tooth: Add a splash of maple syrup to the stuffing for extra holiday warmth.

A Recipe Worth Repeating

The Stuffed Crown Roast of Pork is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition waiting to be made. Whether you’re serving it for the first time or continuing a family ritual, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.

Not only does it look spectacular, but it’s also designed to delight a crowd with its harmony of flavors and holiday charm. It’s proof that with the right ingredients and a bit of technique, you don’t need to be a professional chef to create a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Conclusion

Still on the fence about trying it? Here’s a quick summary of what makes this roast worth your time:

✅ Crowd-Pleasing: Feeds a group with ease, making it ideal for holidays and gatherings.
✅ Flavor-Packed: Every bite is a mix of sweet, savory, and herbaceous goodness.
✅ Visually Stunning: Makes any occasion feel extra special with its crown-like elegance.
✅ Prep Ahead: With minimal day-of work, you can enjoy the party too.

So go ahead—treat your guests (and yourself) to the royal treatment. This Stuffed Crown Roast of Pork is the culinary equivalent of a standing ovation.