Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (2024)

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin

by Sarah Olson on | Updated 91 Comments

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You won’t believe how tender this slow cooker cranberry pork loin is! Cranberry sauce is combined with onion soup mix in this recipe, and it’s a perfect pair. It’s a wonderful comfort food weeknight meal or can even be the main dish for a holiday dinner.

If you love a good pork loin, then cooking it in the slow cooker is a must! We love this recipe or honey apple pork loin.

Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (1)

Why this recipe works

I mix Lipton onion soup mix with cranberry, which helps this dish to taste more savory than sweet. This is one of those three ingredients recipes that you can make any night of the week!

I’m excited to start the holiday recipes with this slow cooker cranberry pork loin. Typically when you think of pairing cranberry with a protein, you think turkey, but surprisingly cranberry is even better with pork! Another great recipe we often make is slow cooker pineapple pork loin!

Recipe Ingredients

Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (2)
  • Pork Loin – This is the larger than a pork tenderloin and has a little bit of fat. It has amazing flavor and doesn’t dry out in the slow cooker.
  • Lipton Onion Soup Mix – This adds a punch of onion flavor to the recipe and pairs very well with cranberry. If you prefer to make a homemade mix, try this homemade onion soup mix recipe.
  • Whole Cranberry Sauce – I use one can of whole cranberry in this recipe, though you can use homemade slow cooker cranberry sauce if you have it.
  • Fresh Cranberries – (OPTIONAL) If desired you can garnish with fresh cranberries, I only do this if I am serving for company.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (3)

Step One – Add the pork loin roast to the slow cooker. If your pork loin has a fatty side, place that side down.

Step Two – In a small bowl, add the whole berry cranberry sauce and the onion soup mix. Mix these two ingredients until combined.

Step Three – Pour over the cranberry/onion mixture over the pork loin.

Step Four – Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Garnish with fresh cranberries if desired. See suggestions below on how to serve; we love mashed potatoes!

Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (4)

What To Serve With This Recipe

Choose one or more of these options. Think holiday dinner when serving this crock pot cranberry pork.

  • Additional cranberry sauce – we love to serve cold cranberry on the side of this pork just as you would turkey.
  • Rice Pilaf – I make Farmstand Wild Rice Pilaf or Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.
  • Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls
  • Slow Cooker green bean and bacon or slow cooker green bean casserole.
  • Ceaser Salad – Try this ceaser dressing for the BEST ceaser salad, we make it often.
Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (5)

Variations

  • Cranberry Orange Pork Loin– Add a 1/2 cup of orange marmalade to this recipe, you’ll be amazed how well orange and cranberry go together.
  • Cranberry Pork Loin wirth Sauerkraut– Add 1 bag of sauerkraut around the pork loin. This is for all my sauerkraut lovers!
  • Pineapple Cranberry Pork Loin– Add a drained can of crushed pineapple to this recipe.
  • Flavor burst – Want to add depth of flavor and uniqueness to your recipe? Add one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (6)

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce in this recipe?

Yes! I have done this recipe with my homemade slow cooker cranberry sauce and had great results. Use 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fresh cranberry sauce if you have slow cooker cranberry butter, that works great too!

What can be used instead of Lipton onion soup mix?

You can use a can of Campbell’s French Onion Soup (don’t add water) in place of the powdered mix. Alternatively, you can use a half cup of dried minced onions. If you can’t have onions, skip it!

What other cuts of meat will work?

Try this cranberry and onion mixture over boneless pork ribs, pork butt, or even chicken thighs.

Can jellied cranberry sauce be used?

Yes, use a can of jellied cranberry in this recipe. I know many people don’t like whole cranberry sauce and making this switch won’t affect the recipe at all.

Other great slow cooker pork loin recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Sesame Pork Loin
  • Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin
  • Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin
  • Slow Cooker Green Chile Pork Loin
  • Slow Cooker Apple Barbecue Pork Loin

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Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (7)

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin Recipe

4.97 from 79 votes

Delicious holiday cranberry sauce is given a new place on your table in this savory pork loin roast. Onion soup mix gives this roast a wonderful flavor.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours hours

Total Time: 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 385kcal

Author: Sarah Olson

Ingredients:

  • 4 lb. pork loin 3-4 lbs
  • 14 oz. can whole cranberry sauce
  • 1 oz. packet Lipton onion soup mix

Optional but recommended for serving

  • 1 can cranberry sauce (whole or jellied) cold cranberry sauce on the side of this pork for serving is AMAZING. Grab another can if you can.
  • fresh cranberries for garnish

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions:

  • In a small bowl add the cranberry sauce and the onion soup mix, stir until combined.

  • Add the pork loin into the slow cooker.

  • Pour over the cranberry mixture.

  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.

  • Slice and serve with the sauce in the slow cooker.

How to Video:

Sarah’s Notes:

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes! If you have leftover cranberry sauce, it will work wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce?

Yes! Jellied works fine in this recipe and will make a smoother sauce.

What other cuts of meat will work?

Try this cranberry and onion mixture over boneless pork ribs, pork butt, or even chicken thighs.

What can be used instead of Lipton onion soup mix?

You can use a can of Campbell’s French Onion Soup (don’t add water) in place of the powdered mix. Alternatively, you can use a half cup of dried minced onions. If you can’t have onions, skip it!

Variations

  • Cranberry Orange Pork Loin– Add a 1/2 cup of orange marmalade to this recipe, you’ll be amazed how well orange and cranberry go together.
  • Cranberry Pork Loin wirth Sauerkraut– Add 1 bag of sauerkraut around the pork loin. This is for all my sauerkraut lovers!
  • Pineapple Cranberry Pork Loin– Add a drained can of crushed pineapple to this recipe.
  • Flavor burst – Want to add depth of flavor and uniqueness to your recipe? Add one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 8g | Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 887mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker (2024)

FAQs

Cranberry Pork Loin Crockpot Recipe - The Magical Slow Cooker? ›

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

What is the best liquid to cook pulled pork in? ›

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.

How do you keep pork moist in a slow cooker? ›

Yes, adding liquid when cooking pork in a crockpot is essential to maintain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.

Should pork loin be fat side up or down in a slow cooker? ›

Worgul recommends placing the pork in the slow-cooker fat side up. The fat will render thoroughly during the cooking process and by placing the meat fat side up, it makes it much easier to remove excess fat before serving. "The cooker will be nearly filled with fat and liquid after hours of cooking.

Should I sear pork loin before crockpot? ›

The first step is to season your meat and give it a good sear before placing it in the crock pot. If you're short on time and don't want to brown your pork first, you can place directly in the slow cooker and skip this step. I think it's really worth the extra effort though because it adds so much more flavor.

Do I need to add liquid to pulled pork in a slow cooker? ›

How to Make Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker
  1. Procure Your Pork. ...
  2. Season Your Pork, and Put it in Your Slow Cooker. ...
  3. And an Onion and Any Other Aromatics You Like. ...
  4. Add about 1/4 Cup Liquid Per Pound of Pork. ...
  5. Slow Cook It! ...
  6. Separate Pork From Liquid, and Pull. ...
  7. Turn That Cooking Liquid Into a Sauce. ...
  8. Serve As You Like It.
Jun 1, 2017

What liquid keeps pulled pork moist? ›

Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot. To add a strong flavor during the process, white wine can also be sprayed.

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

How long can you leave pork in a crockpot on low? ›

Stick to the cook time indicated on your recipe

Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours.

Why is my slow cooker pork loin tough? ›

Each slow cooker meal's cooking time differs depending on the meat and its weight. The low setting is important so you don't overcook it, potentially leaving you with a dry or tough meal.

Should I rotate pork in a slow cooker? ›

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer.

What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin? ›

The names may be almost the same, but pork loin and pork tenderloin are different cuts of meat. A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. A pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be a boneless or bone-in cut of meat.

What is the best cooking method for loin? ›

CG: Roasting is the most natural way to cook a pork loin, and it's the easiest and the quickest to get into the oven. I like to sear the outside and then roast it, or you can just roast it as is. The indirect method of cooking preserves pork loin's inherent juiciness and tenderness.

Do I need to rinse pork loin before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

How do you cook a pork loin so it doesn't dry out? ›

How do you cook a pork loin steak without drying it out? Don't overcook it. The absolute best way is to sous vide it, but if you don't have that setup, fry it over medium-high heat so the outside gets crusty before the inside dries out. Use an instant-read thermometer, and pull it from the pan at 145f.

How long to slow cook pork per pound? ›

Pork roast recipe for a slow cooker
  1. 2-4 pounds: 7-8 hours on low or 5 hours on high.
  2. 4-6 pounds: 8-9 hours on low or 6 hours on high.
  3. 6-8 pounds: 9-10 hours on low or 7 hours on high.
  4. 8-10 pounds: 10-11 hours on low or 8 hours on high.
May 19, 2021

Is apple juice or apple cider better for pulled pork? ›

While I highly recommend using apple cider for this pulled pork, if you can't find any you could substitute with apple juice.

Why add apple cider vinegar to pulled pork? ›

The acid from the apple cider and apple cider vinegar help to tenderize the meat while also keeping it juicy and flavorful. The low and slow cooking method makes it fall apart as soon as your fork touches it and shreds beautifully.

Why do you put apple cider vinegar in pulled pork? ›

The vinegar adds contrast to the smoky flavor and cuts through the fat in the meat. It also helps mellow out the darker, gamier-tasting parts of the butt.

How do I get more flavor in my pulled pork? ›

We use brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a good amount of salt & pepper, and a pinch of cayenne! Make sure you use all of the seasoning! Also, really rub it into the pulled pork, get all of the nooks and crannies!

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