Few roasts are more spectacular than a crown roast of pork. A crown of pork is made from two pork loins that are tied together in a circle with the bones pointing up, making a crown shape. This roast often has to be special-ordered from a butcher because of its size: Crown roasts weigh as much as 7 or 8 lbs. The only way to prepare this luxurious roast is to roast it. After roasting, cut the chops from the roast by slicing evenly between the ribs and topping each with dressing.
Step 1
Take the roast out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit on the counter for one hour, or until it comes to room temperature, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Baste the roast with the olive oil and rub it with the minced garlic and rosemary. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4
Place the crown roast on a wire rack in a roasting pan with the bones pointing down. This will prevent the bones from charring, which will ruin the presentation.
Step 5
Cook the roast for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 350 and continue roasting for one hour and 30 minutes more.
Step 6
Insert the meat thermometer into a meaty part of the crown roast, away from the bone. When the roast is done, it will register 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-well, or 160 degrees for a well-cooked roast. If the roast is not up to temperature, return it to the oven and continue roasting until it reaches your desired temperature.
Step 7
Take the crown roast out of the oven and allow it to rest for 20 minutes before you carve it. The resting period allows the hot juices to settle into the pork, which will make the roast more juicy and flavorful.
Step 8
Carve the roast by slicing between two ribs. Serve each chop with dressing.
Tips and Warnings
- Some recipes call for cooking the dressing in the center of the roast ring, but the meat may overcook before the dressing is ready. Therefore, it is better to cook them separately.
- The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that you cook pork to 160 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid the possibility of food-borne illness.
Things You'll Need
- 1 crown roast of pork
- 1 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp. rosemary
- Large roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Knife
- 4 cups dressing for serving, optional
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