Italian Pork Loin

This Italian pork loin recipe requires some advanced preparation, but the recipe itself is actually quite easy. We create an Italian-inspired pork roast by rubbing a pork loin with a flavorful seasoning blend and then chilling it in the fridge to let the flavors come together. Then, we roast it in the oven for about an hour. But the actual hands-on work? That will only take you less than 10 minutes!

Italian pork loin dishes are suitable for a holiday feast or any weekend dinner. We’ll discuss what to serve alongside this savory entree and its vegetable counterparts later. First, let’s discuss the main event: the pork loin and Italian herbs and spices.

Italian Pork Loin Ingredients

• Pork loin roast: You’ll need one boneless pork loin roast weighing 3 to 4 pounds. Choose a pork loin instead of a tenderloin, which is a much smaller cut of pork.
• Olive oil: We recommend using regular vs. extra-virgin olive oil. It’s better suited for high-temperature roasting.
• Garlic: This recipe calls for five well-minced garlic cloves.
• Seasonings: The herb crust is formed by mixing dried basil, thyme, rosemary and Italian seasoning, which is a rich and zesty blend of aromatic herbs.
• Carrots and onions: These vegetables are flavored by the pork as it roasts, creating a built-in veggie side dish.

Directions

Step 1: Season the roast

In a small bowl, mix the oil, garlic, basil, thyme, rosemary and Italian seasoning. Rub the mixture over the roast.

Step 2: Chill the roast

Arrange the carrots and onions on the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan. Place the roast over the vegetables, fat side up. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.

Step 3: Roast at high heat

Preheat the oven to 475°F. Roast the pork for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Reduce the oven temperature

Reduce the oven setting to 425°. Continue to roast the pork until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 145° and the vegetables are tender, 30 to 40 minutes longer.

Step 5: Rest and slice

Remove the roast from the oven and tent it with foil. Let the pork stand for 20 minutes before slicing.

Italian Pork Loin Variations

• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend to heat and help tease out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Add potatoes: Include quartered medium-sized potatoes along with the carrots and onions to turn this recipe into a one-dish meal.
• Swap in parsnips: Use parsnips instead of carrots for a uniquely savory and earthy take on this dish.

How to Store Italian Pork Loin

Store leftover cooked pork loin in an airtight container in the fridge. The leftovers will last for up to four days.

Can you freeze Italian pork loin?

You can freeze cooked pork loin in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat it in a covered dish in a 350° oven until warmed through.

Italian Pork Loin Tips

Can you use a bone-in roast to make Italian pork loin recipes?

In this Italian pork loin recipe, we use boneless pork loin, but you can absolutely substitute a bone-in roast. Keep in mind that bone-in roasts will take longer to cook, so use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the pork’s internal temperature.

What is the safe internal temperature for pork?