This cut of meat is the pork loin rib roast that is formed into a circle resembling a crown. A typical crown is comprised of two racks, each with 8 ribs. Count on 1 rib portion per person. A 10 to 12-pound roast should feed 16 people. You can always purchase smaller racks with fewer ribs if you aren’t feeding that 
many people.
A standing pork loin rib roast may seem intimidating at first. However, it really isn’t that difficult to prepare. We can clean or French the rib bones and tie the roast for you. That is really the hard part. After that, you are basically seasoning the pork, placing it in a roasting pan and putting it in a preheated oven until it is ready. We have an easy recipe for you.
To Stuff or Not to Stuff
The center of the crown is empty space. Many home cooks will prepare the stuffing for the cavity, just as you would for a whole turkey. You can certainly do that, but you need to be mindful that in order to cook the stuffing to a safe temperature you risk overcooking the meat. Overcooked pork can be dry and chewy.
Pork Crown Roast Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2-1/2 hours
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients:
- 16 rib pork crown roast (10 to 12 pounds), trimmed and tied
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions:
1. Remove the upper rack of your oven so that the roast will fit. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the roast.
3. Place the pork on a rack inside a roasting with the rib bones standing up. Put the roast in the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 150°F when checked with a digital meat thermometer, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
4. Remove the roast to a clean cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Rest the roast for 25 minutes before carving.
5. Slice the roast between each rib for 16 chops. Serve with sides, such as brown rice with pecans and cranberries and sautéed green beans.
Let Us Help You with Your Holiday Dinner
The Butcher Shop in Southern Oregon carries non-GMO, free-range meats sourced from local farmers. We also have a great selection of produce, baked items, and cheeses to complete your special occasion meal. Stop by the shop or give us a call so that we can help you with choosing the right size crown roast. Our knowledgeable butchers are the best.