When it comes to holiday meals, nothing makes a statement quite like a Holiday Crown Roast. Elegant, impressive, and packed with flavor, this classic cut of pork transforms any celebration into a memorable feast. Glazed if a savory and sweet Whiskey Butter Sauce, this roast transforms into a centerpieces that not only delivers a visual WOW factor, but incredible taste as well. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a special winter gathering, or looking to serve something unforgettable beyond the traditional turkey or ham, a crown roast is a stunning holiday centerpiece
Looking for more Holiday meal inspiration, try my French Onion Pork Loin, Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Breast, or a Grilled Beef Tenderloin in Red Wine Sauce.
What is a Crown Roast?
A crown roast is made by shaping a rack of pork ribs into a circle, resembling a crown. The exposed bones are often frenched for presentation, making this roast one of the most impressive cuts you can serve. While it may look complex, cooking a crown roast is far easier than it appears—especially when using a grill or smoker for added depth of flavor.
Traditionally roasted in the oven, this version shines on the grill, where indirect heat helps cook the meat evenly while building a beautifully seasoned crust.
Why a Crown Roast is Perfect for the Holidays
The crown roast checks every box for a holiday main dish:
- Visually stunning centerpiece
- Feeds a crowd
- Rich, juicy pork flavor
- Pairs with classic holiday sides
- Feels elevated without being complicated
It’s an ideal option for anyone wanting to break from tradition while still serving something familiar and comforting.
Ingredients needed to make a Holiday Crown Roast
- Bone-in pork loin: the star of the recipe. Savory roast that’s trimmed and frenched.
- Dijon mustard: works as the binder for the seasoning. Adds a slight tanginess offsetting the sweetness and savoriness of the recipe.
- Seasoning: I used an all purpose seasoning with classic flavors that compliment pork.
- Whiskey: adds depth, warmth, and a subtle smoky sweetness to the sauce.
- Butter: adds creamy richness to the homemade whiskey sauce.
- Brown sugar: adds natural sweetness to the homemade Whiskey butter sauce.
Prep the Crown Roast
Proper prep is what turns a crown roast from intimidating to absolutely impressive. Start by selecting a well-trimmed pork crown roast from your butcher—most are already frenched which saves a ton of time. If not, ask the butcher to prepare it for you. This ensures clean bones, even cooking, and that signature crown presentation that makes this roast a holiday showstopper.
If they can’t, take a bone knife, french the bones cutting out some of the meat between the bones as well as on the bone itself. Trim off any loose pieces on the bone to leave clean white bones.
Before seasoning, pat the roast completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning during cooking. Next, lightly score any thick fat sections between the bones. This allows the Holiday Crown Roast to bend into a circle form and add more flavor deeper into the meat.
Next, spread dijon mustard on both sides of the loin. This will work as the binder. For the seasoning I went with Dad’s All Purpose rub which has classic salt, pepper, garlic and paprika flavor notes that compliment the meat. Generously season the entire roast, making sure to work the rub into every crevice, especially between the bones and along the interior of the crown.
Finally, place the season roast bones up facing out. Wrap it into the shape of a Crown, hence the name and tie it with butchers twine around the meaty part. Add more seasoning in between the scored parts to add more flavor.
Dad’s Seasonings
Must have grillin seasonings!
How to grill a Holiday Crown Roast?
I decided to grill my Holiday Crown Roast. This adds the smokiness that I enjoy on my protein. Don’t have a grill, no problem, replicate this recipe in the oven following the same steps.
Preheat the grill to a medium heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set for indirect heat. This prevents flare-ups and ensures even heat around the entire roast.
Place the crown roast on the cooler side of the grill, bone-side up. Close the lid and let the grill work its magic. Cooking time will vary depending on size, but expect around 2-2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 130 degrees.
Recipe Tip
Check on the roast occasionally. If the bones start to get dark and looking burnt, add foil tips to prevent them from getting any darker.
How to make a Whiskey Butter Sauce
If you thought the grilled Holiday Crown Roast is the centerpiece of this recipe, then the Whiskey Butter Sauce is the cherry on top! Simple, savory, bold flavors that elevate and already elegant dish.
In a saucepan add 2 sticks of butter, whiskey of choice, brown sugar and some Dad’s All Purpose rub. Simmer the ingredients over low heat until the thickens into a glaze like consistency.
Glaze the Grilled Roast
We have reached the final steps of this Holiday Crown Roast recipe. Once the internal temperature of the pork reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit, start glazing it with the homemade Whiskey Butter Sauce. Make sure to cover the outside and inside.
Leave it on the grill for a few more minutes allowing the sauce to caramelize on the outside and bring the roast to 140 degrees internally.
Don’t Forget to REST the Roast
Once the Holiday Crown Roast glazed in the Whiskey Butter sauce reaches it’s doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest 5-10 minutes. This is important with any protein and especially a lean cut like the loin.
The cooking process will slow down and the juices will redistribute within the roast. This will ensure a tender and juicy piece with each cut.
What to Serve with a Holiday Crown Roast
This dish pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides such as:
The rich pork flavor balances perfectly with both savory and sweet sides.
Final Thoughts
The Holiday Crown Roast is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. From the moment it hits the table, it sparks conversation, excitement, and anticipation. It’s the kind of dish people remember long after the plates are cleared.
It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create a stunning holiday centerpiece. With thoughtful seasoning, steady heat, and a little patience, you’ll serve a roast that’s tender, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether grilled or roasted, this dish brings warmth, tradition, and a touch of wow-factor to every holiday table. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in the oven or stove top? All my recipes can be replicated in the oven, stove top or gas grill. You do not need a big green egg or weber grill to replicate any of my recipes.
How do get a tender and juicy pork roast? The best way to avoid dry meat or know if any protein is ready is to check the internal temperature. Pork Roast is no different. Remove the pork at 140 internal degrees for the perfect tender and juicy meat and avoid a dried out bird.
What can I use to replace Whiskey If you prefer to make non-alcoholic sauces, a great replacement for Whiskey will be Apple cider. Use the same measurements.
If you tried this Holiday Crown Roast or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the📝 comments. I love hearing from you!
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Holiday Crown Roast
This Holiday Crown Roast is simple, bold and grilled to perfection to ensure a tender and juicy centerpiece at your holiday table.
Course dinner, holiday meal, Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Keyword grilled, holiday crown roast, holiday recipe, holiday centerpiece, grilled pork, whiskey butter sauce, whiskey glaze recipe, grillin with dad recipes., juicy, roast, tender
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 2 hours hours
Servings 6 People
Calories 730kcal
Crown Roast Ingredients
- 2.5-3 lbs Bone-in pork loin
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tbsp All purpose seasoning
Whiskey Butter Sauce Ingredients
- 2 sticks Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Whiskey
- 1 tbsp All purpose seasoning
Prep the crown roast by frenching the bones, trimming any silver skin and lightly score any thick fat sections between the bones.
Spread dijon mustard on both sides of the loin and season with the all purpose rub.
Place the season roast bones up facing out. Wrap it into the shape of a Crown, hence the name and tie it with butchers twine around the meaty part. Add more seasoning in between the scored parts to add more flavor.
Preheat the grill to a medium heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set for indirect heat
Place the crown roast on the cooler side of the grill, bone-side up. and close the lid. Cooking time will vary depending on size, around 2-2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 130 degrees.
In a saucepan add 2 sticks of butter, whiskey of choice, brown sugar and some Dad's All Purpose rub. Simmer the ingredients over low heat until the thickens into a glaze like consistency.
Once the internal temperature of the pork reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit, start glazing it with the homemade WhiskeyButter Sauce. Make sure to cover the outside and inside.
Leave it on the grill for a few more minutes allowing the sauce to caramelize on the outside and bring the roast to 140 degrees internally.
Remove it from the grill and let it rest 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
Ask the butcher to prep the crown roast for you. They can french the bones, trim the meat and tie the roast.
Check on the roast occasionally. If the bones start to get dark and looking burnt, add foil tips to prevent them from getting any darker. Calories: 730kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 566mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 1277IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 195mg | Iron: 5mg
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