Grilled Pork Crown Roast

For a festive twist on holiday traditions, try making a Grilled Pork Crown Roast. While the Thanksgiving turkey has long reigned supreme, sometimes a change of pace can be a welcome treat. With its impressive presentation and rich, savory flavor, a pork crown roast offers a perfect alternative that will capture everyone’s attention at the dinner table. This recipe transforms the crown roast from a classic oven dish into a grill or smoker masterpiece, adding a smoky layer that complements its natural flavors beautifully.

One of the great advantages of grilling a pork crown roast is that it keeps the oven free for all the side dishes, appetizers, and desserts that complete a holiday feast. This recipe allows you to enjoy a tender, juicy roast without juggling oven space or sacrificing valuable time in the kitchen. By taking it outdoors, you not only create more room but also enjoy the experience of grilling—a great way to elevate your meal and add an unforgettable, smoky taste to each bite.

Grilling or smoking a pork crown roast is easier than it may seem, and the result is well worth it. You can achieve a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes using a flavorful rub and a carefully crafted baste of butter, pineapple juice, and a touch of bourbon. This combination adds a caramelized crust to the roast while keeping the meat moist and tender. Add wood chips like apple or cherry to the grill to enhance the holiday feel, infusing each rib with a hint of fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the pork.

When ready to serve, this roast truly makes a statement. Carving between each bone creates individual rib chops that are both tender and full of flavor, ideal for pairing with festive sides like cranberry sauce or a rich gravy. As a holiday main course, this Grilled Pork Crown Roast promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to any gathering, offering a unique and mouthwatering alternative to traditional holiday fare.

Serves 8

Grilled Pork Crown Roast Ingredients

• 1 bone-in pork crown roast 10-12 bones
• 1/2 cup Basic Pork Rub
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For baste:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (sub with orange, peach, or mango juice)
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup (use more for a sweeter baste)
• 2 tablespoons bourbon

Grilled Pork Crown Roast Directions

1. If your crown roast is not tied, coat the meat sides with oil and season well with a pork rub. Let it stand at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then tie it. Wrap the bones with aluminum foil to keep them from discoloring during cooking.
2. If the roast is purchased tied, you will need to gently work the oil into the rib sections, then repeat the process with the pork rub.
3. Preheat your grill, hybrid grill, or smoker to 350 degrees F or medium heat. Use apple, cherry, pecan, or alder wood for extra smoky flavor.
4. Place roast onto the grill, bone side up, close the lid, and cook for about 2- 2 1/2 hours, or 14 minutes per pound of meat.
5. *You can also place a drip pan underneath the roast to catch the juices.
6. Heat the baste ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for a few minutes until they have melted through.
7. Gently baste the roast with the mixture during the last 30-35 minutes of cooking time. Aim for a doneness temperature of 145 degrees F.
8. Remove the pork crown roast from the grill and place it on a cutting board, tenting it with aluminum foil. Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes.
9. Cut off the twine and remove the foil from the bones. Cut between the bones to create individual rib chops. Serve pork with herb-compound butter or brown gravy. It is also delicious with warmed fig jam or cranberry sauce.

Taken from derrickriches.com  https://www.derrickriches.com/grilled-pork-crown-roast/