Stuffed Crown Roast: A Majestic Easter Feast
When it comes to Easter, our family tradition is to serve a stuffed crown roast. This stunning cut of meat, resembling a regal crown, not only symbolizes the essence of the holiday but also creates a meal that feels truly special. If you’re looking to impress your guests with a meal worthy of celebration, this stuffed crown roast recipe is your answer.
It’s easier than it looks—and with savory sausage stuffing and a sweet apricot glaze, this dish checks every box for flavor, wow-factor, and tradition.
What Is a Stuffed Crown Roast?
A crown roast is a show-stopping cut of pork that consists of a rack of ribs with the tenderloin still attached. The ribs are curved into a circle and tied together, forming a crown shape. This impressive cut often needs to be pre-ordered from your butcher a few days in advance.
Typically, a crown roast weighs around seven pounds and can be more cost-effective than a honey-glazed ham, making it a spectacular choice for your holiday feast. You could also consider a Herb-Crusted Prime Rib or Savory Cornbread Dressing for equally celebratory options.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 pork roast (8–10 pounds)
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups apricot preserves
For the Stuffing:
- 1¼ pounds mild Italian sausage
- 3 cups finely chopped onions
- 2 cups finely chopped carrots
- 2 cups finely chopped celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups diced cooked, peeled potatoes
- ½ cup minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Roast:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Roast: Place the pork roast in a shallow roasting pan. Cover the ribs with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Season and Bake: Sprinkle the roast with salt. Bake uncovered for 1½ hours.
- Prepare the Stuffing: While the roast bakes, prepare the stuffing (instructions below).
- Add Apricot Preserves: Remove the roast from the oven. Brush the sides with 1 cup of apricot preserves.
- Stuff the Roast: Spoon the prepared stuffing into the center of the ribs.
- Finish Baking: Return the roast to the oven and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the roast to a serving platter, remove the foil from the ribs, and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. Cut between the ribs to serve.
Preparing the Stuffing:
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the potatoes, parsley, fennel, salt, pepper, and reserved sausage. Mix well.
- Stuff the Roast: Carefully spoon the stuffing into the center of the roast.
Expert Tips
- Pre-Order the Roast: Ensure you order your crown roast a few days in advance to guarantee availability.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let It Rest: Resting the roast before carving helps retain its juices.
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FAQs
Q: Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffing one day in advance. Store it in the fridge and stuff the roast just before baking.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Keep leftover roast and stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Want More Delicious Recipes?
Craving more holiday magic? Try these:
And don’t forget to check out my cookbook: The How-To Cookbook for Teens—loaded with easy, delicious recipes!
Stuffed Crown Roast Recipe Card
Stuffed Crown Roast Recipe
I make this Stuffed Crown Roast recipe every Easter. It's symbolic of the holiday and delicious to eat. The stuffing really adds to the meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pork roast (8-10 pounds)
- salt to taste
- 2 Cups Apricot Preserves
- Stuffing (see recipe below)
- 1-1/4 pounds Mild Italian sausage
- 3 cups finely chopped onions
- 2 cups finely chopped carrots
- 2 cups finely chopped celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups diced cooked, peeled potatoes
- 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Stuffed Crown Roast Recipe Directions:
- Place roast in a shallow roasting pan
- Cover ribs with aluminum foil
- Sprinkle roast with salt
- Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1.5 hours
- Remove roast from oven
- Brush sides of roast with 1 cup apricot preserves
- Spoon stuffing into the center of ribs
- Bake 33 minutes
- Remove roast and brush sides with 1 cup apricot preserves
- Bake 35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the roast is 160 degrees
- Transfer roast to a serving platter
- Remove foil from ribs
- Let the roast stand for 10-15 minutes
- Cut between the ribs to serve
- For stuffing, in a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In the same skillet, saute the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in remaining oil until tender. Stir in the potatoes, parsley, fennel, salt, pepper, and reserved sausage. Carefully spoon into the center of the roast.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 766Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1432mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 4gSugar: 31gProtein: 34g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate.