• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes »
  • Most Popular »
    • 2-Banana Banana Bread
    • Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
    • Extra Creamy Rice Pudding
    • Glazed Lemon Pound Cake Loaf
    • 15-Minute Udon Stir Fry
    • Multigrain Bread
    • Mango Salad
    • Pork Tenderloin Marsala
    • Homemade Baked Beans
    • Homemade Hamburger Buns
    • Carrot Cake Loaf
    • Classic Homemade Waffles
    • Authentic Poutine Recipe
  • SUBSCRIBE »
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
Seasons and Suppers logo
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes »
  • Most Popular »
    • 2-Banana Banana Bread
    • Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
    • Creamy Rice Pudding
    • Glazed Lemon Pound Cake Loaf
    • 15-Minute Udon Stir Fry
    • Multigrain Bread
    • Mango Salad
    • Pork Tenderloin Marsala
    • Homemade Baked Beans
    • Homemade Hamburger Buns
    • Carrot Cake Loaf
    • Homemade Classic Waffles
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Main Course Recipes

    Cranberry Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

    Oct 24, 2019 | by Jennifer | Last Updated: Oct 22, 2021

    Jump to Recipe

    This pork tenderloin recipe ticks all the right boxes. Quick, easy and delicious! A great weeknight meal.

    cranberry balsamic pork tenderloin in cast iron skillet

    This cranberry balsamic pork tenderloin is a favourite dish of mine and one I have been making for years! It is one of those perfect trifecta recipes - quick, easy and delicious. It's solid and reliable and special enough for company, too.

    I was inspired to make this one again this week to use up some leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. If you have leftover cranberry sauce, this dish is a perfect use for some of it! The beautiful thing about this dish though, is that is it just as lovely with canned whole berry cranberry sauce, so it can be made easily any time of year.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Cook's Notes
    • Quick and Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
    • What to Serve with Cranberry Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • Recipe
    • More pork tenderloin recipes you might also like ...
    • Comments, Questions and Reviews

    Ingredient Notes

    Pork: You can use two small or one large pork tenderloin here. About 1 1/2-2 lbs. total is good. I find the smaller ones fit nicely in my smaller cast iron frying pan and I can often find the two-pack of small pork tenderloins at a good price.

    Balsamic: Any nice balsamic vinegar will work here. Feel free to add a touch more, if you feel it needs it.

    Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or canned cranberry sauce here. Look for the "whole berry" cranberry sauce, for a more interesting sauce with the bits of cranberry.

    Cook's Notes

    While this recipe is a great use for leftover cranberry, I find the sauce is a little thicker/more syrupy when I use canned cranberry sauce. The taste is delicious either way though.

    You can use use fresh rosemary instead of thyme, if you prefer or for a change.

    If you'd like to make this ahead, simply cook as directed, except undercook the pork just slightly (cook it to 145F internal temperature. Let cool a bit, then cover with foil and refrigerate. Remove from fridge for about 20 minutes before reheating loosely covered in foil in a 350F oven until warmed through.

    A small centre-cut pork loin roast could also be used for this recipe. The oven cooking time will increase considerably. Simply cook it at 375F for the oven roasting, until the internal temperature registers 145F.

    Top Tip! Did you know that cooking pork has changed over the years. It's now recommended that pork be cooked only to 145F (lowered from 160F) internal temperature. This produces a tender and moist "medium" cooked pork, with a touch of pink in the middle.

    When testing your pork with a thermometer, be sure that you aren't inserting it too far in and too close to the bottom of the pan, or your reading will be artificially high. Aim for the centre of the pork, which is only about 1 inch in. Allow you pork to rest at least 5 minutes.

    If you have some frozen cranberries on hand and a little extra time, you can quickly turn them in to some cranberry sauce to use for this dish. Here's my quick and easy Cranberry Sauce recipe (it's the one I use every Thanksgiving!)

    Quick and Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    12-oz bag fresh or frozen cranberries
    1/2 cup white sugar
    1/2 cup brown sugar
    1/4 cup orange juice
    3/4 cup water
    Pinch cinnamon (optional)

    Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil, then cook, stirring, until cranberries are mostly popped. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Let cool a few minutes, then cover and refrigerate. Mixture will thicken as it cools in the refrigerator.

    What to Serve with Cranberry Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

    The plentiful and delicious sauce with this pork is perfect with mashed potatoes. I have also served it with mashed sweet potatoes or roasted mini or sweet potatoes. Cauliflower mash would also be good here.

    A green vegetable makes for a pretty plate, such as broccoli, green beans, broccolini etc., but as this is a nice Fall and Winter dish, carrots or squash would also be nice on the side.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    process of making cranberry balsamic pork

    This is an easy, one-pan recipe! I love to use my cast-iron skillet, as it goes easily from stove-top to oven.

    cranberry balsamic pork tenderloin in cast iron skillet

    Recipe

    cranberry balsamic pork tenderloin sliced in cast iron skillet

    Cranberry Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

    Quick, easy and delicious pork tenderloin recipe, with lots of flavourful gravy.
    Author: Jennifer
    5 stars from 9 ratings
    Print it Pin it + Collection Go to Collections Share by Email
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 6 servings

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 Tbsp butter
    • 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, 2 small pork tenderloins
    • 1 Tbsp butter
    • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
    • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, (or 1/4 tsp. dried thyme)
    • 3/4 cup chicken broth
    • 2/3 cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce, (or homemade cranberry sauce - see recipe in post)
    • 3-4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, to taste
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    Prevent screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 450 F.
    • Melt 1 Tbsp butter in an ovenproof skillet (such as cast-iron) over medium-high heat.
    • Remove the silverskin and any visible fat from pork. Pat dry with a paper towel and sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Sear pork in hot skillet, cooking on all sides, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Place skillet with pork into the preheated oven. Roast pork until thermometer inserted into centre registers 145° F, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your pork.
    • Remove skillet from oven. and remove pork to plate. Loosely place a sheet of aluminum foil over pork. Melt remaining 1 Tbsp butter in the same skillet on the stove-top over medium-high heat. Add the onion and thyme and sauté, stirring until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, cranberry sauce and balsamic vinegar and whisk until cranberry sauce melts, about 2 minutes. Boil until sauce is syrupy and reduced, about 8-10 minutes. Taste sauce and season as needed with salt and pepper. *If sauce get too thick, thin with a splash more chicken broth.
    • Remove foil from pork and add any juice on the plate to the sauce in the skillet. Add whole pork tenderloin into the warm sauce and allow the pork to re-warm in the sauce. To serve, remove pork to a serving plate and spoon sauce over and around the pork. Serve pork sliced with a spoonful of sauce

    Notes

    Be sure to read the "Cook's and Ingredient Notes" in the original post, for more tips, options, substitutions and variations for this recipe!

    Nutrition

    Sodium: 210.61mg | Calcium: 11.63mg | Vitamin C: 4.2mg | Vitamin A: 145.52IU | Sugar: 13.16g | Fiber: 0.59g | Potassium: 502.68mg | Cholesterol: 83.74mg | Calories: 228.35kcal | Saturated Fat: 3.76g | Fat: 7.92g | Protein: 23.84g | Carbohydrates: 14.47g | Iron: 1.32mg

    Nutritional information provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon to make personal health decisions.

    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Never miss a new recipe!SIGN UP for email updates!

    More pork tenderloin recipes you might also like ...

    sliced pork tenderloin with peanut sauce and lime wedges
    Pork Tenderloin with Peanut Cilantro Sauce
    A delicious and easy pork tenderloin recipe, with a coconut milk, peanut butter, lime and cilantro sauce. Ready in 30 minutes!
    Get the Recipe
    www.seasonsandsuppers.ca
    Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Shallot
    Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin
    A quick and easy meal, this maple mustard pork tenderloin features a delicious glaze and is cooked paired with roasted shallots. I am a big fan of pork tenderloin, not only because it is lean and tender, but because it almost always equates to a quick and easy dinner! This Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin is...
    Get the Recipe
    www.seasonsandsuppers.ca
    PinShareTweetShares7.9k

    Meet the Author:
    Hi! I'm Jennifer, a home-cook of many years and a lifelong seeker of delicious food! I'm an equal opportunity eater. I enjoy eating all the foods!

    I love to share the classic recipes that I have enjoyed for years, as well as newer discoveries, that have become fast favourites.
    More about me here ...


    Seasons and Suppers is honoured to have been featured on these great sites ...

    graphic showing sites Seasons and Suppers has been featured on

     

    Tried this Recipe?
    You can leave a Recipe Rating by simply clicking on the stars in the Recipe Card above or if you like, you can leave a Comment and Rating in the comment section below! It's always helpful for other cooks to hear feedback on a recipe from someone who has tried it!

    You don't need to use your full name or even your real name when leaving a comment. You just need to be a real person :) Your email address will never be publicly displayed or shared.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michele says

      April 07, 2022 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      It was super good! Someone said they would serve it at Christmas and I agree. It would be a delicious Christmas entree. Tenderloin was so tender, and the sauce had so much flavor to compliment the pork. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        April 07, 2022 at 8:26 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, Michele :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    2. Sheila says

      January 30, 2022 at 7:06 pm

      Fantastic I would only cook pork till 140 degrees as it sits will come up to temp but Fantastic flavors thank you for this

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 31, 2022 at 10:11 am

        Glad you enjoyed it, Sheila. Thanks so much :)

        Reply
    3. LILIANA RANCATI says

      November 14, 2021 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is just super-delicious! I've followed it to the last detail. Served it with baked sweet potatoes and steamed peas. It is now a sure rotation dish is my home. A great alternative to serve pork tenderloin. Thank you Jennifer.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 14, 2021 at 10:11 am

        So glad you are enjoying it, Liliana :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    4. Andrea says

      October 09, 2021 at 7:00 am

      Hi from the Ottawa Valley! I just found your blog and have spent the past hour reading while I have my morning coffee. I’m finding so many recipes to try! Especially this one - it’s Thanksgiving weekend and my husband isn’t a fan of traditional turkey, but loves his cranberry sauce. This will make a perfect Thanksgiving dinner, after with your Cranberry Buckle cake (a term I have never heard before) for breakfast. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 09, 2021 at 9:22 am

        Hi Andrea and do enjoy the pork. It's one of my favourite ways to cook pork tenderloin, especially this time of year! Happy Thanksgiving :)

        Reply
    5. Julie M says

      March 05, 2021 at 11:01 am

      I love the flavours of the cranberry and balsamic vinegar. (I always have homemade cranberry sauce in the fridge and berries in the freezer!) This was so delicious and easy to put together. I made a 1 pound tenderloin with the full sauce recipe and paired it with mashed potatoes and a salad. I'll be making this often. Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 05, 2021 at 11:37 am

        So glad you enjoyed it, Julie :) It's one of my favourites. I never tire of that flavour combination and like you, I have a freezer full of cranberries. Thanks!

        Reply
    6. shayna says

      December 17, 2020 at 12:16 am

      Jennifer, what do you typically pair with this lovely dish?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 17, 2020 at 9:38 am

        Hi Shayna, I often do mashed potatoes, sometimes dressed up with either garlic or sour cream. I think it would also be nice with a brown/wild rice blend, for something a little different.

        Reply
    7. Colder by the Lake says

      November 09, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely great!! Easy to prepare and a joy to eat . Great sauce!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 09, 2020 at 7:41 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it! It's one of my favourites and especially nice this time of year. Thanks :)

        Reply
    8. Faye says

      October 29, 2019 at 2:33 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for this recipe...it was really delicious. I made it with your cranberry sauce and served it with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts. So good!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 29, 2019 at 11:23 am

        So glad you enjoyed it, Faye! Thanks so much :)

        Reply
    9. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      October 24, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      5 stars
      I remember this dish Jennifer! And I've made it to rave reviews at our house!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 25, 2019 at 11:01 am

        So glad you enjoyed it, Mary Ann! Thanks :)

        Reply
    10. Tricia B says

      October 24, 2019 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      Another mouthwatering recipe I have to try! We love pork tenderloin and I bet it is fantastic with that cranberry balsamic sauce. A five star recipe all the way!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 24, 2019 at 7:26 pm

        Thanks Tricia! It's in regular rotation here in the Fall and Winter :)

        Reply
    11. Milena says

      October 24, 2019 at 11:42 am

      So glad you brought this dish back into the spotlight. Definitely a keeper recipe, love all the flavors in it!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 24, 2019 at 7:26 pm

        Thanks Milena :)

        Reply
    12. [email protected] says

      October 24, 2019 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      You can never go wrong with pork tenderloin and these flavors are beyond mouthwatering!! Can't wait to make it!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 24, 2019 at 10:45 am

        Thanks Annie :)

        Reply
    13. Leanne says

      October 24, 2019 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      Jennifer, you had me on the title alone! I didn't even have to read the recipe to know I want to make this one. I make a cranberry balsamic salad dressing, so I love the flavour combo you have going on here. Pairing those flavours with pork is such a great idea!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 24, 2019 at 10:46 am

        Thanks Leanne! It is a classic combination and goes just so nicely with pork :)

        Reply
    14. Holly says

      January 10, 2017 at 5:52 pm

      What temperature should the oven be preheated to for the pork to roast? Thanks

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 10, 2017 at 5:59 pm

        Sorry Holly. I just updated my recipe plugin and that instruction must have dropped off. It's 450F. I've added it to the instructions. Thanks for letting me know :)

        Reply
    15. Irene (former Ontarian, now PEI) says

      November 21, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Recently made this and WOW!!!! Had homemade cranberry sauce leftover. So easy & tasty! Ran into a slight problem - would have liked a second tenderloin! Next time!!
      Since there's just the two of us, it's been decided that this will be our Christmas main. Will repeat with roasted mini potatoes & a whole baked buttercup squash.
      A home run in this household!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 21, 2016 at 3:12 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, Irene and I think this is the PERFECT dish for a Christmas main :)

        Reply
    16. Chris Scheuer says

      March 13, 2016 at 5:42 pm

      I love the combination of colors, flavors and textures in this dinner Jennifer. The pork tenderloin sounds so simple to make and I bet that sauce is full of wonderful flavor!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 13, 2016 at 7:33 pm

        Thanks so much, Chris :)

        Reply
    17. Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says

      March 13, 2016 at 9:14 am

      This meal blows me away, Jennifer. I love that some of our best meals are with super flavorful, healthy ingredients. So colourful, too! I get my pork at an organic farm close by and I can't wait to taste this. I love cranberry sauce and I keep forgetting that we can use it throughout the year, lol.
      Thanks for a fabulous recipe!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 13, 2016 at 10:28 am

        Thanks Robyn. And so true! I eat cranberry sauce year round. I love it on sandwiches :)

        Reply
    18. [email protected] says

      March 12, 2016 at 10:57 am

      What a lovely recipe, Jennifer! I love pork tenderloin and you are absolutely right about cranberries. I often get so annoyed with strictly "seasonal" recipes! I have cranberries in my freezer the whole year! Delicious!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 12, 2016 at 12:57 pm

        Thanks Julia and yes, I have cranberries in my freezer year round as well. They are great for baking, too!

        Reply
    19. Linda | The Baker Who Kerns says

      March 11, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Oh wow Jennifer this pork tenderloin sounds amazing!! The combination of balsamic and cranberries with that juicy meat is making my mouth water!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 11, 2016 at 7:17 pm

        Thanks Linda. This dish never disappoints. So simply but full of flavour!

        Reply
    20. Diane (Created by Diane) says

      March 11, 2016 at 4:43 pm

      What a fantastic meal, so pretty and the flavors are out of this world, I can almost smell the deliciousness from here.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 11, 2016 at 7:16 pm

        Thanks Diane. Definitely eating my colours here :)

        Reply
    21. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

      March 11, 2016 at 2:41 pm

      I love these flavors, what a great looking meal! And that side of sweet potatoes and spinach is calling my name!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 11, 2016 at 7:16 pm

        Thanks Laura. Sweet potatoes are one of my favourite easy sides. Just cut and roast. And so yummy!

        Reply
    22. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      March 11, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      Oh my goodness Jennifer, I wish I was coming to your house for dinner to enjoy this dish! Perfect with the sweet potatoes and wilted spinach! A win-win-win!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 11, 2016 at 7:15 pm

        Thanks so much, Mary Ann :)

        Reply
    23. sue|theviewfromgreatisland says

      March 11, 2016 at 1:06 pm

      You are the queen of comfort food, Jennifer --- just reading about the cranberries and balsamic vinegar has my mouth watering --- sharing and pinning!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 11, 2016 at 7:14 pm

        Thanks Sue. I cook meals like this more for my husband, than myself. This is MY version of "meat and potatoes" though ;)

        Reply
    24. Sarah says

      March 11, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      Uhm... dream come true recipe right here. I love all your posts!!! I am always game for pork tenderloin with some sort of sweet chutney type sauce. Looks perfect for the end of winter! And perfect for this weekend :)

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 11, 2016 at 7:13 pm

        Thanks so much, Sarah. I love pork tenderloin, so I have tons of ways to cook it. It's a nice change from all the chicken :)

        Reply
    25. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says

      March 11, 2016 at 12:18 pm

      I must put this on my list - it sounds and looks perfectly moist and tender. Love those special finds in the bottom of the freezer - kind of like dumpster diving! I've started a spring cleaning of my freezer(s) with a feeling of urgency over all the frozen treasurers that are getting to the "age" of no return. Have a great weekend!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 11, 2016 at 12:30 pm

        Thanks Tricia and yes, I found some great things in the freezer and so glad I caught them before it was too late :)

        Reply
      • Jayne says

        May 21, 2016 at 4:51 pm

        Outstanding ! I wouldn't change a thing . You've got to make this.

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          May 21, 2016 at 5:14 pm

          Thanks so much, Jayne :)

          Reply

    Add a Comment, Question or Review Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    “One of the best Food Blogs in Canada.” - National Post

    Hi! I'm Jennifer. Are you are looking for simple, seasonal and delicious everyday recipes? Do you love classic, homey, comforting food, but with a modern, real food update? Good! Me, too!

    Learn more about me here →

    Trending Recipes

    • Simply Perfect 2-Banana Banana Bread
    • Mango Salad with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette
    • Extra Creamy Rice Pudding
    • Glazed Lemon Pound Cake Loaf
    • 15 Minute Spicy Udon Stir Fry
    • Authentic Canadian Poutine Recipe

    Spring Recipe Collections

    • Rhubarb Recipes
    • Celebrating Citrus
    • Maple Recipes
    • Spring Favourites

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Explore

    • About
    • My Amazon Shop
    • YouTube Channel
    • My Web Stories
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for free email updates of new posts and seasonal favourites from the recipe archives. It's sent just once a week and your email address is never shared or sold.

    Contact

    • Contact Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    This site uses Cookies to provide the best user experience. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

    Copyright © 2022 Seasons and Suppers. All Rights Reserved.