How to Make the Perfect Roast Pork and Crackling for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 30th March this year, and if you really want to make it special, forget the last-minute flowers and supermarket chocolates. Instead, cook something that actually means something - a proper Sunday roast. And what better way to celebrate than with juicy roast pork loin and crispy, golden crackling?

Getting it right isn’t difficult, but there are a few key things to know and we’re going to tell you exactly how to achieve the perfect pork loin with crackling.

Choosing the Right Pork

Great roast pork starts with great meat. If you can, go to a local butcher and ask for the best pork loin available. A good-quality pork loin should have a decent fat cap, ensuring both tenderness and flavour.

Method 1: Classic Roast Pork Loin: For those who love a traditional Sunday roast, this method is easy and guarantees juicy, flavourful pork with minimal effort.

1. Prepare the pork: Remove the skin with a sharp knife or ask your butcher to do it for you. Tie the loin with butcher’s string to help it keep its shape.
2. Seasoning: Generously rub the pork with sea salt and black pepper.
3. Cooking: Roast in the oven at 180°C until the internal temperature reaches 65°C (use a meat probe like a Meater for accuracy).
4. Resting: Always rest the meat for at least 20 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
5. Serve with Stokes Bramley Apple Sauce for the perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness that complements the rich pork.

Method 2: Sous Vide Pork Loin: For restaurant-quality pork, try the sous vide method. This technique guarantees tender, flavour-packed pork loin with perfect consistency every time.

1. Vacuum-seal the pork loin and sous vide at 70°C overnight in a water bath.
2. Remove from the bag and pat dry, keeping the cooking juices for gravy.
3. Sear in a hot pan or oven at 240°C to develop a deep golden crust.

The Ultimate Crackling (or ‘Pork Quaver’)

No roast pork is complete without crispy, salty crackling. Achieving that perfect crunch takes a bit of patience but is well worth the effort.

1. Boil the pork skin in a large pot until it turns gelatinous.
2. Scrape off any excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Dehydrate overnight at 70°C until completely dry.
4. Deep-fry until it puffs up into light, crispy crackling.
5. Season with Maldon sea salt and enjoy the crunch!

The Perfect Sides for Mother’s Day

A roast pork dinner isn’t complete without the right accompaniments, and each side dish plays a role in balancing textures and flavours. To get the best results, think about crispy, caramelised and buttery elements to complement the rich, savoury pork.

Crispy roast potatoes are a must-have, and the secret to achieving that golden crunch is all in the preparation. Parboil your potatoes until just tender, then rough up the edges by shaking them in the pan before roasting in hot goose fat or duck fat. A sprinkle of sea salt and fresh rosemary adds an extra layer of flavour, while a high oven temperature ensures the best roast potatoes for a Sunday dinner.

For a touch of sweetness, honey-glazed carrots and parsnips are the perfect addition. Roast them in a mixture of butter, honey, and thyme, allowing them to caramelise beautifully in the oven. This natural sweetness pairs brilliantly with the tangy apple sauce and crispy pork crackling.

A braised red cabbage side dish is another great way to introduce a slightly sharp contrast to the meal. Cook it slowly with balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, and apples for a deep, rich flavour that complements the pork loin perfectly.

And, of course, you need a proper homemade gravy. Use the leftover cooking juices from the pork, along with chicken stock, white wine, and a knob of butter, to create a rich and flavourful sauce that ties the whole meal together.

After a hearty roast dinner, the best dessert is one that brings warmth, nostalgia, and just the right amount of indulgence. Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to go for something classic and comforting.

Sticky toffee pudding is a firm favourite, and when it’s served with thick vanilla custard or a scoop of clotted cream, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. Made with rich dates, dark brown sugar, and a buttery toffee sauce, this pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert for a special occasion.

For chocolate lovers, a dark chocolate tart is an elegant yet simple choice. The key to a perfect tart is a crisp, buttery pastry base and a filling that’s both rich and smooth. Use 70% cocoa dark chocolate for depth of flavour, and serve with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.

If you want something lighter yet equally satisfying, go for a poached rhubarb Eton Mess. The balance of tangy, forced rhubarb with sweet, crunchy meringue and silky whipped cream makes for a beautifully fresh ending to the meal. Plus, rhubarb is in season, making it an ideal choice for a springtime Mother’s Day dessert.

Cook with Meaning This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day isn’t about extravagant gifts—it’s about love, nostalgia, and time well spent. This year, instead of another last-minute present, create a homemade Sunday roast that brings everyone together. Whether you opt for a classic oven-roasted pork loin or go for the sous vide method, the key is quality ingredients, patience, and the right techniques.

Happy Mother’s Day to all who are celebrating!