Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

Bring Southern comfort to your table with this Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin, a sweet-and-savory baked pork roast infused with the iconic flavor of Coca-Cola. Tender, juicy pork loin is coated in a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions.

The magic comes from the simple combination of cola, brown sugar, garlic, and classic condiments. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth pork loin with layers of flavor that everyone will remember.

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Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Pork & Marinade

• 3 lb pork loin
• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or roasting pan.

2. Season Pork
Pat pork loin dry. Rub with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Prepare Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and minced garlic.

4. Roast Pork
Place pork loin in the baking dish and pour half the glaze over top. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.

5. Glaze & Continue Baking
Remove foil, pour remaining glaze over pork, and bake 20–25 minutes uncovered until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

6. Rest & Slice
Let pork rest 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon remaining glaze over slices. Garnish with parsley or green onions.

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Tips for Perfect Coca-Cola Pork Loin

• Check Internal Temperature: Pork should reach 145°F for safety while remaining juicy.
• Avoid Overbaking: Loin can dry out quickly; check at 20 minutes uncovered.
• Make Ahead: Pork can be marinated in glaze for a few hours for extra flavor.
• Thicker Glaze: Simmer leftover glaze on stove for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

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Variations

• Spicy Southern: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
• Bourbon Twist: Substitute ¼ cup of Coca-Cola with bourbon for depth.
• Apple-Coke Combo: Add ½ cup apple juice for a fruity glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy grits.
• Roasted vegetables, green beans, or corn pudding pair perfectly.
• Use leftovers for sandwiches or tacos.

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Fun Facts

Coca-Cola has long been used in Southern cooking for glazing meats and adding natural sweetness. The carbonation and acidity help tenderize the pork while creating a beautifully caramelized finish. This recipe showcases Southern ingenuity in using everyday pantry staples for unforgettable flavors.