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Savory Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin

apple butter glazed pork tenderloin - featured image

A cozy fall roast featuring pork tenderloin glazed with a sticky, savory apple butter mixture and roasted alongside tart apples. This quick and easy recipe balances sweet and savory flavors for a comforting weeknight or special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds (450680 g) pork tenderloin
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple butter with warm spices like cinnamon and clove
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cinnamon
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili powder for spicy twist

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim any silver skin or excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine apple butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped thyme, and a pinch of smoked paprika or cinnamon if using. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Toss sliced apples with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of thyme.
  6. Arrange the apples evenly around the seared pork in the skillet or roasting pan.
  7. Brush the pork tenderloin generously with the apple butter glaze, reserving a small amount for basting later.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Halfway through, baste the pork with the reserved glaze.
  9. Remove the pork from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice the pork into medallions and serve with the roasted apples and pan juices.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 145°F (63°C) is the target temperature. Rest the meat for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. If apples brown too quickly, tent with foil during roasting. Firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up best. Multiple thin coats of glaze build a sticky crust without burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, apple butter glaze, fall roast, savory pork, roasted apples, quick dinner, easy pork recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free