Roasting a Pork Loin with Apples is quintessential fall cooking. This easy pork roast is perfect for Sunday suppers, whether just the family or hosting guests. This is a classic pork and apples recipe, perfect for fall and family gatherings. One great thing about this pork roast is with all the apples and onions in the recipe, side dishes are pretty much optional.
Apples onions and pork roast are a winning flavor combination for an autumn dinner. Baked apples are a traditional accompaniment in comforting pork dishes, adding a sweet, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the savory meat. Even the kids will eat this delicious apple pork roast!
Pork Roast with Apples
This classic pork loin roast with apples and onions is the perfect comfort food for a chilly autumn day. It is a savory pork dish with just a bit of sweetness and lots of seasonal flavor.
How Long do you Cook a Pork Loin Roast?
In general a pork loin is roasted by first searing it by roasting at a higher temperature for a short period of time. In this recipe the loin is cooked at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, this cooks the outside of the meat and helps seal in the juices. The result is a juicier more flavorful roast.
Once the initial sear is done, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Now bake the pork for 20 minutes per pound. The finished roast should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Use a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness and ensure the pork is cooked safely.
In this recipe, the final few minutes are done at a high heat to brown the outside of the pork as well as the apples. Make sure to let rest after cooking so the juices don't run out.
Pork Cuts to Roast with Apples
Obviously I think a loin is a great cut of meat to roast with apples, but that is not your only choice. For smaller gatherings, a pork tenderloin roast is an excellent option, especially for a quick and easy meal. Keep in mind the smaller pork tenderloin will cook faster.
Pork chops are also popular baked with apples. This choice would also require a reduction in cooking time and would require a reduction in other ingredients roughly equivalent to the percentage of weight difference of the meat. Your apples and onions will not be quite as soft either.
Choosing Apples for Pork
Some apples are better than others to team with roasted pork. Of course, your own flavor preferences will help you with selecting. The some of the best apples for cooking and baking in general are Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady. Golden Delicious and Honeycrisp are particularly good with pork. These two varieties along with Granny Smith apples for a bit of tartness are used in this recipe.
The apple flavor from any of these varieties enhances the pork roast by adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory meat without overpowering it.
For the same great flavor combination with a fancier presentation try my Apple Stuffed Pork Roast.
What wine goes with roast pork loin with apples?
White wine is the preferred pairing for pork loin with apples, as it complements the flavors and enhances the overall dish. In general, white wines tend to pair better with pork, unless there is a particularly strong flavored sauce in the dish. This roasted pork loin dish is no exception, in fact the sweet apples and onions in the dish lead us even more in the direction of white wines. A Semillon Chardonnay, dry Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or even a Pinot Grigio would work. Look for a bottle with a little sweetness and crisp finish. If you really prefer red, go with an easy going Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.... this is not the dish to pull out your oaky cab with.
Of course, you could also step aside and serve the obvious pairing of hard apple cider (and apple juice for the kids).
Side Dishes for Pork Loin with Apples
- Mashed potatoes are of course the most obvious side option, and a great choice. For convenience, try my Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe.
- Pan-fried Butternut Squash or sweet potatoes are great choices for an autumn dinner.
- For a gluten-free side try my Prosciutto Garlic and Pecan Quinoa. It pairs nicely with the Apple Pork loin.
- Apple sauce is a classic side that complements pork roast, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the meat. It can save the meal if you end out overcooking your pork roast as it adds plenty of moisture. My Instant Pot Apple Butter would so be an excellent choice.
For a starter I suggest a Roasted Beet Salad or Salmon Mousse Appetizers.
Why not serve my easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake, Applesauce Cake, Grapenut Pudding or make my Gingerbread Pie recipe for after the meal. Make it a full Sunday dinner!
Pork Loin Roast with Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pound boneless pork loin
- 8 apples of your choice , a combo of Golden Delicious, Gala and Granny Smith apples are pictured.
- 2 large red onions
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons salt 1 ½ to rub on loin, ½ teaspoon to season produce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary **optional
Instructions
- Place pork loin in a bowl or large container and season with a mixture of garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoon of the salt and pepper. Rub onto all sides. Cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes (or longer if you wish).
- Preheat oven to 425℉ and take the pork out of the refrigerator.
- Slice apples and onions and chop garlic.
- Season with the brown sugar, oil, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and cinnamon. Toss apple slices to coat.
- Place a layer of apples and onions at the bottom of a roasting pan or a 9x13 baking dish. Add a sprig or two of fresh rosemary if you like.
- Transfer the pork loin to the roasting pan and place on on top of the apples. Add the remaining apples mixture around it. Add about 1 tablespoon soften butter to top of pork loin and break up remaining butter into pieces and put on top of apples.
- Roast at current high heat setting for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 350℉ and continue to bake for about 60-70 minutes. When internal temperature hits 135-140 degrees you are ready for next step.*
- Take out of oven and stir/toss apple and onion. Turn heat up to 450℉ and roast for 8-10 more minutes. You are looking for a final internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Allow the loin to rest for 10 minutes. Then it is time to slice pork and serve along with a nice scoop of the golden brown apples and onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Jacqueline Debono says
Pork with apples is such a classic and delicious combo. I love that you added red onions too. I think that would make it more flavourful! Nice recipe!
Raia Todd says
I love the flavor combo of pork and apples! Yours looks so perfectly juicy and delicious, too!
Emmeline says
Love love love the look & sound of this recipe! It reminds me of a very traditional Swedish dish my dad used to make, using plums instead of apples but always topped with apple sauce. Definitely trying your version - sounds like the perfect take on that!
Ellen says
This is pure fall comfort food! We love pork tenderloin and I'm always looking for new recipes. Pinning this to try!
HF says
This was SO Delicious! I added some pecans which we enjoyed and had wild rice on the side.
Scott says
Do you peel the apples?
Robin Gagnon says
I do, but it really isn't necessary if the apples are well washed.
Kim says
This was okay. Wasn't a fan of the onions. My apples didn't not turn out looking like the picture you showed. Maybe they were not cut thin enough. I ended up cooking the apples and onions during the 10 minutes the pork rested to get them done.
The pork was great, moist and tender. It came great.
Slaklein1 says
👏 Followed the recipe (almost) exactly except I used honey, not brown sugar, and I didn't use rosemary. Instead, I used four sprigs of fresh Summer Savory which is my new Go-To pork herb. Rave reviews this evening and I was told I should place this one in the regular rotation. That's high praise in this house! Thank you!!
Jeanne says
This is excellent! I had small pork roast and used 3 apples and 1 Walla Walla sweet onion and it was just enough for 2 people. It turned out perfectly. So tasty!! A total keeper. Perfect for an easy, but nice autumn dinner.