Pork Tenderloin with Apples

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This easy Pork Tenderloin with Apples is cooked in one dish for an easy, delicious dinner! Perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, melt-in-your-mouth apples, and tons of flavor.

263 CAL 16g CARBS 7g FAT 33g PROTEIN
1 Comment

Nervous about cooking a pork tenderloin? Well, this recipe for roasted pork tenderloin with apples will give you the most fork-tender, juicy pork.  Serve it with some Roasted Green Beans or Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes for a quick and easy dinner.

Pork and apples make a classic combination that is kicked up a notch in this tasty recipe. Instead of the classic pairing of pork chops and applesauce, we’re going to use a whole pork tenderloin and cook it with sliced apples, onions, and thyme in the oven.

The resulting dish is a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with roasted apples. Some of the apples will break down more than others creating a yummy sauce on the bottom of the pan that can be served over the roasted pork.

Why We Love This Dish

  • Quick and easy: This dish uses just 6 ingredients other than oil, salt, and pepper. It's ready in just 30 minutes!
  • Family favorite: Who doesn't love pork and apples? We love this recipe because it has familiar flavors cooked in a new way.
  • Feels fancy: Although this recipe is easy to prepare, it feels special enough for a holiday or dinner party.
  • Healthy: While many dishes for pork and apples are high in saturated fat from fried pork chops, this one is made with lean pork tenderloin making it lighter and healthier. 

Looking for more ways to cook pork tenderloin? Try this delicious Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin or Balsamic Honey Pork Tenderloin with Pears.

Roasted pork coated in herbs with slices apples and onions on a plate with a knife and fork.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Besides the obvious pork tenderloin, here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering pork roast with apples at home:

  • Dijon Mustard: Make sure to use dijon mustard, stone ground mustard, or whole grain mustard. The mustard adds the perfect “tang” that draws out and complements the pork flavor. Do not use yellow mustard.
  • Herbs and Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme come together in a perfect seasoning blend that is both understated and yet elevates the flavors in this dish to their full potential.
  • Apples: You could slice them, but I like to chop them so that they cook down into almost an applesauce-type of sauce that can go on the pork tenderloin when you serve it. No need to peel them!
  • Onion: Slices of onions will cook down with the apples while infusing them and your pork with loads of flavor and tenderizing the meat.
  • Chicken broth: This will keep the pork moist and tender. I recommend using the low-sodium variety to better control the level of salt in the dish. Vegetable broth also works. 

Note: For a full list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make this roasted pork recipe, check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Recipe Tips And Ideas

Here are some ideas for variations you can make to this recipe so that it comes out perfectly every single time!

  • Try to avoid overcooking your pork. Overcooking your meat will leave you with unappetizing, dry pork tenderloin. To prevent overcooking, stop roasting your pork when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to double-check that your meat is done.
  • Roasting your pork with chicken broth adds flavor and ensures juicy tenderloin. If you want an extra pop of flavor, add 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the chicken broth as you bake it.
  • I recommend using Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Ambrosia apples as they will resist turning to mush as they cook and hold their shape and texture.

What To Serve With This Pork Tenderloin

This pork tenderloin has so much over-the-top flavor that simple side dishes are the perfect pairings to make a complete meal you’ll crave. Here are a few of our favorite side dishes to serve with it:

Pork and apples roasted with onions and herbs slice don a plate and served in a casserole dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Roast With Apples

Here are some common questions I get asked by some readers…

Is pork loin and tenderloin the same cut of meat?

Since the names sound so similar, it would be completely understandable to think they are the same cuts of meat. However, that’s not the case.

Pork tenderloin is a long, lean muscle that runs along the spine. Because it’s not a heavily used muscle, it’s very tender. Pork loin comes from the rib section and is often cut into chops or roasts.

Since these two cuts of meat are different, they cannot be cooked the same way.

How do I know when pork tenderloin is fully cooked?

The exact cooking time needed will vary depending on the size of your tenderloin. More important than time, however, is the internal temperature of your tenderloin. Roasted pork tenderloin is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

Sliced roasted pork with apples and onions in a large dish and served on a smaller plate.

More Delicious Pork Recipes You’ll Love

The Recipe
Roasted pork tenderloin and apples with sliced onions cooked and sliced on a wooden cutting board.

Pork Tenderloin with Apples

263 CAL 16g CARBS 7g FAT 33g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 10 Min
COOK TIME: 30 Min
TOTAL TIME: 40 Min
1 Comment
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 1.33 lbs. lean pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard (or Whole30® approved mustard if needed)
  • 1 tbsp. fresh thyme
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 apples, chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

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Instructions

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1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Combine the olive oil, salt, mustard, thyme, and pepper. Spread all over pork. Optional for extra flavor: Brown the pork in a hot skillet with a touch of oil to sear the outside. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side until browned.

Mustard herb sauce being brushed on a pork roast.
2

Line a baking dish with foil for easy clean up. Spread the apples and onions on the bottom. Season with salt and pepper. Place the pork on top. Pour in the chicken broth.

Apples and onions in a baking dish with a pork roast.
3

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pork reaches 145 degrees. Remove from the oven and let rest at least five minutes.

Pork and apples roasting in the oven.
4

Optional: Add the apple, onion, and chicken broth mixture to a pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until it reduces and thickens. Add a touch of butter. This creates a thicker sauce for the pork. Then slice and serve the pork with apples, onions, and sauce.

Roasted pork, apples, and onions served in a baking dish.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 6 oz. pork
Amount Per Serving
Calories 263
Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g
11%
Saturated Fat 2g
8%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 98mg
33%
Sodium 771mg
34%
Total Carbohydrate 16g
5%
Dietary Fiber 3g
12%
Sugars 11g
Protein 33g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
1 Comment
On Pork Tenderloin with Apples
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Fernando
April 18, 2021 - 16:24
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5
I wasn't sure if I was up to it but jumped in and made this. It was so delicious and a great mix of flavors. It wasn't that hard to make and everyone here loved it! It's been requested to add into the meal rotation. Thanks!!
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