Apple Pork Loin

By cooking pork loin with apples, the pork gets infused with a ton of moisture, which results in the most tender, succulent meat imaginable. As per our recipe, first sear the roast to ensure it gets a crisp, juicy crust before baking it in the oven for hours on a bed of honey- and cinnamon-flavored apples and onion. The result is a dish so good, you’ll put it on repeat all year long.

Ingredients for Apple Pork Loin

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• Pork loin roast: Pork loin is a lean, tender cut known for its milder flavor, which pairs well with the richness of the other ingredients in this dish.
• Salt and pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are ideal—especially kosher salt, because the bigger flakes help prevent moisture loss during cooking. 
• Canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral taste that won’t interfere with the overall flavor of this dish.
• Medium apples: Crisp, sweet apples such as Pink Lady or Honeycrisp hold their shape well while baking.
• Honey: Use pure honey—you can learn how to spot fake honey to avoid buying a watered-down, artificial product, which will affect the taste of this dish.
• Red onion: Red onion is ideal for its color and sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The smokiness of cinnamon nicely rounds out all the other flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Sage would also be delicious if you’d prefer.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the roast

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Sprinkle the roast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown the roast in oil on all sides; cool slightly. With a paring knife, cut about sixteen 3-inch-deep slits on the sides of the roast; insert one apple slice into each slit.

Step 2: Add the other ingredients

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Place half of the remaining apples in a 4-quart slow cooker. Place the roast over the apples. Drizzle with honey; top with the onion and remaining apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Step 3: Cook the meat

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Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or until the meat is tender. Remove the pork and apple mixture; keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare to serve

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Transfer the cooking juices to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Serve with the pork and apple mixture. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

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Apple Pork Loin Recipe Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans on the finished product for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
• Make it spicy: Along with the salt and pepper, add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

How to Store Apple Pork Loin

You can store your leftover apple pork loin in airtight containers in the fridge. Don’t drain the juices—they’ll absorb into the meat and keep it moist.

Can you make pork loin with apples ahead of time?

Yes, apple pork loin can be roasted a few hours ahead. It’s delicious at room temperature. Or, you could season the pork loin (without roasting it) and leave it to marinate in the fridge overnight for a deeper flavor.

Apple Pork Loin Recipe Tips

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Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes. Preheat the oven to 400° and complete Steps 1 and 2 of this recipe, substituting an oven-proof dish for your slow cooker. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 157°. Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit, covered, on the stovetop for 10 minutes.

What should I serve with apple pork loin?

Serve this delicious entree with roasted veggies or steamed greens and creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. The juices from the meat and apple mixture will infuse everything with a ton of flavor.

What are some other similar dishes to apple pork loin?

If you love this apple pork loin, then you’ll love our Moroccan apple beef stew. It’s made with beef stew meat, crisp apples, tomato sauce and many of the same seasonings as apple pork loin.