This honey-glazed pork tenderloin with apples is one of those meals that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It’s the kind of easy weeknight dinner that works just as well for a quiet night in as it does for Sunday supper with company.
There’s just something about a good pork tenderloin recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got dinner totally handled. Add some roasted apples and a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got a cozy fall comfort food that’s simple, flavorful, and farmhouse-approved.
This dish makes the whole kitchen smell amazing and works beautifully for both easy weeknight dinners and special Sunday suppers.
Why you'll love this pork tenderloin recipe
This recipe hits that perfect balance of sweet and savory. The honey and applesauce bring a gentle sweetness, Dijon mustard adds a touch of tang, and rosemary ties it all together with that earthy fall flavor.
As the pork roasts, the apples soften and caramelize, soaking up all those rich pan juices. The result? A juicy, tender pork tenderloin that tastes like it took all day—but didn’t.
And here’s the kicker—it’s a total freezer meal hero. Make one for tonight and stash another away for later.
Ingredients (and Why They Work)
- Pork tenderloin – Lean, quick-cooking, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Applesauce – Adds moisture and subtle sweetness while keeping the pork juicy.
- Honey – Helps create a sticky, golden glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Dijon mustard – Balances the sweetness and gives a little zing.
- Rosemary – Adds a cozy, aromatic touch. Fresh or dried both work great.
- Olive oil – For searing and locking in flavor.
- Apples – Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith so they hold up to roasting.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that make everything pop.
How to Make Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apples
- Step 1: Mix the glaze. Whisk together applesauce, honey, Dijon mustard, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Sear the pork. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the pork and sear on all sides until golden brown—about 5–10 minutes total.
- Step 3: Add apples and glaze. Turn off the heat. Brush half the glaze over the pork and scatter chopped apples around the sides.
- Step 4: Roast. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F oven. Roast for 20 minutes, flip, brush with remaining glaze, and roast another 20–25 minutes—or until the pork reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Rest and serve. Let the pork rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Spoon the roasted apples and pan juices over the top before serving.
Tip: If your pork tenderloin is on the larger side (over 1½ lbs), add an extra 5–10 minutes and always check with a digital meat thermometer.
Variations
- Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin: Skip the sear and cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours.
- Spiced Apple Version: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
Freezer Meal Option
This is one of those make-ahead meals you’ll thank yourself for later.
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- Combine applesauce, honey, Dijon, and rosemary in a labeled freezer bag.
- Add the pork tenderloin (or freeze separately).
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To cook: thaw overnight in the fridge, then follow the sear and roast steps above.
Farm Girl Tip
This dish is proof that good comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Double the recipe and stash one away in the freezer—you’ll be so glad you did when dinner time rolls around.
What to Serve It With
Pair your honey-glazed pork tenderloin with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted carrots or butternut squash
- Wild rice pilaf
- Fresh green beans or salad
- Crusty bread for soaking up all that honey-apple glaze
FAQS
You can! Just remember pork loin is thicker and needs more cooking time. Use a thermometer to make sure it hits 145°F for tender, juicy results.
Technically no, but I promise it’s worth the extra few minutes. The browning gives your pork extra flavor and keeps it moist.
Yes! Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3. It won’t brown as much, but it’ll still be tender and delicious.
Recipe
Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apples
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary chopped
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pound pork tenderloin
- 3 medium firm apples cored and sliced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji, or Pink Lady recommended)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.In a small bowl, mix 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 3 Tablespoons honey, 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season 1.5 pound pork tenderloin with salt and pepper. Sear each side 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Spread half of the applesauce mixture over the pork and arrange 3 medium firm apples around it.
- Place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes.
- Flip pork, brush with remaining applesauce mixture, and cook another 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145–160°F. A tint of pink is okay!
- Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with apples and enjoy!
Notes
- Tip: If your pork tenderloin weighs more than 1½ pounds, add 5–10 minutes to the roasting time and check the temperature before removing from the oven.
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
Other recipes using pork:
- Easy Pork Stir Fry
- 13 Amazing Pork Shoulder Recipes
- Simple Spice Rubbed Pork Loin
- Chile Verde Pork Burritos - Instant Pot
- Sweet and Sour Pork Meatballs with Pineapple
Shared on Meal Plan Monday
Cyd says
Absolutely delicious!
Cyd says
I tried this today and it was a hit! Didn’t change a thing except cooked in the oven for less time. I suggest to start checking at about 25-30 minutes total time in oven.
This will definitely go on the rotation.
Deanne Frieders says
Great suggestion, Cyd! So glad you liked it, thanks for stopping by.
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
Pork and apples are so classic together! This is such a perfect fall dinner.
Edyta says
Pork and apples are like a match made in heaven. I love all the flavors in this recipe. I will be making it often.
Candice says
The perfect holiday season dinner... Such a showstopper, easy to make, delicious flavor combination, and love your freezer tip, too!
Sue says
Apples and Rosemary is one of my favorite combinations, this is going on the menu plan for this week!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
This would be the perfect meal for my family! Pork and apples are a wonderful combination.
Edyta says
Pork and apples are like a match made in heaven. I love all the flavors in this recipe. I will be making it often.
Candice says
The perfect holiday season dinner... Such a showstopper, easy to make, delicious flavor combination, and love your freezer tip, too!
Sue says
Apples and Rosemary is one of my favorite combinations, this is going on the menu plan for this week!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
This would be the perfect meal for my family! Pork and apples are a wonderful combination.