Spiced Apple Pork Roast

Name: Spiced Apple Pork Roast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork loin roast; 2 large apples, sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 7 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

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Spiced Apple Pork Roast is your perfect answer to a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the savory notes of tender pork, offering a comforting dish that’s ideal for chilly nights.

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Ingredients for Spiced Apple Pork Roast

Pork loin roast is the star of the show, providing a lean, tender base that absorbs the spices and sweetness beautifully. Apples offer a natural sweetness that complements the savory pork. Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture. Onion adds a savory depth and balances the sweetness of the apples. Garlic and fresh ginger provide a warm, aromatic kick that enhances the overall flavor. Apple cider is the liquid gold that infuses the dish with a rich, fruity essence. Brown sugar contributes a caramel-like sweetness that deepens during cooking. Dijon mustard adds a tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness. The trio of spices—cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—wraps everything in a warm, cozy blanket of flavor. Finally, salt and pepper bring out all the natural flavors, while olive oil is used to sear the pork, locking in juices.

Tips & Tricks

Searing the pork is non-negotiable. It locks in the flavor and improves texture.
For a thicker sauce, remove the pork once cooked and reduce the liquid on the stovetop.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked through; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple wild rice pilaf. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots complements the flavors nicely. For a refreshing finish, consider serving with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork shoulder instead of pork loin?: Yes, but keep in mind the cooking time may need to be adjusted as pork shoulder is fattier and may take longer to tenderize.
What type of apples work best?: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart.
Can I make this in the oven instead?: Yes, you can roast it at 325°F in a covered Dutch oven for about 3 hours, or until tender.

Spiced Apple Pork Roast Recipe Walkthrough

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be the flavorful bath for your pork roast as it cooks.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the pork loin in the skillet. Sear each side until it’s beautifully browned. This step is crucial as it seals in the juices and adds a lovely color.

Layer the sliced apples and onions at the bottom of your crock pot. This will form a flavorful bed for the pork, infusing it with moisture and sweetness as it cooks.

Place the seared pork loin on top of the apples and onions. Pour the apple cider mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors have fully melded together.

Once done, carefully lift the pork from the crock pot. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the apple and onion mixture spooned over the top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare with just a few simple steps.
Cooks slowly to perfection, filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma.
Combines sweet and savory flavors for a unique taste experience.
Perfect for autumn or any time you crave comfort food.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork loin roast

2 large apples, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup apple cider

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1) In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

2) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork roast on all sides until browned.

3) Place the sliced apples and onions at the bottom of the crock pot.

4) Place the seared pork loin on top of the apples and onions.

5) Pour the apple cider mixture over the pork roast.

6) Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded.

7) Slice and serve with the apples and onion mixture from the crock pot.

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