If you’re searching for a dish that effortlessly combines savory and sweet flavors with comforting textures, look no further than this Roasted Pork Loin with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes Recipe. Juicy pork loin baked to perfection alongside tender baby potatoes, sharp onions, and crisp Granny Smith apples creates a mouthwatering medley that’s both rustic and refined. This recipe is a true celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to make a dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each one bringing a unique element that builds layers of flavor, texture, and a gorgeous color palette to this dish.
- 4-5 pound pork loin: The star of the dish, this cut is lean yet tender and perfect for roasting evenly.
- 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced: Their tartness cuts through the richness of the pork, adding brightness and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved: Creamy on the inside with crispy skins after roasting, they soak up all those amazing flavors.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and aroma that complements both pork and apples beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Creates a luscious coating that keeps everything moist and golden brown.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant warmth that deepens the savory profile.
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped: Brings an earthy, piney note that pairs perfectly with pork.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Roasted Pork Loin with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a welcoming 400ºF. This ensures the pork gets a beautiful crust right from the start while the vegetables begin roasting into sweet softness.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Butter Blend
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and kosher salt. This mixture will be the magic that ties together every component of the dish.
Step 3: Prep the Pork and Veggies
Pat the pork loin dry for a crispier roast and lightly grease your baking dish. Arrange the halved baby potatoes, sliced apples, and onions evenly across the dish to create a cozy bed for the pork.
Step 4: Nest the Pork on the Veggie Bed
Make a snug space in the center of the veggies and place the pork loin fat side up. Drizzle the butter, garlic, and herb mixture generously over the pork, apples, potatoes, and onions so every bite is bursting with richness and flavor.
Step 5: Roast at High Heat
Place the dish in the oven and roast at 400ºF for 15 minutes. This high heat jumpstarts browning and locks in the pork’s juiciness early on.
Step 6: Lower Temperature and Finish Roasting
Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF and continue roasting for another 55 to 65 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the pork reaches 145ºF—this ensures perfect doneness with a slight blush of pink in the center for maximum tenderness. Once ready, cover the dish and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Roasted Pork Loin with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprinkled on top add a visually stunning finishing touch and enhance the savory scent. A light drizzle of apple cider vinegar or a splash of balsamic reduction can also brighten the dish for those who love a little tang.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but for extra heartiness, consider a crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans for added color and crunch. For a cozy vibe, creamy mashed cauliflower or a crusty artisan bread makes a lovely pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pork sliced on a large platter surrounded by the roasted apples, onions, and potatoes for a rustic family-style meal. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a spoonful of pan juices over the top, garnished with herb sprigs, for an elegant presentation that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, wrap any leftover pork loin and veggies tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay delicious and moist for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 300ºF until warmed through to maintain the pork’s tenderness. Alternatively, microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a quicker option, but be careful not to overcook the pork during this step.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a wonderful tart contrast, sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully too, offering a milder fruity sweetness that complements the pork perfectly.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute—just reduce the amount to half a teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Fresh thyme is another excellent herb choice if you want to switch things up.
How can I tell when the pork loin is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The pork reaches perfect doneness at 145ºF, with a slight blush of pink inside indicating it’s juicy and tender rather than dry.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can assemble the dish up to the drizzling step and refrigerate it covered overnight. When ready, bring it to room temperature and follow the roasting instructions as usual for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses whole ingredients without any flour or gluten-containing sauces. Just double-check your kosher salt and any additional seasonings to be sure they’re labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Pork Loin with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes Recipe is a cozy, irresistible meal that brings together the best of fall and comfort food flavors. It’s simple enough for a family dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. I truly hope you make this recipe your own and enjoy the heartwarming satisfaction that comes with each delicious, tender bite.
Print
Roasted Pork Loin with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful roasted pork loin recipe combines tender pork with a medley of Granny Smith apples, baby potatoes, and onions. Infused with garlic and fresh rosemary, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal that highlights the natural sweetness of apples paired with savory roasted pork.
Ingredients
Pork and Seasoning
- 4–5 pound pork loin
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetables and Fruit
- 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to prepare for roasting the pork loin and accompanying ingredients.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and kosher salt. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later use.
- Prepare the Pork and Vegetables: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the halved baby potatoes, sliced apples, and sliced onion evenly in the dish.
- Arrange Pork Loin: Create a small nest in the center of the vegetables and apples. Place the pork loin fat side up on top of the apples, potatoes, and onions. Drizzle the butter, garlic, rosemary, and salt mixture evenly over the pork and the surrounding ingredients.
- Initial Roast: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast at 400ºF for 15 minutes to start the cooking process and develop a flavorful crust.
- Lower Heat and Continue Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF. Continue baking the pork loin for an additional 55-65 minutes, or until the thickest part of the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF, ensuring it is safely cooked yet juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and cover it, allowing it to rest for 3 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Slice the pork loin; it should be light pink in the center, and serve alongside the roasted apples, onions, and potatoes.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork to avoid overcooking.
- Letting the pork rest before slicing ensures juicy, tender meat.
- Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that complements the richness of the pork.
- If you prefer, you can substitute baby potatoes with fingerling or new potatoes.
- Covering the pork while resting can be done with foil to keep it warm.
