Honeycrisp Roasted Pork Loin

Yield: Serves 4-6

Skill level: Moderate

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels elevated but is surprisingly easy to make, this roasted pork loin with Honeycrisp apples delivers every time. Juicy, herb-crusted pork pairs perfectly with sweet roasted apples and caramelized shallots, all finished with a rich pan sauce. It’s a balanced, flavor-packed meal that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for holiday entertaining, making it a go-to recipe when you want something impressive without the stress.

Ingredients

• One (4-5 lb.) boneless pork loin
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon each: fresh thyme and rosemary, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound shallots, halved and peeled, leave stem ends intact
• 3-4 sprigs each: fresh thyme and rosemary, plus more for garnish
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into wedges
• 1 cup unfiltered apple juice (for deglazing the pan)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Use a sharp paring knife to remove any tough membranes (silver skin) from the pork loin, then score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern. Tie with cooking twine, if desired, to hold the pork loin together and to keep an even shape while roasting. Set in a shallow baking dish or pan.
2. Combine mustard, olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and onion and garlic powders in a small bowl. Pour over the pork and rub all over each side and end, making sure to get some between the cuts on the fat cap. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Turn the pork loin over once or twice while it marinates.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F.
4. While the oven is heating, allow the pork to sit out to come closer to room temperature.
5. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron, over medium-high heat on the stove. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter has melted and the foam has subsided, sear the pork loin on each side for 5-6 minutes. Lightly roast the ends.
6. Remove from the heat and add the halved shallots and herb sprigs.
7. Roast for 30 minutes, add the apple wedges, and lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Continue roasting until the center of the pork loin reaches 145° F on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 minutes.
8. Remove shallots and apples from the skillet and transfer to a bowl. Cover and keep warm. Transfer pork loin to a plate covered tightly with foil and allow it to stand for 10-15 minutes.
9. Place the skillet back over medium heat and add the apple juice to the pan.
10. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and allow the juices to thicken.
11. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of cold butter—season with a bit of salt and pepper.
12. To serve, slice the pork loin into 1-inch-thick slices. Serve with roasted Honeycrisp apples and shallots and a drizzle of sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Side suggestions: mashed or roasted potatoes, carrots, green veggies, and salad.