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Apple Butter Pork Tenderloin

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This easy apple butter pork tenderloin recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed, juicy, and tender main dish with a sweet and savory apple glaze. Perfect for busy families, entertaining guests, or cozy meals, it’s ready in under 45 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1–1.5 lbs pork tenderloin (well-trimmed)
  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or thyme/sage)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (optional, or lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (or plant-based margarine for dairy-free)
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or extra rosemary
  • Optional garnish: thinly sliced apples

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together apple butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  4. Spoon or brush about half the apple butter mixture over the seared pork. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 18–22 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 140–145°F at the thickest part.
  5. Halfway through roasting, baste the pork with more glaze. If the glaze starts to burn, tent the pork loosely with foil.
  6. Remove skillet from oven and transfer pork to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
  7. While pork rests, place skillet back on stove over low heat. Add butter and remaining apple butter glaze, stirring and scraping up browned bits. Let sauce thicken slightly; add a splash of water or apple cider if needed.
  8. Slice pork into 1/2-inch medallions. Arrange on a platter, spoon warm apple butter sauce over the top, and garnish with herbs or sliced apples.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer and let the pork rest before slicing. Searing is key for flavor and juiciness. The glaze can be made ahead and pork can be marinated for extra flavor. Substitute chicken or turkey for pork if desired, and adjust roasting time. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter or omit. Always check labels for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter pork tenderloin, pork tenderloin recipe, easy pork dinner, autumn pork recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free pork, apple glaze pork, family meal, comfort food, oven roasted pork

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/apple-butter-pork-tenderloin-recipe-easy-flavor-packed-dinner-upgrade/