As the crisp air of fall settles in and leaves turn vibrant hues of orange and red, nothing feels more comforting than a warm, hearty meal that brings loved ones together. Pork loin is a perfect centerpiece for your autumn table, offering a tender, flavorful cut that pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients like apples, squash, and aromatic herbs.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or preparing a festive holiday feast, pork loin fall recipes capture the essence of the season with every bite.
In this blog post, you’ll discover several mouthwatering pork loin fall recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to impress. From savory herb-crusted roasts to sweet and tangy apple-glazed loin, these dishes celebrate the bounty of fall.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of pork loin and explore how to make the most of this versatile cut during the cooler months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pork loin is a lean, tender cut that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors exceptionally well. Its mild taste makes it a perfect canvas for bold fall seasonings like cinnamon, sage, and maple syrup.
These recipes balance savory and sweet elements perfectly, creating dishes that feel indulgent yet wholesome.
Additionally, pork loin recipes are incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer oven roasting, slow cooking, or skillet searing, there’s a method here to suit your kitchen style.
These recipes also make great leftovers, ideal for sandwiches, salads, or quick reheats. Finally, using seasonal produce enhances the nutrition and flavor profile, connecting your meal to the beautiful autumn harvest.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds pork loin, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 apples, sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Equipment
- Oven-safe roasting pan or baking dish
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Skillet or sauté pan (optional)
- Basting brush (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your roasting pan.
- Prepare the pork loin: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and smoked paprika on all sides.
- Mix herbs and garlic: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme with olive oil. Rub this herb mixture all over the pork loin, coating it evenly.
- Sear the pork loin (optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides for about 2 minutes each. This step locks in juices and adds flavor, but you can skip it if short on time.
- Arrange the vegetables: Place the cubed butternut squash and apple slices in the roasting pan around the pork loin. These will roast alongside the meat and absorb delicious flavors.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, maple syrup, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables.
- Roast the pork: Place the roasting pan in the oven and cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Baste the pork occasionally with pan juices to keep it moist.
- Rest the meat: Remove the pork loin from the oven and tent with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing; this helps redistribute the juices for maximum tenderness.
- Serve: Slice the pork loin into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve with the roasted apples and squash. Spoon the pan sauce over the top for added flavor.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra layer of flavor, marinate your pork loin overnight in apple cider, garlic, and herbs before cooking.”
- Herb Variations: Swap rosemary and thyme for sage and oregano for a slightly different herbal profile that pairs well with fall flavors.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix if you like a subtle kick.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place the pork loin and vegetables in a slow cooker, add the glaze ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
- Fruit Substitutes: Try pears or quince instead of apples for a unique twist.
- Make it a Sheet Pan Dinner: Add carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips to roast with the pork and apples for a complete one-pan meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 38 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 7 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Pork loin with fall flavors pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted fingerling potatoes for a comforting meal.
A fresh autumn salad featuring arugula, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries adds a bright, crunchy contrast.
For a vegetable side, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze or sautéed green beans with almonds complement the pork’s savory and sweet notes. Don’t forget a crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious pan sauce.
And for drinks, a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp apple cider rounds out the meal perfectly.
Conclusion
Fall is the perfect season to embrace cozy, flavorful meals that bring warmth and comfort to your table, and pork loin is a star ingredient that shines in this seasonal spotlight. These pork loin fall recipes combine the best of autumn’s bounty—fresh herbs, crisp apples, and hearty squash—into dishes that are both elegant and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, these recipes deliver tender, juicy pork infused with rich, complementary flavors. Plus, they offer plenty of flexibility to customize according to your taste and pantry staples.
We hope you enjoy trying these recipes and sharing them with family and friends as you celebrate the beauty of fall.
For more comforting and seasonal recipes, check out our Roasted Vegetables for Fall, Classic Apple Crisp, and Butternut Squash Soup recipes.
📖 Recipe Card: Maple-Glazed Pork Loin with Roasted Apples
Description: A tender pork loin glazed with a sweet maple sauce and paired with roasted fall apples. Perfect for cozy autumn dinners with comforting flavors.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season pork loin with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork loin on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- Place pork in a roasting pan and surround with apple slices.
- Mix maple syrup, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar; pour over pork and apples.
- Roast for 40-45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve pork slices with roasted apples and drizzle with pan juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 10 g
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