Sheet Pan Brown Sugar Pork & Apples
Description
Sheet Pan Brown Sugar Pork & Apples is a cozy, sweet-and-savory dinner where juicy pork roasts alongside tender apples and onions in a caramelized brown sugar glaze. Everything cooks together on one pan, creating rich flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for weeknights or a simple family meal with comforting fall-inspired taste.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) pork tenderloin or pork chops
- 3 medium apples (sliced, cores removed)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 2 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)
Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil.
Step 2: Prepare Ingredients
Slice apples and onions. Pat pork dry.
Step 3: Make Glaze
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Assemble
Place pork in center of sheet pan. Arrange apples and onions around it.
Step 5: Coat
Brush pork with glaze and toss apples/onions in remaining glaze. Dot with butter.
Step 6: Bake
Roast for 25–30 minutes (or until pork reaches safe internal temperature), stirring apples halfway through.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let pork rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with caramelized apples and onions.
Time Taken
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings
Serves 4–5 people
Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
Benefits
- High in protein
- Balanced sweet and savory flavors
- One-pan easy cleanup
- Apples add fiber and vitamins
- Quick and family-friendly meal
- Great for seasonal cooking
Notes
- Pork tenderloin cooks faster than thick chops—adjust time.
- Use firm apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) for best texture.
- Resting pork keeps it juicy.
- Glaze thickens as it cooks.
Tips
- Sear pork for 2–3 minutes before baking for extra flavor.
- Add sweet potatoes or carrots for a full meal.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for variation.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for extra sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken thighs or breasts work well.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Prep ingredients in advance, then bake fresh.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze up to 2 months.
Q: What sides go well with it?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Q: How do I know pork is done?
It should reach a safe internal temperature and be tender.