Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes and Apples
This Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes and Apples offers a sweet and savory dinner on one pan—succulent pork, caramelized apples, and roasted sweet potatoes. Ideal for easy weeknight meals, meal prep, or holiday gatherings, it ensures minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes and Apples | Easy Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
DifficultyEasy
Servings4-6
Prep time15 minutes
Cook time30 minutes
Total time45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick)
For the Sweet Potatoes & Apples:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
Let's Get Cooking!
Instructions:
- 1
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- 2
Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin.
- 3
Make the Maple Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- Brush half of the glaze over the pork tenderloin, reserving the rest for later.
- 4
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes & Apples
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potatoes, apples, and red onion with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the sheet pan, leaving space in the center for the pork tenderloin.
- 5
Bake the Sheet Pan Meal
- Place the pork tenderloin in the center of the sheet pan, surrounded by the sweet potatoes and apples.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then brush the pork with the remaining maple glaze.
- Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- 6
Serve & Enjoy
- Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve alongside the roasted sweet potatoes and apples.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and toasted pecans or walnuts, if desired.
Equipment
Recipe Notes and Variations
Recipe Notes
✔ How to Keep Pork Tenderloin Juicy
- Don’t overcook! Pork tenderloin is best when removed from the oven at 140-145°F, as it will continue cooking while resting.
- Always let the pork rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain its natural juices.
✔ Best Apples to Use for Roasting
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape while roasting:
- Sweet Options: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady
- Tart Options: Granny Smith, Braeburn
- Avoid softer apples like McIntosh or Red Delicious, as they become mushy.
✔ Achieving the Perfect Glaze
- Brush half of the glaze on before baking, and the other half during the last 10 minutes for an extra caramelized finish.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the glaze for 1-2 hours before baking.
✔ Prepping Ahead for a Faster Meal
- Dice the sweet potatoes and slice the apples in advance (store them in the fridge with a little lemon juice to prevent browning).
- The maple glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.
✔ Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Freeze cooked pork tenderloin without the apples for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
1. Swap Pork Tenderloin for Pork Chops
✔ Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor.
✔ Adjust the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, depending on thickness.
2. Spice it Up!
✔ Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little heat.
✔ Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with smoked paprika and chili powder for extra depth.
3. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version
✔ Replace sweet potatoes with butternut squash, cauliflower, or turnips.
✔ Use sugar-free maple syrup or a keto-friendly sweetener in the glaze.
4. Extra Veggies for a Balanced Meal
✔ Toss in Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for extra fiber and nutrients.
✔ If using quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini or asparagus, add them to the sheet pan during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Make it a Holiday-Worthy Meal
✔ Add toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
✔ Serve with cranberry sauce or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts for a festive touch.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This sheet pan pork dinner is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with easy prep, minimal cleanup, and family-friendly appeal. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, meal prep ideas, or a wholesome, healthy dinner, this sheet pan meal recipe is a winner every time!
Try it today and enjoy an easy, delicious, and well-balanced meal in under an hour!
Nutrition
Calories | 380 |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Cholesterol | 85mg |
Fat | 12g |
Fiber | 5g |
Protein | 35g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Sodium | 620mg |
Sugar | 17g |
Unsaturated Fat | 8g |
The History & Inspiration Behind This Dish
Pork and apples are a classic pairing in many cultures, from French and German cuisine to American comfort food traditions. The natural sweetness of apples enhances the rich, tender pork, while the maple glaze adds depth and warmth.
Sheet pan meals have become increasingly popular as home cooks look for ways to simplify dinners without sacrificing flavor. This sheet pan dinner idea is inspired by fall flavors but is delicious year-round, thanks to the hearty ingredients and easy cooking method.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ A Complete Meal in One Pan: No need for extra dishes—everything cooks together for easy cleanup.
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet maple glaze, tangy Dijon mustard, and savory pork create a flavor explosion in every bite.
✔ Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, this dish is on your table in under an hour.
✔ Great for Meal Prep: This healthy sheet pan meal prep idea stores well for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
✔ Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap pork tenderloin for pork chops or adjust the seasoning to your taste.