Apple glazed pork roast combines juicy oven-roasted pork with tender apple wedges and a rich honey garlic glaze. The roast develops a deeply browned, glossy exterior while the apples soften in the sweet and savory pan juices.

First, the pork is seasoned and seared to create a flavorful crust. Meanwhile, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs come together to make the glaze.

Next, fresh apple wedges roast around the pork and absorb the flavorful cooking juices. As a result, they become tender, lightly caramelized, and perfect for serving alongside each slice.

Finally, the apple glazed pork roast is brushed with additional glaze near the end of cooking. This creates the shiny caramelized surface that makes the finished Sunday roast look especially inviting.

Why You Will Love Apple Glazed Pork Roast

For another comforting Sunday dinner, try our BBQ glazed meatloaf with roasted potatoes.

First, this recipe creates an impressive Sunday dinner without requiring complicated ingredients.

Next, the sweet apples naturally complement the savory pork. Honey adds another layer of sweetness, while Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce keep the glaze balanced.

In addition, garlic and fresh thyme add plenty of aromatic flavor. The herbs work especially well with both the pork and roasted apples.

The roast also cooks in one pan with its fruit and sauce. Therefore, all of those savory juices stay together and become part of the final glaze.

Finally, apple glazed pork roast is easy to slice and serve for family dinners, holidays, or a relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients for Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Pork Roast and Seasoning

• Boneless pork loin roast: 3½ pounds
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Kosher salt: 2 teaspoons
• Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon

Honey Apple Glaze

• Honey: ⅓ cup
• Apple cider or unsweetened apple juice: ½ cup
• Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
• Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted

Roasted Apples

• Firm apples: 4 large, cut into thick wedges
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh thyme: 4 sprigs
• Salt: a small pinch
• Black pepper: a small pinch

Optional Sauce Thickener

• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
• Cold water: 1 tablespoon

How to Make Apple Glazed Pork Roast

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C.

Prepare a large roasting pan or deep baking dish that can hold the pork roast and apples without crowding them too tightly.

2. Season the Pork Roast

Pat the pork roast thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Season all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.

Press the seasonings gently onto the meat so they remain attached during searing.

3. Sear the Pork

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the pork roast and sear for approximately 3–4 minutes per large side, until the exterior becomes deeply golden brown.

Brown the remaining edges briefly, then transfer the roast to the prepared baking dish.

4. Prepare the Honey Apple Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter.

Continue whisking until the ingredients are evenly combined.

5. Add the First Layer of Glaze

Brush approximately one-third of the honey apple mixture over the pork roast.

Allow some of the glaze to run down the sides and into the bottom of the roasting pan.

6. Begin Roasting the Pork

Place the roast in the preheated oven.

Roast for approximately 30 minutes before adding the apples.

7. Prepare the Apples

Cut the apples into thick wedges.

Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a small pinch of salt, and black pepper.

Keeping the wedges fairly large helps them soften without completely breaking apart.

8. Arrange the Apples Around the Roast

Carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven.

Arrange the apple wedges around the pork and add the fresh thyme sprigs.

Pour approximately half of the remaining glaze over the roast and apples.

9. Continue Roasting the Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Return the apple glazed pork roast to the oven.

Continue roasting for approximately 35–50 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork.

Spoon some of the pan juices over the roast once or twice during this stage.

10. Add the Final Glaze

During the final 10–15 minutes, brush the remaining honey apple glaze over the top of the pork.

This final layer helps create the glossy, caramelized exterior seen on the finished roast.

11. Check the Pork

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the roast.

Remove the pork from the oven once the center reaches approximately 145°F or 63°C.

12. Optional Caramelized Finish

For a darker surface similar to the photo, switch the oven to broil.

Broil the roast for approximately 2–3 minutes while watching constantly.

The honey and brown sugar can darken quickly, so do not walk away during this step.

13. Rest the Pork Roast

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and allow it to rest for approximately 10–15 minutes.

Leave the apples in the warm roasting pan so they remain coated in the sauce.

14. Finish the Pan Sauce

Stir the pan juices and taste the sauce.

If a thicker glaze is preferred, combine the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Transfer the pan juices to a small saucepan, whisk in the slurry, and simmer briefly until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thicker.

15. Slice and Serve

Slice the pork roast into thick portions.

Arrange the roasted apple wedges around the meat.

Finally, spoon the warm honey apple sauce generously over the pork and garnish with fresh thyme.

How to Get a Glossy Apple Glaze

The glossy finish comes from layering the glaze rather than adding everything at once.

First, a light coating begins flavoring the pork during the early roasting stage.

Next, another portion cooks with the apples and pan juices.

Finally, the last coating goes on near the end. Consequently, the honey and brown sugar caramelize on the exterior without spending the entire roasting time exposed to high heat.

For the darkest apple glazed pork roast, use the optional short broiler finish.

Best Apples for Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Firm apples work best because they need to hold their shape during roasting.

Honeycrisp apples provide natural sweetness and a firm texture.

Granny Smith apples create a more tart contrast to the honey glaze.

Pink Lady apples are another good option because they balance sweetness and acidity.

A combination of sweet and tart apples can also create more complex flavor.

Tips for Juicy Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Use a pork loin roast rather than pork tenderloin. The larger roast better matches the thick Sunday-roast presentation.

Pat the meat dry. A dry surface creates better browning during searing.

Do not skip the sear. Browning develops the dark exterior and deeper roasted flavor.

Cut the apples into thick wedges. Thin apple slices can become too soft during roasting.

Add the apples later. Giving the pork a head start helps prevent overcooking the fruit.

Glaze in stages. Multiple thin layers create a better caramelized surface.

Use a meat thermometer. This is more reliable than judging the roast only by cooking time.

Rest before slicing. A 10–15 minute rest helps keep the pork juicy.

What to Serve With Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Roasted potatoes are one of the easiest sides for this Sunday roast.

Creamy mashed potatoes also work especially well because they absorb the honey garlic pan sauce.

Steamed broccoli adds a fresh green contrast.

Roasted carrots naturally complement the sweet apples and glaze.

Green beans are another classic roast-dinner side.

For extra comfort, serve warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Apple Glazed Pork Roast Variations

Add rosemary. Use one or two fresh rosemary sprigs alongside the thyme.

Make it more savory. Reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon.

Increase the mustard flavor. Add another teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

Add onions. Thick yellow onion wedges can roast alongside the apples.

Add potatoes. Small parboiled potatoes can be arranged around the roast for a complete Sunday dinner.

Add mild heat. A small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can balance the sweet glaze.

Preparing Apple Glazed Pork Roast Ahead

The pork can be seasoned several hours before roasting.

Cover it and keep it refrigerated until closer to cooking time.

The honey apple glaze can also be mixed in advance and stored separately.

However, cut the apples shortly before roasting so they remain fresh and do not discolor excessively.

How to Store Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Allow leftover pork and apples to cool before transferring them to airtight containers.

Store some of the pan sauce with the sliced meat to help maintain moisture.

Refrigerate leftovers for approximately 3–4 days.

How to Reheat Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Place the sliced pork in a covered baking dish with several spoonfuls of sauce.

Warm gently until heated through.

Avoid excessive heat because lean pork loin can dry out when reheated aggressively.

The roasted apples can be reheated alongside the meat.

Apple Glazed Pork Roast FAQs

What Cut of Pork Is Best?

A boneless pork loin roast works especially well for this recipe.

Its size and shape create the classic roast presentation shown in the photo.

Can I Use Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin cooks much faster and is considerably smaller.

Therefore, it would require different roasting times from this recipe.

What Apples Work Best?

Firm varieties such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady work especially well.

Why Add the Apples Later?

The pork requires more cooking time than the apple wedges.

Adding them after the roast has already cooked for approximately 30 minutes helps the apples stay intact.

Can I Skip the Broiler?

Yes. The roast can be served directly after normal roasting.

However, a brief broil gives the glaze a darker, more caramelized appearance.

Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?

Yes. Mix equal amounts of cornstarch and cold water, then whisk the slurry into the hot pan juices.

Simmer briefly until the desired consistency develops.

Apple Glazed Pork Roast Recipe Details

Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Roasting Temperature: 375°F or 190°C

Estimated Roasting Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes

Optional Broiling Time: Approximately 2–3 minutes

Resting Time: Approximately 10–15 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Servings: Approximately 6 servings

Method: Oven Roasted

Cuisine: American-Inspired

Final Thoughts on Apple Glazed Pork Roast

Apple glazed pork roast combines juicy pork, roasted apples, garlic, fresh thyme, and a glossy honey Dijon sauce in one impressive Sunday dinner.

Moreover, the apples become tender in the pan juices while the pork develops a deeply browned exterior. The final glaze gives the roast the shiny caramelized finish that makes it look especially inviting on the table.

Serve thick slices with plenty of roasted apples and spoon the warm sauce over everything just before serving.