Tender Apple Cider–Glazed Pork with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a comforting, deeply aromatic dish that balances sweet, savory, and rich flavors in every bite. Juicy pork is seared and gently glazed with apple cider until caramelized, then served over velvety mashed sweet potatoes. Ideal for cozy family dinners, autumn evenings, or relaxed weekend meals, this recipe delivers warmth, elegance, and satisfying texture.
Servings – Tender Apple Cider–Glazed Pork with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Servings: 4 servings
Time
-
Prep Time: 20 minutes
-
Cook Time: 35 minutes
-
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
-
Pork loin or thick pork chops: 800 g
-
Apple cider (unsweetened): 250 ml
-
Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: 900 g
-
Olive oil: 30 ml
-
Unsalted butter: 40 g
-
Heavy cream or milk: 100 ml
Seasoning & Aromatics
-
Garlic cloves, minced: 3
-
Fresh rosemary or thyme: 2 sprigs
-
Dijon mustard: 15 g
-
Honey or maple syrup: 20 g
-
Salt: 10 g (or to taste)
-
Freshly ground black pepper: 5 g
-
Smoked paprika (optional): 3 g
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the sweet potatoes
First, place the cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then cook for 15–18 minutes until fork-tender. Meanwhile, prepare the pork and glaze.
2. Season and sear the pork
Next, pat the pork dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden and caramelized, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the apple cider glaze
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Then deglaze the pan with apple cider, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs, allowing the sauce to simmer gently.
4. Glaze the pork
Return the pork to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the meat. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and the glaze thickens to a glossy finish. The apple cider reduces into a rich, aromatic coating.
5. Mash the sweet potatoes
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly. Then mash with butter and warm cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting texture as needed.
6. Rest and slice
Remove the pork from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step keeps the meat tender and juicy.
7. Serve
Finally, spoon the creamy mashed sweet potatoes onto plates and top with sliced apple cider–glazed pork. Drizzle extra glaze over the top and garnish with fresh herbs.
Variations of Tender Apple Cider–Glazed Pork with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
-
With different meat: Use pork tenderloin or chicken thighs for a lighter variation.
-
Vegetarian option: Replace pork with thick slices of roasted butternut squash or cauliflower steaks glazed in apple cider sauce.
-
Creamier mash: Add cream cheese or mascarpone to the sweet potatoes for extra richness.
-
Spicy version: Add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the glaze.
-
Seasonal swap: Replace sweet potatoes with parsnip or carrot mash for winter variation.
Tips for Perfect Results – Tender Apple Cider–Glazed Pork with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
-
Do not overcook the pork: Use medium heat and rest the meat to maintain tenderness.
-
Balance sweetness: Unsweetened apple cider prevents the glaze from becoming overly sweet.
-
Enhance aroma: Fresh herbs added during glazing elevate the dish’s fragrance.
-
Texture control: Always drain sweet potatoes well to avoid watery mash.
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Conclusion
Tender Apple Cider–Glazed Pork with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a comforting, elegant dish that brings warmth and balance to the table. Moreover, its combination of caramelized pork, silky mash, and aromatic glaze makes it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. With simple ingredients and refined flavor, this recipe is a reliable choice for anyone seeking a satisfying, home-cooked dinner with seasonal charm.
