As the weather cools and the air fills with the crisp scent of autumn, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, comforting seasonal dinner. This Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes is everything cozy fall cooking should be—sweet, savory, rich, hearty, and bursting with warm flavors that taste like the season itself.

Seared pork medallions simmer in a velvety apple cider pan sauce with butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme, creating a flavorful glaze that coats each bite. Paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes whipped with butter and a hint of brown sugar, this dinner delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness.

It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. With one skillet, minimal ingredients, and seasonal charm, it’s a recipe you’ll crave again and again.

Why This Dish Works So Well

This recipe relies on the natural pairing of pork and apples—two ingredients that have been used together for centuries. Apple cider reduces into a slightly sweet, slightly tart glaze that enhances the pork’s flavor without overwhelming it. Sweet potatoes bring earthy depth and creaminess, completing the meal with nourishing warmth.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• One-skillet pork preparation
• Family-friendly, comforting flavors
• Naturally gluten-free
• Perfect for fall, holidays, and weeknight dinners
• 30-minute meal when sweet potatoes are prepped ahead

Whether you’re preparing a simple dinner or a special seasonal meal, this dish delivers impressive flavor without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

For the Pork

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1–1.25 lbs), sliced into medallions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Mashed Sweet Potatoes

1. Cook Sweet Potatoes
   Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain and Mash
   Drain well, then mash with butter, milk/cream, brown sugar if using, salt, and pepper.
3. Keep Warm
   Cover and keep warm while preparing the pork.

Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Tender pork medallions simmered in a sweet apple cider glaze, served over creamy mashed sweet potatoes for the perfect cozy fall dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Fall

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

Pork

• 1 pork tenderloin cut into medallions
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• 3 sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp butter
• 0.25 cup milk or cream
• 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
• 0.5 tsp salt

Equipment

• Skillet
• Pot
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, drain, and mash with butter, milk, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Season pork medallions with salt and pepper.
3. Sear pork in olive oil 2–3 minutes per side; remove from skillet.
4. Add butter and garlic to skillet; sauté 30 seconds.
5. Add apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and thyme; simmer 5–7 minutes.
6. Return pork to skillet and simmer until sauce thickens and pork is cooked.
7. Serve pork over mashed sweet potatoes with extra sauce.

Notes

Use real apple cider for best flavor. Add a splash of cream to the sauce for richness.

Make the Apple Cider Pork

4. Slice the Pork
   Cut the pork tenderloin into 1-inch medallions. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Sear the Pork
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork medallions 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
6. Make the Sauce Base
   In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
7. Add Apple Cider Mixture
   Add apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
8. Reduce the Sauce
   Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Return Pork to Skillet
   Add pork back to the pan and simmer 3–5 minutes until cooked through and glazed.
10. Serve
    Spoon mashed sweet potatoes onto plates, top with apple cider pork medallions, then drizzle with extra sauce.
11. Garnish
    Add fresh thyme for aroma and color.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Pork

1. Use Real Apple Cider

Avoid apple cider vinegar; it’s not the same. Choose unfiltered, seasonal apple cider for best flavor.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pork

Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks fast. Medallions stay tender and juicy.

3. Reduce the Sauce

The apple cider reduction is key to the sticky, glossy glaze.

4. Make Ahead Mashed Sweet Potatoes

They reheat beautifully and shorten prep time.

5. Add a Touch of Spice

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warm autumn flavor.

Fun Variations

Maple Apple Pork

Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the sauce.

Spicy Apple Cider Pork

Stir in chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Creamy Apple Cider Sauce

Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream at the end.

Apple-Sage Pork

Swap thyme for sage for a deeper herb flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Green beans almondine
• A fresh apple-walnut salad
• Buttered dinner rolls
• Steamed broccoli

For drinks, try:

• Apple cider
• Sparkling water with lime
• White wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate:
Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freeze (pork only):
Up to 2 months.

Reheat:
Warm gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of cider.