Oh, do I have a weeknight lifesaver for you! This Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Apples recipe is my go-to when I want something delicious without the mountain of dishes. Picture this: juicy pork, caramelized apples, and just one pan to wash. Sounds like magic, right? It all started when my sister showed up unannounced for dinner last fall—I threw this together in panic mode, and now it’s our family’s most-requested meal. The apples get all jammy and sweet while the pork stays tender, and honestly? That thyme-garlic scent filling your kitchen is better than any candle. Trust me, you’ll want to make this every week once you try it.
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Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Apples
Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart:
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to savor that first juicy bite
- Weeknight hero: Ready in 35 minutes flat—perfect for when you’re hangry
- Flavor bomb: Sweet apples and savory pork? Absolute magic together
- Foolproof: Just toss, roast, and boom—dinner’s served
- Leftover dreams: The flavors get even better the next day (if it lasts that long)
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Apples
Grab these simple ingredients – you probably have most already! The magic is in how they come together:
- 1.5 lb pork tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin – trust me, it’s worth the extra minute)
- 2 firm apples (I’m partial to Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness), sliced into ½-inch wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff you’d drizzle on salad)
- 1 tsp each: kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder (my holy quartet of seasoning)
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, just big flavor waiting to happen.
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35-Minute Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Apples Magic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and flavorful sheet pan dinner featuring pork tenderloin and apples.
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss apples with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Place pork tenderloin on a sheet pan and arrange apples around it.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes or until pork reaches 145°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Check pork temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Equipment Needed
You’ll need just a few trusty tools to make this sheet pan magic happen:
- Rimmed sheet pan (those edges keep apple juices from escaping)
- Instant-read thermometer (your pork’s best friend for perfect doneness)
- Sharp knife (for trimming pork and slicing apples evenly)
That’s seriously all – I told you this was easy!
This 35-Minute Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Apples is the perfect blend of savory and sweet—juicy pork paired with caramelized apples makes every bite unforgettable. It’s an effortless dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss. For another way to enjoy apples in a mouthwatering dish, don’t miss this irresistible Caramelized Apple Tart, a simple dessert that balances flaky pastry with rich fruit flavor.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Apples
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens – but don’t worry, it’s so easy you could do it half-asleep (though I don’t recommend it, hot pans and all). Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First, pat that pork dry with paper towels – this helps the seasoning stick and gives you a better crust. Sprinkle all over with salt, pepper, thyme and garlic powder, really massaging it in. For the apples, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and same seasonings until they’re nicely coated. I like to use my hands here – gets everything evenly distributed and feels satisfying!
Step 2: Arrange on Sheet Pan
Now, lay that beautifully seasoned pork right in the center of your sheet pan. Scatter the apples around it in a single layer – don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of roast. Leave a little breathing room between pieces for that perfect caramelization we’re after.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Pop it in your preheated 400°F oven and set that timer for 25 minutes. But here’s the key – don’t just go by time. When the timer dings, check the pork’s internal temp with your thermometer. You want 145°F at the thickest part. Once it hits that magic number, pull it out and let it rest for 5 minutes (this keeps all those juices inside!). The apples should be tender with slightly crispy edges – pure heaven!
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Apples
Listen, I’ve made this enough times to know a few tricks that’ll take your dish from good to “oh wow!” Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Slice apples evenly: ½-inch wedges cook perfectly – too thin and they’ll turn to mush, too thick and they won’t caramelize
- Dry that pork! Patting it dry with paper towels before seasoning helps create a beautiful crust
- Don’t peek! Resist opening the oven – every peek drops the temperature and messes with cooking time
- Thermometer is key: Even if it “looks done,” only trust the thermometer – 145°F is the magic number
- Resting time matters: Those 5 minutes after roasting let juices redistribute for super tender pork
Follow these and you’ll be the sheet pan pork tenderloin apples hero of your household!
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients – no worries! Here’s how to adapt this recipe without losing that magic:
- Apples: Firm pears work beautifully too (just slice thicker since they’re softer)
- Thyme: Fresh rosemary or sage adds a lovely earthy note if that’s what you’ve got
- Garlic powder: Swap for 2 minced garlic cloves if you prefer fresh
- Dietary note: For Whole30, skip the sugar in apples – their natural sweetness shines through
The beauty? This dish forgives improvisation while still tasting amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Apples
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this beauty! A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes soaks up those glorious apple juices perfectly. For something lighter, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlicky green beans make fabulous sides. And if you’re feeling fancy? A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it over the top!

Storage & Reheating
Here’s the scoop on leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!): Store cooled pork and apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always use the oven – just 10 minutes at 350°F keeps everything juicy. Microwave works in a pinch, but the apples lose that perfect texture. Pro tip: Slice the pork before storing – it reheats more evenly that way!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates since ingredients vary by brand. Each serving packs about 280 calories with 32g protein to keep you satisfied. Remember, the best nutrition comes from enjoying delicious, homemade meals like this one!
If you’re hungry for more seasonal inspiration, explore our Pinterest where you’ll find endless recipes to pin, from quick savory dinners to dreamy desserts worth sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork chops instead of tenderloin?
Can I use pork chops instead of tenderloin?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time – bone-in chops need about 5-10 extra minutes. I’ve made it with 1-inch thick chops and they turn out juicy every time. Watch that thermometer though – still aiming for 145°F.
What are the best apples for this recipe?
My top picks are Honeycrisp (for sweetness) or Granny Smith (for tartness). Fuji and Braeburn work great too – basically any firm apple that holds its shape when roasted. Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You bet! Season the pork and slice apples up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge, then just assemble and roast when ready. The apples might brown slightly – totally normal and won’t affect taste.
Why does my pork turn out tough?
Usually means it’s overcooked. Always use that thermometer! Also, slicing against the grain after resting makes a huge difference. And remember – pork tenderloin cooks fast compared to other cuts.
Final Thoughts
Now go make this sheet pan wonder and wow everyone at your table! Tag me if you try it – I live for those caramelized apple shots. Happy roasting, friends!