Honey Glazed Pork Roast with Caramelized Apples Recipe

 

A glistening honey glazed pork roast with caramelized apple wedges, sitting in a foil-lined baking dish with sticky brown glaze

Exclusive Recipe

Honey Glazed Pork Roast with Caramelized Apples 🍖🍯
The Centerpiece That Steals the Show

A juicy roast lacquered in a sticky honey glaze, surrounded by tender caramelized apple wedges soaking up every bit of those sweet pan juices!

⏱️ Prep: 15 min 🔥 Roast: 1.5 hrs 👨‍👩‍👧 Serves: 6 Level: Medium
This roast became our Sunday dinner tradition the very first time I made it, when my husband asked for seconds before he'd even finished his first plate. Basting the roast every 20 minutes with its own honey glaze is what builds those deep, sticky, caramelized layers on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly juicy. The apples roasting underneath catch all that glaze and turn into the most incredible side dish almost by accident.
6
Servings
1h 45m
Total Time
420
Cal / serving
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family Rating

🛒 Ingredients

The Roast

  • 1.8 kg pork loin or shoulder roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Honey Glaze

  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Caramelized Apples

  • 4 firm apples, cored & quartered
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1
Season & Sear:

Pat the roast dry and rub all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear it in a hot oven-safe pan for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. This step locks in flavor before roasting.

2
Make the Honey Glaze:

Whisk together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and cinnamon in a small bowl until fully combined. Brush a third of this glaze generously over the seared roast.

3
Arrange the Apples:

Toss the apple wedges with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Scatter them around the roast in a foil-lined baking dish, allowing them to soak up the drippings as everything roasts together.

4
Roast & Baste:

Roast at 175°C (350°F) for 70-80 minutes, basting the roast with more honey glaze every 20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) for pork loin. The glaze will deepen into a sticky, caramelized lacquer.

5
Rest, Slice & Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing — this keeps all those juices locked inside. Serve sliced over the caramelized apples, drizzling any remaining pan glaze over the top 🍖🍯✨

💡 Tips From My Personal Experience

  • Use a meat thermometer for accuracy — overcooked pork loin dries out quickly, so don't rely on time alone.
  • Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best and balance the sweetness of the honey glaze beautifully.
  • If the glaze starts browning too fast, loosely tent the roast with foil for the last 20 minutes.
  • Save any extra pan juices — they make an incredible base for gravy with just a touch of cornstarch.
  • Letting the roast rest is non-negotiable; skipping this step means losing all those juices onto the cutting board.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes! This glaze works beautifully on pork shoulder, ham, or even a whole chicken. Adjust roasting time according to the cut and always check internal temperature.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. The honey glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before basting for easier brushing.
My apples turned mushy — what happened?
This usually means the apples were cut too thin or roasted too long. Use thick wedges from firm apples and add them partway through cooking if your roast needs extra time.
What sides pair well with this roast?
Mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a simple arugula salad all complement the sweetness of the glaze beautifully without competing with it.