The October air was crisp, and the trees glowed with gold and red leaves. The faint scent of wood smoke drifted in from the neighbors’ chimneys as I prepared dinner. My grandchildren had just returned from playing outside, their cheeks rosy and eyes sparkling, and I wanted a meal that felt warm and welcoming, one that would gather everyone around the table.
I sliced the pork tenderloin into medallions and let them soak in apple cider with garlic and thyme. The kitchen quickly filled with a sweet, fragrant aroma, bringing back memories of family dinners from my childhood. While the pork marinated, I peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, recalling the simple joy of my mother mashing them with butter and a hint of cinnamon.
As the pork sizzled and the cider reduced into a glossy sauce, my husband wandered in, drawn by the inviting scent. By the time everything was plated, the tender pork on creamy sweet potatoes, the room was filled with chatter, laughter, and the warmth that only home-cooked meals can bring. It was a moment where flavor, family, and memory blended seamlessly into one.
Short Description
Apple Cider Pork With Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a cozy fall dish featuring tender pork medallions in a sweet-savory cider sauce served alongside creamy, buttery mashed sweet potatoes.
Key Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Pork
- 1½ pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into medallions
- 1 cup apple cider, divided
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme, fresh or dried
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
In a bowl, combine the pork medallions with ½ cup of apple cider, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15–30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and return the sweet potatoes to the pot.
Step 3: Prepare the Pork
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Sear the pork medallions for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Pour in the reserved marinade and the remaining ½ cup apple cider, bringing it to a simmer. Return the pork to the skillet, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter for added richness.
Step 5: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Add butter, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and cinnamon to the drained sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the mashed sweet potatoes, top with the apple cider pork, and drizzle with the sauce from the skillet. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory balance in every bite
Tender, juicy pork medallions
Creamy, comforting mashed sweet potatoes
Family-friendly and approachable for home cooks
Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Pork
Overcooked pork can become dry and tough.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer and remove the pork at 145°F (63°C) for perfect juiciness.
Watery Sweet Potatoes
Boiling too long can make them watery.
Solution: Drain well and mash immediately with butter and cream for a smooth texture.
Burned Sauce
High heat can scorch the apple cider sauce.
Solution: Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently, especially when adding the reserved marinade.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve family-style on a large platter for sharing
Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
Enjoy with a crisp white wine or apple cider for extra warmth
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat pork gently in a skillet with a splash of cider to maintain moisture
Reheat mashed sweet potatoes on low heat, adding a touch of cream or milk if needed
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken breasts or thighs can be used. Adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the pork up to 2 hours ahead and mash the sweet potatoes in advance. Reheat gently before serving.
3. Can I use sweet potato puree instead of mashing?
Yes, but mash fresh for best texture and flavor.
4. Is the cornstarch necessary for the sauce?
No, it’s optional. It helps thicken the sauce if desired.
5. Can I add other spices to the pork?
Absolutely! A pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile.
Tips & Tricks
Use fresh thyme for a more aromatic flavor
Let the pork rest after cooking to retain juices
Peel sweet potatoes evenly for smoother mash
Recipe Variations
Apple Cider Pork with Sage: Replace thyme with 1 tsp fresh sage for a warm, earthy flavor.
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to mashed sweet potatoes for extra sweetness.
Spicy Apple Cider Pork: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the pork marinade for a gentle kick.
Apple Cider Pork with Caramelized Onions: Use 2 medium onions and caramelize before adding cider for richer sauce.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Roasted Garlic: Mash in 2 roasted garlic cloves for a subtle savory note.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe has a special place in my heart. It brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting meal that warms both the body and the spirit. The tender pork paired with creamy sweet potatoes makes every bite satisfying, and the apple cider sauce gives it a gentle sweetness that feels just right for autumn.
Sharing it with my family, watching them savor each mouthful, reminds me that cooking is about more than recipes, it’s about creating memories. The kitchen becomes a place of laughter, conversation. May this recipe add a touch of warmth to your table and spark small moments of joy with the people you care about.
Apple Cider Pork With Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Pork
- 1½ pounds pork tenderloin trimmed and cut into medallions
- 1 cup apple cider divided
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Marinate pork medallions with apple cider, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper for 15–30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- Boil cubed sweet potatoes 15–20 minutes until tender; drain.
- Sear pork in olive oil 3–4 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion in the same skillet, add reserved marinade and remaining apple cider, return pork, cover, and cook 10–15 minutes until 145°F (63°C); thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Mash sweet potatoes with butter, cream, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Serve pork over mashed sweet potatoes, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme.
