Apple Cider Braised Pork Loin Recipe – Under $5 per Serving

If you’re looking for a pork loin recipe that’s perfect for cozy fall dinners or even a special occasion, this Apple Cider Braised Pork Loin is the one. Plus, this is a dish that makes you look like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did—who doesn’t love that?

This pork loin recipe brings together the sweetness of apple cider with the savory flavor of pork for a dish that feels like fall on a plate.

Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for an easy meal that feels a little extra special, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Braised Pork Loin Recipe

There are a lot of pork loin recipes out there, but what makes this one shine is its perfect balance of flavors.

The apple cider braising liquid gives the pork a sweet, tangy depth, while the slow cooking keeps the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender. This is the kind of dish that you can serve for a cozy Sunday dinner or even a fall gathering with friends.

Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Apple cider adds natural sweetness and tang to the dish, making it one of the best apple cider recipes to try this season.
• The pork loin is budget-friendly, yet feels like a special treat. Pork loin is also one of the healthier options when it comes to pork recipes.
• The whole recipe comes together with simple ingredients, so you’re not hunting down anything fancy.
• It’s adaptable—serve it with your favorite sides for a full meal, or shred the pork for sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Under $5 per Serving

One of the best things about this Apple Cider Braised Pork Loin recipe—besides how delicious it is—is that it’s surprisingly affordable!

If you’re watching your grocery budget, you’ll be happy to know that this meal costs roughly $3.75 to $4.75 per serving. That’s a fantastic deal for a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels special enough for a weekend gathering but is simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs for each ingredient:

Ingredient	Cost
Pork Loin (1-2 lbs)	$8.00 – $12.00
Apple Cider (1.5 cups)	$1.50
Chicken Broth (1 cup)	$0.50
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp)	$0.25
Garlic (1 tbsp)	$0.20
Onion (1)	$0.50
Baby Carrots (1.5 cups)	$1.50
White Cooking Wine (1/4 cup)	$0.50
Fresh Rosemary	$0.50
Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cinnamon	$0.50

Total Estimated Cost: $14.95 – $18.95

Dividing that total by 4 servings gives you an estimated average cost per serving of $3.75 to $4.75.

The pork loin is the biggest investment, but by using budget-friendly staples like onions, baby carrots, chicken broth, and apple cider, you can stretch your dollar without sacrificing taste.

Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully during the braising process, making this dish feel even more luxurious than its price tag suggests.

Whether you serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, this is a meal that brings comfort to your table without breaking the bank. So, gather your ingredients, cozy up in the kitchen, and enjoy this budget-friendly delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this pork loin roast. You might already have most of these ingredients in your pantry:

• Pork Loin (1-2 lbs) – This smaller cut is perfect for a cozy dinner or a small gathering.
• Apple Cider (1.5 cups) – The star of the braising liquid, it adds sweetness and tang.
• Chicken Broth (1 cup) – Helps balance the flavors and provides extra moisture for braising.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp) – Adds a slight tang and depth of flavor.
• Garlic (1 tbsp, minced) – Because garlic makes everything better.
• Onion (1, chopped) – For sweetness and aromatics.
• Baby Carrots (1.5 cups) – Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
• White Cooking Wine (1/4 cup) – Adds acidity and enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Fresh Rosemary (a few sprigs) – Earthy and fragrant, it pairs perfectly with pork.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, and Cinnamon – To season the pork and the braising liquid. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the apple cider.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Pork Loin

Start by seasoning your pork loin generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of cinnamon. The cinnamon might seem surprising, but trust me—it gives a subtle warmth to the dish that pairs perfectly with the apple cider.

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or an oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. While this is heating up, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the oil is hot, sear the pork on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown. Set the pork aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Deglaze with White Wine

Next, pour in the white cooking wine to deglaze the pot. This step lifts all the browned bits stuck to the bottom, adding loads of flavor to the dish.

Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Return the pork loin to the pot and add in your baby carrots.

4. Create the Braising Liquid

In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, apple cider, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Stir until everything is well combined.

Then, pour the mixture into the pot making sure the pork is partially submerged. Next, add the fresh rosemary sprigs before bringing the pot to a simmer.

5. Braise the Pork

Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated 325°F oven. Let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

The apple cider and spices will infuse the pork with incredible flavor as it cooks.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice or shred the pork and it’s time to eat! Don’t forget to serve the tender baby carrots on the side. This dish is perfect with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or your favorite roasted vegetables.

Pro Tips for Cooking Pork Loin

Cooking pork loin can be tricky because it’s a lean cut, so it’s easy to overcook it and end up with dry meat. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Searing: Don’t skip the searing step! It locks in moisture and adds depth of flavor.
• Internal Temperature: Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Resting: Always let your pork loin roast rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute through the meat, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

What to Serve with Apple Cider Braised Pork Loin

The beauty of this pork loin recipe is that it pairs well with a wide range of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The perfect vehicle for soaking up that delicious apple cider sauce.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes bring even more fall flavor to the plate.
• Steamed Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts: Something green adds freshness and balances out the richness of the pork.
• Crusty Bread: For mopping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy ways to adapt this recipe:

• Pork Loin Roast with Bone-In: If you prefer a little more flavor, you can use a bone-in pork loin. It will take a bit longer to cook, but the result is even juicier meat.
• Hard Cider: Want to add an adult twist? Swap out regular apple cider for hard cider to give the dish a slightly boozy, complex flavor.
• Fruit Add-Ins: For extra fall vibes, you can add sliced apples to the braising liquid. They’ll soften as the pork cooks and bring a lovely sweetness to the dish.
• Cinnamon Sticks: If you want an even stronger cinnamon flavor, considering adding whole cinnamon sticks to the pot before putting it in the oven.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This dish keeps well, which makes it great for meal prep or leftovers:

• In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits!
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the cooked pork and braising liquid in separate containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Reheating: To avoid drying out the pork, reheat it in the sauce over low heat, either on the stovetop or in the oven. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

• Can I use pork tenderloin instead?
  Yes, but pork tenderloin cooks much faster than pork loin, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. It may only need about 1 hour in the oven. Pork shoulder or pork butt is also a good alternative.
• What’s the difference between apple cider and apple cider vinegar?
  Apple cider is a sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from pressed apples. Apple cider vinegar is fermented and much more acidic. Stick with regular apple cider for this recipe!
• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  Absolutely! Sear the pork loin as directed, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low until the pork is tender.

Enjoy Your New Go-To Fall Recipe

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Loin is a fall favorite that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

The sweet, tangy apple cider combined with tender pork makes this one of those pork loin recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special meal with friends and family. If you try it out, let me know how it goes!