🍁 Southern Potluck Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin
Tender, juicy pork tenderloin coated in a sweet-and-tangy maple Dijon glaze. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for a Southern-style potluck.
🛒 Ingredients
For the pork:
1½–2 lb (680–900 g) pork tenderloin
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme
For the Maple Dijon Glaze:
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter
Optional garnish:
Fresh parsley or thyme
Thinly sliced green onions
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with foil and lightly grease it.
Prepare the pork:
Remove any silver skin from the tenderloin. Pat it dry, then rub all over with olive oil.
Season:
Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the pork.
Sear the pork:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning until nicely browned all over.
Make the glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter.
Glaze the pork:
Brush the tenderloin generously with the maple Dijon glaze, reserving some for later.
Roast:
Transfer to the oven and roast for approximately 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness. Brush with more glaze halfway through cooking.
Check for doneness:
Cook until the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Rest:
Remove from the oven and loosely tent with foil. Let rest for 8–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve:
Slice into medallions and drizzle with the remaining warm glaze. Garnish with parsley or fresh thyme.
🍽️ Southern Potluck Sides
Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, glazed carrots, cornbread, or coleslaw.
