Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust

Busy weeknights just got a whole lot tastier with this Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust. This easy, one-dish dinner packs big flavor in a fraction of the time, thanks to a few genius microwave tricks. Get ready to wow your family (and impress yourself) with this restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in just minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust

This Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust is the ultimate comfort food – it’s cozy, satisfying, and sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors is downright addictive, and the best part? It’s a breeze to make, even on your busiest weeknights. With a few simple tricks, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in just minutes.

Ingredients (Single-Serve)

This easy pork roast recipe calls for just a handful of real-food ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. You’ll need a pork loin roast, apple cider, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a few pantry spices.

  • 1 lb – Pork loin roast
  • 1/2 cup – Apple cider
  • 2 tbsp – Bourbon
  • 3 tbsp – Brown sugar
  • 1 tsp – Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp – Salt
  • 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp – Cayenne pepper

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Bourbon: Substitute with an equal amount of apple juice or apple cider (works just as well, but without the boozy kick).
  • Cayenne pepper: Omit if you’re not a fan of spice.

How to Make Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust

This Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust is a breeze to make, even on your busiest weeknights. With a few simple steps and a couple of genius microwave tricks, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by seasoning the pork roast with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne. Then, in a microwave-safe dish, whisk together the apple cider, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and garlic.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Pop the dish in the microwave and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm and fragrant. Remove the dish from the microwave and add the seasoned pork roast, turning to coat it evenly in the sauce.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the roast halfway through, until the pork is cooked through and tender. Let the roast rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Variations & Time-Saver Tips

  • Extra Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra flavor punch.
  • Swap the Protein: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs instead of pork for a different take on this recipe.
  • Seared Crust: If you have a few extra minutes, sear the pork roast in a hot skillet before microwaving to get that delicious fire-kissed crust.
  • Batch Cooking: Make a double or triple batch of this recipe and freeze the extra portions for easy microwave-friendly meals later.
Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust
Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust

Serving, Storage & Reheat

Serve with: Roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.

Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the roast can be easily reheated in the microwave.

Microwave Reheat: Simply place a portion of the pork roast on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

Make-Ahead: The pork roast can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before reheating and serving.

Nutrition Info

This Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust is a real-food, protein-packed dinner that won’t weigh you down. Each serving provides a good amount of lean protein, along with a touch of healthy fats and carbs to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

  • Serving Size: 4 oz
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbs: 16 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with a boneless pork loin, pork tenderloin, or even bone-in pork chops.

How do I know when the pork is cooked through?

The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F on a meat thermometer. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The pork roast can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before reheating and serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use a gluten-free Dijon mustard.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Cooked pork roast will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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How to make Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust — key cooking step

Fire-Kissed Apple Bourbon Pork Roast with Brown Sugar Crust

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  • Author: Emma Brookstone
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 150 minutes
  • Total Time: 170 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner Mug Meals
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A succulent pork roast infused with the rich flavors of apple and bourbon, topped with a sweet brown sugar crust.


Ingredients

Scale

4 lbs pork roast

1 cup apple bourbon

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

2 apples, sliced


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Rub the pork roast with Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Place the pork in a roasting pan and pour apple bourbon over it.

4. Sprinkle brown sugar on top of the pork roast.

5. Arrange apple slices around the pork in the pan.

6. Cover with foil and roast for 2 hours.

7. Remove the foil and roast for an additional 30 minutes until the crust is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).


Notes

Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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