There’s something about the aroma of roasted pork filling the air that makes any meal feel special.
This Roast Pork with Maple and Mustard Glaze brings together the natural richness of pork with a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
With just a handful of ingredients, this dish delivers deep, complex flavors while keeping things simple.
The pork stays juicy, the glaze forms a golden-brown crust, and every bite offers the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Roast Pork with Maple and Mustard Glaze
Roasting a pork loin or tenderloin doesn’t have to be complicated, and this recipe proves just that.
- Balanced Sweet and Savory Flavors – The maple syrup adds warmth and caramelized sweetness, while the mustard gives it a sharp, tangy contrast.
- Tender and Juicy Every Time – Roasting the pork at the right temperature ensures a perfectly cooked, moist interior.
- Easy But Impressive – This dish requires minimal prep, yet looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
- Pairs Well with Many Sides – Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
The combination of simple techniques and big flavors makes this a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients for the Best Roast Pork with Maple and Mustard Glaze
A short list of ingredients is all you need to create a deeply flavorful roast with a rich, caramelized crust.
- Pork Loin or Tenderloin – Lean, juicy, and perfect for roasting.
- Maple Syrup – Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Dijon Mustard – Brings a sharp, tangy depth to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic – Infuses the pork with a warm, savory aroma.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds just the right touch of acidity for balance.
- Olive Oil – Helps the pork develop a golden-brown crust.
A few quality ingredients go a long way in making this roast pork rich in flavor yet incredibly simple to prepare.
How to Make Roast Pork with Maple and Mustard Glaze
This recipe follows a straightforward process, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Prepare the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Season the Pork – Pat the pork dry, rub it with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
- Sear for Extra Flavor – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown. This step locks in moisture and adds a rich depth of flavor.
- Brush with Glaze and Roast – Place the pork in a roasting pan, brush generously with the maple-mustard glaze, and roast at 375°F (190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve – Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, ensuring a tender and flavorful roast.
The result? A perfectly cooked pork roast with a sticky, caramelized glaze and juicy interior.
Tips for the Best Roast Pork
A few simple tricks can take this dish from good to great.
- Use a Meat Thermometer – The best way to avoid overcooked, dry pork is to check the internal temperature. Remove it from the oven at 145°F (63°C) and let it rest.
- Sear for Maximum Flavor – Browning the pork before roasting locks in juices and enhances the caramelized crust.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Letting the pork rest keeps the juices from running out when you slice it.
- Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste – Want more tang? Add extra mustard. Prefer it sweeter? Increase the maple syrup slightly.
By fine-tuning these small details, you’ll get a perfectly roasted, flavorful pork every time.
Best Sides to Serve with Roast Pork
A hearty dish like this pairs well with both classic and fresh side dishes.
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Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and rich, perfect for soaking up the glaze. |
Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Adds a slightly charred, nutty contrast. |
Honey-Glazed Carrots | Enhances the sweet notes in the glaze. |
Wild Rice Pilaf | A nutty, earthy pairing that balances the flavors. |
Crisp Apple Slaw | Fresh and tangy, cutting through the richness. |
Each side dish brings something different to the table, rounding out the meal beautifully.
How to Store & Reheat Roast Pork
Leftovers? No problem. This dish stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a low oven (300°F/150°C) with a bit of broth or glaze to keep it moist.
These simple storage methods ensure your roast pork stays juicy and flavorful, even the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin?
Yes! Pork tenderloin is smaller and leaner, so adjust the cooking time accordingly—it may take only 20-25 minutes to roast.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, tent the pork with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze and marinate the pork overnight, then roast it fresh the next day.
What’s the best way to slice roast pork?
Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain for the most tender bites.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Honey works well as a substitute, offering a slightly lighter sweetness.
This Roast Pork with Maple and Mustard Glaze delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it a great addition to any dinner lineup.
Roast Pork with Maple and Mustard Glaze
Equipment
- Roasting Pan For cooking the pork in the oven
- Mixing Bowl For preparing the glaze
- Basting Brush For applying the glaze evenly
- Meat Thermometer To check for doneness
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb pork loin or pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil to make the glaze.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan and brush generously with the maple mustard glaze.
- Roast for 50-60 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your choice of side dishes, drizzling any extra glaze over the top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork in the glaze for at least 30 minutes before roasting.
- If using pork tenderloin, reduce the roasting time to 25-30 minutes.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
Carrie, I don’t know how you do it, but this was fantastic.
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
The flavors were spot on! Loved how quick and easy it was to make.