This baked Paleo AIP Christmas Roast Pork and Apples recipe is an instant Autoimmune Protocol holiday classic!
It takes just a few moments spent over the stove to caramelize the ingredients before finishing the dish in the oven. You’ll love how this luscious Paleo AIP main course comes together in about an hour and with not much fuss at all!
It goes so well with AIP side dishes like mashed cauliflower or roasted taro root if you’re craving a nightshade-free mashed potato alternative to go with your Christmas roast. Serve up a side of baked asparagus and you have a fancy but simple dinner that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Jump to Recipe
Sear. Brown. Bake.
Spending a few extra minutes getting a stovetop skillet hot and ready, then searing the pork, fruit, and veggies makes such a difference in presentation, flavor, and texture! While I’m a huge fan of throwing everything in a pot and pressing the proverbial “GO button,” sometimes taking a couple moments of bonus preparation will take a dish from fine to fabulous.
I love the golden colors that browning the ingredients beforehand adds to this recipe. It really lifts the dish…making it so gorgeous when you serve it at the dinner table for Christmas (or any day for that matter)! Set the whole baking dish on a heat-safe trivet on the dining table, and watch everyone gather ‘round thanks to the luscious aromas of ground mace, ground clove, and optional Honey Nu’Jon.
This roast carves up beautifully, and the apples are the perfect finishing touch when served atop slices of juicy, succulent pork.
Need some AIP-friendly sides to serve with your Paleo AIP Christmas Roast Pork and Apples?
Snag and save these recipes from my blog archives! They’re all gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and 100% AIP compliant.
Paleo AIP Baked Stuffing (Gluten-Free)
Maple Roasted Root Vegetables with Brussel Sprouts (AIP, Paleo, Vegan)
Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas to All!
Be sure to check out my 2021 Autoimmune Gift Guide for some last-minute, self-care gifts for those special people in your life!
Do you have any special traditions for the holidays? I’d love to hear! Leave me a comment below.
Paleo AIP Christmas Roast Pork and Apples
This baked Paleo AIP Christmas Roast Pork and Apples recipe is an Autoimmune Protocol holiday classic!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil, divided
- 3 lbs 2” to 3” thick boneless whole pork *loin (*not tenderloin)
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 to 8 small green or gold apples, cored, then halved or quartered
- 2 tsp Primal Palate Poultry Seasoning (or your own blend of thyme, marjoram, & rosemary)
- ½ tsp each ground mace & ground cloves
- sea salt, to taste
- 1 c bone broth
- ¼ cup Honey N’ujon (optional)
Instructions
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Add half the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add pork loin. Brown on each side for about 4 minutes.
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Add loin to a 9”x13” baking dish, then set aside.
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Return the skillet to the heat, and lower the heat to medium. Add remaining coconut oil. When hot, add onion and garlic, then cook for 2 minutes.
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Add apples, then cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in dry seasonings, broth, and Honey N’ujon (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
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Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pour the apple mixture over the pork, scooting the veggies and fruit off the top of the loin so that it is exposed.
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Bake for 30 minutes, then check the internal temperature to ensure it is cooked through safely.
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Slice the loin before serving topped with the apple mixture, or serve whole at the dinner table for a gorgeous presentation!
