Smoky Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Apple Carrot Slaw

This hearty dinner brings together warm, smoky flavors and a touch of sweetness for a meal that feels both comforting and special. Pork tenderloin is seasoned with a cinnamon-paprika rub, then roasted until tender and topped with a glossy cherry jam sauce. On the side, creamy mashed potatoes and a crunchy apple-carrot slaw with a tangy dressing round out the plate.

Perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please. The combination of savory pork, sweet-tart slaw, and buttery potatoes creates a balanced, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Shredded CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Yukon Gold PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Pork TenderloinView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Smoky Cinnamon Paprika SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Cherry JamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Trim and thinly slice scallions. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and 4 teaspoons vinegar. Add shredded carrots and toss to coat.
2. Dice potatoes into 1-inch pieces; place in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 2 inches. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower heat to medium. Cook until easily pierced with a fork, 15–20 minutes. Reserve ½ cup potato cooking liquid, then drain and return potatoes to pot.
3. Rub pork with olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside ¼ teaspoon of the smoky cinnamon paprika spice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Rub remaining spice all over pork. Place pork on a baking sheet and roast until cooked through, 18–20 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Meanwhile, quarter, core, and thinly slice apple. Add to bowl with carrots and toss to combine. Stir in half the sliced scallions. Season slaw with salt and pepper. To the bowl with reserved spice, add cherry jam and remaining 1 teaspoon vinegar; stir to combine. Microwave until warm, about 45 seconds. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter until melted. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
5. Mash drained potatoes in pot until smooth. Stir in sour cream, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, remaining scallions, and ¼ cup reserved potato cooking liquid. If needed, add more cooking liquid a splash at a time until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Slice pork crosswise. Divide pork, mashed potatoes, and slaw among plates. Drizzle cherry sauce over pork and serve.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Medium bowl

DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on AmazonMASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsView on AmazonMALACASA 26 OZ Porcelain Soup Bowls Set of 4, White Ceramic Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl for Oatmeal, Fruit, Salad, Ramen and Rice Bowl -Dishwasher & Microwave Safe BowlsView on Amazon

Large pot

IMUSA 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid - Large Cooking Pot for Soups, Stews, Pasta, Seafood Boiling and Family Meals - Riveted Handles for Easy TransportView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on AmazonKirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot - 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, SimmerView on Amazon

Strainer

Cuisinart, Mesh Strainers, Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer Set for Sifting, Straining and Cooking, Ctg-00-3Ms, 3 CountView on Amazon3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYLView on AmazonWinco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,SilverView on Amazon

Baking sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Small microwave-safe bowl

Wrova wheat straw small bowls 10oz set of 8 - Unbreakable Dessert Bowls set for kids - Mini Bowls for Ice Cream,Snack and Fruits - Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Appetizer BowlsView on AmazonWrova 6 pack small wheat straw bowls 5oz,alternative plastic dipping bowls,unbreakable dessert bowls microwave and dishwasher safe for dessert,sushi,condiment (Classic Series)View on AmazonLE TAUCI Sauce Cups 2 OZ, Small Dipping Bowls, Mini Ceramic Ramekins Souffle Dishes, Sauce Dip Bowls for Charcuterie Boards, Microwave & Oven Safe, Set of 6, WhiteView on Amazon

Potato masher

Chef Craft Select Sturdy Masher, 10.25 inch, Stainless Steel/BlackView on AmazonKitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, 10.24-Inch, BlackView on AmazonUpgraded Potato Masher, Durable Non-break Handle, Rust-proof, Dishwasher safe, Heavy duty 304 Stainless Steel, Kitchen Gadgets Gifts, BlackView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Pork tenderloin works best for this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays tender. You could substitute pork loin, but adjust cooking time as it may take longer.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw up to a few hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving.

What can I use instead of cherry jam?

Any fruit jam or jelly, such as raspberry or apricot, will work well. Adjust sweetness to taste.