Crockpot Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

Crockpot Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin is a sweet and savory delight that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The tenderloin is slow-cooked in a luscious maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze, resulting in a juicy, flavorful pork roast with a slightly caramelized, sticky finish.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as the crockpot does all the work, allowing you to walk away while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. The combination of maple sweetness, tangy Dijon, and a touch of garlic creates a balanced, crowd-pleasing flavor profile that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so effortless yet incredibly flavorful. The pork tenderloin comes out tender and juicy every time, and the maple Dijon glaze adds a gourmet touch without requiring complicated techniques. It’s a versatile recipe that works as a weekday dinner or a special weekend meal.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Perfectly tender pork tenderloin cooked low and slow.
• Sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky maple Dijon glaze.
• Minimal hands-on time, maximal flavor.
• Perfect for family meals or entertaining.
• Pairs with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4–5 hours

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4–6
• Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1.5–2 lb pork tenderloin
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
• 1 tsp olive oil (for optional searing)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Pork Tenderloin

1. Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin.
2. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork 2–3 minutes per side to enhance flavor and color.

Step 2: Make the Maple Dijon Glaze

4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

5. Place the pork tenderloin in the crockpot.
6. Pour the maple Dijon glaze over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook

7. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

8. Optional: Transfer pork to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes for a lightly caramelized top.
9. Slice pork tenderloin and drizzle with the remaining glaze from the crockpot.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

How to Serve

• Slice and serve over mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
• Serve alongside steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
• Great as a main protein for rice bowls or grain bowls.

Recipe Tips

• Searing the pork before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and color.
• Don’t overcook; tenderloin is lean and can dry out if cooked too long.
• Basting the pork with its own juices halfway through cooking keeps it extra moist.
• Adjust sweetness by adding a bit more maple syrup or tanginess with extra Dijon.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Dijon: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the glaze for aromatic flavor.
• Apple Twist: Add thin apple slices under the pork for a fruity undertone.
• Orange Maple: Mix 1 tbsp fresh orange juice into the glaze for a citrus note.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked pork and glaze in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked pork slices with glaze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth or water if glaze thickens.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Optional: Skillet for searing
• Small bowl and whisk for glaze

FAQ

Q1: Can I cook this without searing?
Yes, searing is optional. The pork will still be flavorful and tender.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pork and glaze in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.

Q3: Can I use a different pork cut?
Pork loin works but may need slightly longer cooking; tenderloin remains juicier.

Q4: How thick is the glaze?
The glaze will be slightly thick but can be reduced on the stove if desired.

Q5: Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce maple syrup to 2 tbsp and increase Dijon for tanginess.

Conclusion

Crockpot Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers tender, juicy pork with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining guests.

The rich, flavorful glaze elevates the tenderloin into a gourmet experience without complicated steps, making it a must-try recipe for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful pork dish.