Cozy Pork and Apple Casserole Recipe: Heartwarming Fall Magic

Crafting a heartwarming pork and apple casserole brings comfort to chilly evenings.

Sweet orchard fruits mingle beautifully with savory meat in this classic dish.

Tender chunks of pork nestle alongside caramelized apple slices, creating a symphony of flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such magical results.

Seasonal produce takes center stage, promising a meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Warm spices add depth to every forkful, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to bookmark this delightful combination that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients Needed For Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole

• Pork: A tender cut that provides the main protein and rich flavor for this hearty casserole.

• Onion, Mushrooms, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds depth and savory notes to the dish.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Cider, Stock: Provide moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Sage: A traditional herb that complements the pork and adds an earthy, warm flavor.
• Apples: Bring a sweet and tangy element that balances the richness of the meat.
• Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.

• Oil: Used for browning the pork and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How To Cook Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole At Home

Step 1: Sizzle the Pork

Generously coat pork pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place seasoned pork into the hot pan, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip the meat to ensure even browning, creating delicious caramelized edges that will add depth to the final dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Sliced mushrooms
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, soaking up all the flavorful pork drippings. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises a delectable meal ahead.

Step 3: Create a Silky Base

Sprinkle flour over the pork and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in apple cider and chicken stock, whisking to prevent any lumps. This will create a rich, smooth sauce that will elevate the entire casserole.

Step 4: Infuse with Herbal Essence

Add fresh sage leaves to the mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic oils. Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven and bake covered for 90 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the meat become tender.

Step 5: Final Flavor Burst

• Diced apples
• Heavy cream

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes. The apples will soften and the cream will create a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Ladle the steaming casserole onto plates of creamy mashed potatoes. Arrange some vibrant green vegetables on the side. For an extra touch, garnish with thin apple slices. The combination of savory pork, sweet apples, and herbal notes will delight every palate.

Kitchen Notes For Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole

• Select the Right Pork Cut: Choose pork shoulder or leg for tender, succulent meat that won't dry out during long cooking.
• Balance Apple Sweetness: Use tart cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith to prevent the dish from becoming overly sweet.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust stock and cider quantities if sauce seems too thin or thick during baking.
• Enhance Herb Flavor: Crush dried sage between fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics into the casserole.
• Prevent Apple Disintegration: Add apple chunks in the final baking stage to maintain their texture and prevent turning mushy.

Tasty Twists On Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to create a celiac-friendly casserole without compromising flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap pork with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable stock and maintaining the apple and sage profile for a meat-alternative dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute apples with roasted cauliflower, use bone broth instead of cider, and serve with cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly version.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except cream to a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in cream during the last 30 minutes for a hands-off preparation.

Pair Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole With These

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio that complements the dish's rich pork and sweet apple notes, cutting through the creamy texture with bright acidity.
• Enhance with Rustic Bread: Serve a crusty sourdough or country-style bread to soak up the delicious casserole sauce, adding a satisfying textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.
• Match with Herbal Cider Cocktail: Create a refreshing apple cider cocktail with gin, thyme, and a splash of lemon to echo the dish's apple and sage elements, elevating the dining experience.
• Recommend Hearty Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with crisp lettuce, tart apple slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and provide a fresh counterpoint.

Easy Storage For Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole Questions Answered

• What are the best cuts of pork for this casserole?

Shoulder or leg cuts work best because they’re tender, flavorful, and become incredibly soft during slow cooking.

• Can I use a different alcohol instead of cider?

Yes, white wine or apple juice are great alternatives that will still provide depth and richness to the dish.

• Is this dish gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the sauce.

• How can I enhance the apple flavor?

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex and balanced apple taste in the casserole.

What Makes Mary Berry Pork And Apple Casserole Worth Trying

• Comfort Cooking Redefined: Dive into a hearty dish that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
• Seasonal Sensations: Celebrate autumn's bounty with a recipe that skillfully blends succulent pork and sweet apples, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.
• Smart Cooking Strategy: Minimize kitchen hassle with a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results without complex techniques.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Adaptable for different skill levels, this casserole works brilliantly as a weekend family meal or an impressive dish for casual entertaining, pairing beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh greens.

Pork And Apple Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 130 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty pork and apple casserole brings rustic comfort straight from French countryside kitchens, melding tender meat with sweet-tart fruit. Savory layers of seasonal ingredients create a rich, warming dish that beckons you to gather around the table and savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) pork shoulder, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 12 button mushrooms, halved
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 firm apples, thickly sliced

Seasonings, Liquids, and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 240 milliliters (8 fluid ounces) dry cider
• 420 milliliters (14 fluid ounces) chicken stock
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 80 milliliters (2.7 fluid ounces) double cream

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Instructions

1. Generously season pork chunks and sear in hot oil until golden brown and caramelized on all sides.
2. In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring thoroughly to coat and create a light roux.
4. Pour in apple cider and chicken stock, whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich liquid base.
5. Add fresh sage leaves and gently stir to distribute herbs throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer casserole to preheated oven at 325°F, cover tightly, and slow-cook for approximately 90 minutes until pork becomes tender.
7. Remove from oven, fold in diced apples and heavy cream, ensuring even distribution.
8. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 25 minutes until apples soften and sauce thickens.
9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables.
10. Optionally garnish with thin apple slices or fresh sage leaves for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Select pork shoulder or loin for tender, succulent meat that won’t dry out during long cooking.
• Swap hard cider with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers rich apple flavor.
• Toast sage leaves briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic herbal notes and boost overall dish complexity.
• Prepare casserole ahead and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld, making it perfect for make-ahead meal planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 115 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg