Sheet Pan Roasted Michigan Cherry and Pork Tenderloin
A simple roasted pork tenderloin enhanced with the sweet and tart flavors of Michigan cherries, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh Michigan tart cherries, pitted, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 cup fresh Michigan tart cherries, pitted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin and rub it all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 2: Arrange the pork tenderloin in the center of a rimmed sheet pan. Scatter 1 cup pitted fresh Michigan tart cherries around the pork.
- Step 3: Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then drizzle 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar over the cherries and pork. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and cherries are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove from oven, let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the pork slices with the roasted cherries spooned over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Roasted Michigan Cherry and Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Roasted Michigan Cherry and Pork Tenderloin?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Roasted Michigan Cherry and Pork Tenderloin?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sheet Pan Roasted Michigan Cherry and Pork Tenderloin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sheet Pan Roasted Michigan Cherry and Pork Tenderloin?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.