Honey Garlic Crispy Pork Tenderloin Over Creamy Mac & Cheese
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’m so excited to share this Honey Garlic Crispy Pork Tenderloin over Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that hits the spot when you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal. The juicy, crispy pork tenderloin, paired with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, is the star of the show. I love making this for a cozy night in or when I’m entertaining friends and family—it’s always a crowd-pleaser. And let’s be honest, creamy mac & cheese is the perfect side to soak up all that delicious sauce.
I’ve teamed up with Prairie Fresh for the Porkabilities Challenge to bring you this recipe. We recently did a poll on IG stories you guys picked, pork tenderloin, honey garlic sauce & mac & cheese. Find a Prairie Fresh location near you today! Find a Prairie Fresh location near you today and elevate your meal with their high-quality pork tenderloin!
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Crispy Pork Tenderloin
- Perfect for Comfort Food Cravings: This dish combines crispy pork tenderloin with creamy mac & cheese, hitting all the right comfort food notes.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor Combo: The honey garlic sauce adds a deliciously sweet and tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory pork.
- Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together, this meal is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up without a fuss and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Using Prairie Fresh pork tenderloin ensures a tender and flavorful main dish, making each bite truly satisfying.
Ingredients Needed To Make Honey Garlic Crispy Pork Tenderloin
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Prairie Fresh Pork Tenderloin Filet
- Seasoned bread crumbs
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Honey
- Light brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Cornstarch
- Minced garlic
- Elbow pasta
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
How To Make Honey Garlic Crispy Pork Tenderloin
- Prep the Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry. Slice into 1½-inch pieces and flatten each piece to ½ inch thick using a meat mallet.
- Bread the Pork: Dip each pork slice in a bowl with eggs and milk, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook each pork slice for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl. Combine with soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, salt, onion powder, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until thickened.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: Cook the elbow pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a pot, melt butter, then add milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Mix in the cooked pasta.
- Serve: Place the crispy pork on top of the creamy mac & cheese and drizzle with honey garlic sauce. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover honey garlic crispy pork tenderloin and mac & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for about 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze both the pork and mac & cheese. Just make sure they are stored in separate, airtight containers to prevent freezer burn. They should be used within 2-3 months for the best quality.
How do I reheat the pork and mac & cheese?
For best results, reheat the pork and mac & cheese separately. You can use the microwave or oven. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat them until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Can I use a different sauce for this dish?
Absolutely! If honey garlic isn’t your thing, you could use a teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy Sriracha glaze for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sauce according to your taste preference.
Can I make the mac & cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac & cheese a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, reheat it thoroughly before combining it with the crispy pork.
What can I serve with this dish?
If you want to add some veggies to your meal, consider serving the pork and mac & cheese with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli. It balances out the rich flavors and adds some freshness.
Can I use another type of cheese in the mac & cheese?
Certainly! Feel free to swap out cheddar cheese for another type, such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and creaminess of the dish.
Honey Garlic Crispy Pork Tenderloin Over Creamy Mac & Cheese
Equipment
- Sealable bag
- meat mallet
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 Prairie Fresh Pork Tenderloin Filet
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
- 2½ tbsp rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Mac & Cheese
- 12 oz elbow pasta
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
For the Pork Tenderloin
- Prep the Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel. Slice into pieces approximately 1½ inches wide. Place each slice in a sealable bag and pound it out until it’s about ½ inch thick.
- Bread the Pork: In one mixing bowl, add the seasoned breadcrumbs. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Dip each pork slice into the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Pork: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the base of the pan. Once heated, add the breaded pork slices. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients, including the cornstarch mixture, in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Drizzle the sauce over the cooked pork.
For the Mac & Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the elbow pasta according to the package's instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Cheese: Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well.
To Serve
- Place the crispy pork tenderloin over the creamy mac & cheese and drizzle with the honey garlic sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
This honey garlic crispy pork tenderloin over creamy mac & cheese is seriously a winner in my book. It’s one of those comforting meals that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this combo never fails to hit the spot. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
I never leave reviews but I have tried so many Mac and cheese recipes and this one is by far the best I’ve tried. It’s my husband’s new favorite.
Thank you Cassie