Gather around the table, my friends, for a dish that’s sure to bring comfort, warmth, and a flavor explosion to your day. Introducing the Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake with Jalapeno Crunch – a modern classic that combines the rich, savory notes of pork with the zesty kick of jalapeños and the cozy, caramelized sweetness of smashed onions. This one-pan wonder is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, promising to delight your senses and bring people together with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake With Jalapeno Crunch
Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food bliss. This Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake is the epitome of cozy, hearty, and utterly craveable. The pork roast is perfectly seasoned and seared to golden, juicy perfection, while the smashed onions melt into a sweet, caramelized backdrop. The addition of crispy, zesty jalapeño crunch takes this dish to new levels of flavor, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a showstopping centerpiece for a special occasion or a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal for a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
This Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake with Jalapeno Crunch calls for a simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients. You’ll need a juicy pork roast, sweet onions, garlic, jalapeños, and a few pantry staples to bring it all together. The rich, savory pork pairs beautifully with the caramelized onions and the bright, zesty kick of the jalapeño crunch.
- 3-4 lb pork roast – choose a tender, well-marbled cut
- 4 large sweet onions, peeled and smashed
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Roast: You can use a different cut of pork, such as a loin or shoulder roast, for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the butter and use a plant-based oil, such as olive or avocado oil, for a dairy-free option.
How to Make Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake With Jalapeno Crunch
Start by prepping your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning your pork roast with a blend of warm spices and letting it sit at room temperature to take the chill off. Meanwhile, prepare your onions by peeling, slicing, and smashing them to release their natural sweetness. Mince the garlic and jalapeños, keeping them separate for now.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large, oven-safe skillet, sear the pork roast until it’s golden brown all over. Remove the roast and set it aside, then add the smashed onions to the same skillet. Cook the onions low and slow, allowing them to caramelize and develop their sweet, velvety texture. Once the onions are perfectly browned, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Return the pork roast to the skillet, nestling it into the caramelized onions. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork until it’s cooked through and tender. While the pork is baking, prepare the jalapeño crunch by sautéing the minced jalapeños in a bit of butter until they’re crispy and golden.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the pork roast is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the smashed onion pork roast skillet bake topped with the zesty, crunchy jalapeño topping. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, try rubbing the pork roast with a blend of warm spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika before searing.
- One-Pan Meal: Add diced sweet potatoes or carrots to the skillet for a heartier, one-pan meal.
- Creamy Onions: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the onions during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Bright Contrast: Serve the dish with a bright, zesty salad or pickled vegetables on the side to balance the richness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or a simple vegetable medley.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: The dish reheats beautifully in the oven or on the stovetop.
Make-Ahead: The pork roast and caramelized onions can be prepared a day or two in advance and reheated gently before serving. The jalapeño crunch topping can be made just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition Information
This Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and a bounty of vitamins and minerals. Each serving provides a substantial amount of lean pork, as well as a generous helping of caramelized onions and a crunchy, zesty topping. While it’s a comforting and indulgent dish, the balance of flavors and nutrients makes it a nutritious addition to your weekly rotation.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the pork roast is cooked through?
To ensure your pork roast is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for a juicy, medium-rare finish, or 160°F for well-done.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! The pork roast and caramelized onions can be prepared a day or two in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. The jalapeño crunch topping can be made just before serving for maximum crispiness.
What sides pair well with this Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake?
This dish is a true showstopper on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or a simple vegetable medley to round out the meal.
Can I use a different type of pork for this recipe?
Definitely! While the recipe calls for a pork roast, you can experiment with other cuts of pork, such as a loin or shoulder, depending on your preferences and what’s available. Just be mindful of any adjustments to cooking time and temperatures.
How spicy is the jalapeño crunch topping?
The level of heat in the jalapeño crunch topping can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences. Start with a smaller amount of jalapeño and increase it to your desired level of spice. Remember, the heat can also be tempered by the richness of the pork and caramelized onions.
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Savory Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smashed Onion Pork Roast Skillet Bake is a hearty dish featuring succulent pork roast, caramelized onions, and a spicy jalapeno crunch that adds a delightful texture and flavor. Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
2 lbs pork roast
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, diced
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are translucent and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
3. 3. Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeno to the skillet, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. 4. Season the pork roast with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Place the roast in the skillet on top of the onions and jalapenos.
5. 5. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring the pork is partially submerged.
6. 6. Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour or until the pork is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. 7. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pork. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before slicing the pork. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeno.
You can serve this dish with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pork roast, skillet, comfort food