Dinner · Part 2 of 3: Instructions
Honey Roasted Pork with Caramelized Onions and Potatoes Step-by-step instructions

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 6
Before you start
Before starting, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature to promote even cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) well in advance so that it reaches the correct temperature before you begin.
Prepare your roasting pan by placing it on a stable surface, and have your knife and cutting board ready. Clean the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing away any dirt, and slice your yellow onions into thick wedges that will hold their shape throughout the roasting process.
Ingredients at a glance (4)
- 3 lb pork roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced into thick wedges
- 1/3 cup honey
Instructions
Preparation and Arrangement
- Prepare the Roast and VegetablesPreheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pork roast in the center of a large roasting pan. Arrange the cleaned baby potatoes and the thick onion wedges evenly around the meat.Look for The pan should be well-arranged with the meat centered and vegetables distributed in a single layer to ensure even cooking.Tip Pat the pork dry with paper towels before roasting to help the exterior brown more effectively.
The pork should be centered in the pan with the potatoes and onions arranged neatly around it. Everything should be ready for the oven. Check that the vegetables are in a single layer so they can roast evenly and develop a golden brown color without becoming soggy or mushy during the long cooking time.
Roasting and Glazing
- Glaze and RoastIn a small bowl, whisk the honey. Brush half of the honey over the entire surface of the pork roast. Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 60 to 75 minutes. Baste the pork with the remaining honey and toss the vegetables slightly so they caramelize evenly. Ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and let it rest for at least 3 minutes.Look for The onions should be deeply caramelized and soft, and the potatoes should be fork-tender and golden brown on the edges.Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)Tip If the honey begins to darken too quickly, cover the top of the pork loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the interior continues to cook.
The pork should have a deep, shiny honey-colored crust, while the onions should be soft, translucent, and slightly charred at the edges. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
If the glaze looks too thin, you can continue roasting for a few more minutes, ensuring the onions are fully caramelized and the potatoes are perfectly cooked through.
Resting and Carving
- Rest and ServeRemove the roasting pan from the oven. Transfer the pork roast to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains tender and succulent when sliced. Serve the sliced pork alongside the roasted potatoes and caramelized onions.Look for The juices should run clear when the meat is sliced, and the center should be moist.Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)Tip Use a sharp carving knife to get clean slices, which will showcase the beautiful texture of the meat and the shiny honey glaze.
The pork must rest for at least 10 minutes, during which the meat should remain warm and succulent. Once rested, the meat should be easy to carve into thick, juicy slices that hold their shape. The juices in the pan can be drizzled over the sliced meat just before serving to add extra moisture and flavor to the final plated dish.
Common mistakes
Avoid the common mistake of overcrowding the roasting pan, as this causes the ingredients to steam rather than roast, resulting in a lack of caramelization. Another frequent error is failing to baste the pork, which can lead to a dry exterior; ensure you follow the basting schedule to keep the glaze fresh.
Finally, do not slice the meat immediately upon removing it from the oven; skipping the resting phase will cause the juices to run out onto the board, leaving the meat dry and less flavorful.
How to tell it’s done
The pork is done when the internal temperature, measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the roast, reaches 145°F (63°C). At this point, the meat should be tender and juicy.
After removing it from the oven, let the roast rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the fibers, resulting in a much more succulent slice of meat when you finally carve it.
- Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest
Up next · Part 3 of 3
2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card
Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)