Apple Pork Chops are the perfect dish that combines the savory richness of bone-in pork chops with the natural sweetness and tartness of apples. This dish is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. From searing the pork chops to creating a sauce made of apple cider, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon, every bite is a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are used in this recipe because they retain their juiciness while cooking. Their thickness (around 1 inch) ensures they develop a beautifully golden, caramelized crust.
Salt and Pepper: These two pantry essentials help bring out the natural flavors of the pork and add a touch of seasoning.
Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is perfect for searing the chops and adding richness to the dish.
Apples: The apples in this recipe are key to its delicious flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for their crisp texture and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. They hold up well during cooking, providing a delightful texture to the dish.
Onion: Yellow or sweet onions are ideal as they caramelize beautifully, offering a natural sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the tartness of the apples.
Apple Cider or Juice: This adds depth and a fruity undertone to the sauce, complementing the pork and apples perfectly.
Dijon Mustard: A little Dijon mustard helps cut through the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar, bringing a tangy depth of flavor to the dish.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon enhances the sweetness of the apples, infusing the sauce with a comforting warmth.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, giving the apples a rich, sweet flavor that balances the other ingredients.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A dash of apple cider vinegar adds acidity, cutting through the richness and brightening the overall dish.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fresh herbal note to the dish.
Is Apple Pork Chops Good for You?
Absolutely! Apple Pork Chops are not only tasty but also offer some great health benefits:
Pork Chops are a fantastic source of protein, B6, and B12, essential for maintaining energy levels and a healthy brain.
Apples are full of fiber and antioxidants, which are heart-healthy and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Onions are rich in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.
While this dish is relatively healthy, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the brown sugar or substitute it with a sweetener of your choice. Overall, Apple Pork Chops strike the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups apples, sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves 4 and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table!
How to Make Apple Pork Chops
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure your pork chops cook perfectly and remain juicy.
Season Pork Chops: Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
Sear Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Once seared, remove the chops and set aside.
Sauté Apples and Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the apples begin to soften.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. This flavorful sauce is what ties the dish together.
Combine and Bake: Pour the sauce over the apples and onions in the skillet. Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, ensuring they’re surrounded by the apples and onions. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Rest the Pork Chops: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish just before serving for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
Serving Suggestions
For a well-rounded meal, serve these Apple Pork Chops with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. If you love the sweet apple and onion mixture, serve it generously on top of the pork chops for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall, no matter the season.
I’m sure you’ll love this recipe as much as I do! It’s not only full of flavor but is also a wholesome dish that will fill your home with warmth and comfort. Happy cooking!
