If you’re looking for a delicious yet affordable dinner, Pork Chops with Apples are the perfect choice.
As a busy mom, I know how hard it can be to find recipes that are both quick and impressive, but this delicious recipe checks all the boxes.
The sweet and savory combination of apples and pork chops creates a comforting meal that feels gourmet but is inexpensive to make.
Plus, it’s a great option for serving guests without anyone guessing it’s a budget-friendly dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Boneless pork chops, apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon
- Servings: 4
- Extras: Pair with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
- Tip: Cover the pork chops with foil while baking to lock in moisture, then uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to get a beautiful glaze.
Delicious Pork Chops with Apples Recipe
In New York, fall weather means apple season—they’re not too expensive, and I love using them in savory dishes for dinner!
When it’s a chilly fall evening, and I want to make something hearty, warm, and quick for my family, pork chops with apples hit the spot every time.
I grab my pork chops from the fridge, pat them dry, and lightly rub them with olive oil. As I season both sides with salt and pepper, I preheat my skillet and oven.
I use a cast iron to get that nice sear on my pork chop, but you can use whatever one does the job! Just know, if you’ve got thick pork chops, you may want to thin them a bit so they don’t take long to cook.
After a quick sear on both sides, I add pork chops into a baking dish and turn my attention to creating the apple mixture for these apple pork chops.
After peeling and slicing the apples, I toss them in a pan with butter, onions, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I cook these on medium-high heat until the fruit and veggies are tender.
Once the apples and onions are soft, I pour the mixture over the boneless chops, making sure everything gets a nice coating. I cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for a quick bake, giving me just enough time to tidy up the kitchen before dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 - 1.5 lbs boneless pork chops
- 3 apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 onion sliced
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Lightly rub pork chops with olive oil and then generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place pork chops in a hot pan and get a nice sear on both sides.
- Place in a 13x9 baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Put butter in a small saucepan and add the brown sugar mixture, apples, and onion. Heat over medium heat until everything is combined and the apples and onions are tender.
- Arrange apples over the pork chops in a baking dish and drizzle the remaining sauce on top of them.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and cook for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until done.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions & Sides
These are the best pork chops because they taste fantastic and go well with so many sides.
For a classic pairing, you can serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, or for a lighter option, spoon them over steamed rice or pasta to soak up the sweet apple sauce.
Another idea is to pair them with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to add a bit of crunch.
For a healthier twist, you can also try serving the pork chops with fluffy couscous or quinoa. Both grains absorb the delicious apple sauce well, adding a unique texture to the meal while keeping things light.
If you’re in the mood for something more comforting, add buttery biscuits or soft dinner rolls on the side. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, and my kids will never say no to bread, LOL.
I’ll also take any leftover pork chops, cop them up, and add them to a savory breakfast hash with potatoes and veggies, creating a flavorful next-day brunch.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes, you can substitute bone-in pork chops. They may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure you’ve cooked the pork chops to 145°F (62.8°C).
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, this recipe definitely needs peeled apples for the sauce.
Peeling the apples ensures a softer texture when cooked; the peel doesn’t break down as much in the sauce, so I don’t recommend it.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Any firm apple like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp works well since it holds its shape when baked.
You don’t want super soft apples since they may overcook quicker.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
This simple Pork Chops with Apples recipe is a dinner winner. It requires minimal effort, is packed with flavor, and is perfect for fall.
The best part? It doesn’t cost much, making it the ultimate budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress without breaking the bank.
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