Get ready for a truly delightful and incredibly flavorful meal that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes! These Pork Chops Glazed with Apple feature tender, perfectly seared pork chops enveloped in a luscious apple cider glaze, infused with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and fragrant herbs. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make skillet dinner that brings a touch of gourmet comfort to your table, ideal for a cozy night in or an impressive meal for guests.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Pork Chops Glazed with Apple are a personal favorite, especially in the fall, and I absolutely adore this recipe! What I love most is the incredible harmony of flavors – the savory richness of the pork chops is beautifully complemented by the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the diced apples. The glaze, made with apple cider, brown sugar, and a hint of Dijon mustard, is simply divine: it’s tangy, sweet, and sticky, clinging perfectly to the pork. The fresh rosemary and thyme add an aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, cooks all in one skillet (mostly!), and delivers a complete, satisfying meal that truly sings with fall flavors.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Pork Chops Glazed with Apple:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (firm, sweet-tart varieties recommended)
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted recommended)
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are recommended for optimal flavor and juiciness, but boneless pork chops (about 3/4-inch thick) can also be used; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or Braeburn.
- Apple Cider/Juice: Apple cider will offer a more robust flavor. Apple juice provides a sweeter taste.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar is essential for the glaze’s caramel notes.
- Dijon Mustard: Crucial for the tangy balance in the glaze. Do not substitute with yellow mustard.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme provide the best aromatic flavor. If using dried, use half the amount.
- Butter (for finishing): A touch of butter stirred into the glaze at the end adds glossiness and richness.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the pork chops.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Pork Chops Glazed with Apple cooking!
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat both sides of the 4 bone-in pork chops very dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear Pork Chops: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel works well) over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Sear for about 4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown and a good crust forms. The pork chops don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Apple Glaze:
- In the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add the 2 diced apples. Sauté over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice. Add the 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried), and 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for around 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Glaze the Pork Chops: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the apple glaze. Spoon some of the apple glaze over the top of each pork chop. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the pork chops simmer gently in the flavorful glaze for about 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop (avoiding the bone).
- Finish and Serve: Once fully cooked, transfer the pork chops to a serving platter. Stir the 1 tablespoon butter into the remaining glaze in the skillet, letting it melt and whisking it in to create a glossy, rich sauce. Drizzle the luscious apple glaze generously over the pork chops. Garnish with extra fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Dry Pork Chops: Patting the pork chops dry before searing is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Hot Skillet for Searing: Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the pork chops to get a good sear.
- Don’t Overcook Pork: Pork chops can dry out quickly. Remove them as soon as they reach 145°F (63°C), as they will continue to cook slightly while resting.
- Scrape the Fond: When preparing the glaze, scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; these are packed with flavor.
- Consistent Apple Dice: Dicing apples into consistent pieces ensures they soften evenly in the glaze.
- Rest Pork Chops: While simmering in sauce, a brief rest on the plate after removal helps keep them juicy.
- Taste the Glaze: Adjust sweetness or tanginess of the glaze before adding the chops back if needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Pork Chops Glazed with Apple are a complete and incredibly satisfying meal, and they pair wonderfully with:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious apple glaze.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A lovely complementary side (perhaps our Caramelized Sweet Potatoes in Butter & Brown Sugar for extra indulgence!).
- Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: A lighter grain to serve alongside.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple vegetable sides.
- Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread: For sopping up the savory-sweet sauce.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing pork dishes, consider our Easy Chops & Taters for a simple baked option, or a rich bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Pork Chops Glazed with Apple make fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen overnight!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover pork chops and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The glaze may thicken when cold.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of apple cider or broth if needed to loosen the glaze. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave. Avoid high heat, which can toughen the pork.
- Freezing: Cooked pork chops can be frozen with their glaze. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, savory, and comforting nature of this pork chop dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another quick and flavorful skillet meal, check out our This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of comforting poultry dishes, our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays are a must-try.
- And for an easy savory appetizer with big flavor, check out This Baked Kosher Salami Is My Favorite Easy Appetizer With Big Flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Pork Chops Glazed with Apple are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. They’re perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, promising a plate full of tender pork and a luscious, fruity glaze that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your home! What’s your favorite fruit to pair with pork? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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