Pork Chops With Apples will dazzle your family and dinner guests with the sweet and savory flavors of fall.
It’s not quite autumn yet, but I’m already pulling out boxes of sweaters, eagerly awaiting the changing of leaves, and dusting off some of my favorite recipes. Maybe it’s because I was born in October, but I’ve always been partial to the sweeter flavors of fall. Apples, cinnamon, pumpkin, maple—these flavors evoke the warmth and coziness of curling up in your favorite knit blanket and lighting scented fall candles. The great thing is that these seasonal ingredients are not only meant for lattes, pies, and other sweet autumnal treats—they are also wonderful in savory dishes!
These bone-in pork chops are a perfect example. They are simmered with sweet apples and savory onions and infused with an herbaceous blend of fresh thyme and rosemary. As the pork chops cook with the apples, they absorb the aromatic fruit flavors, earthy herbs, and onion complexity to bring to life the bountiful flavors of fall in one tender, juicy bite. Ready in under an hour, this dish is the perfect way to get the most out of the season without spending all day in the kitchen!
What kind of apple should I use?
There are many types of apples out there, and I bet you’re wondering which variety works best in this recipe. Truthfully, you can pick the one you like best, but bear in mind that the apple you choose will change the overall flavor and texture of your finished dish.
I’m partial to Granny Smith apples for their tangy bite and firm texture, ensuring they hold their shape well when cooked. Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious, which are sweeter, will also hold their shape well in dishes such as this one. If you prefer apples that cook down a little softer, try Jonagold, which happens to have that perfect balance of sweet and tart. Of course, you can mix up different apples to create a more dynamic dish. If unsure about which apples to use, shop at a farmers’ market where you can get advice from the vendors and maybe even discover some new varieties!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pork chops with apples will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze your leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag (squeeze as much air out as possible if using a bag) for up to 3 months. Let your frozen chops thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving suggestions
Since pork chops with apples make for such a fantastic fall dish, it’s only right that you serve it with other fall-inspired sides! Mashed Butternut Squash, Brown-Sugar Sweet Potatoes, and Baked Cabbage are all great complements to these pork chops.
Don’t forget dessert! This Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Crumble (serve it with vanilla ice cream!) is the perfect way to end your festive dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 medium apples cored and sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and cook until softened. Add apples, thyme, and rosemary, cooking until apples are just tender.
- Stir in chicken broth and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Return the pork chops to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or until pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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