5 Delicious Apple Pork Chop Recipes to Try Tonight

If you're looking for a meal that's both hearty and flavorful, apple pork chops are an excellent choice. This dish beautifully combines the savory richness of pork with the sweet and tart flavors of apples, creating a mouthwatering experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. In this post, we'll explore five delicious apple pork chop recipes that you can try tonight for a comforting and sophisticated dinner. Each recipe comes with unique twists and techniques that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet paradise.

1. Classic Apple and Rosemary Pork Chops

This recipe is a nod to traditional flavors but with an aromatic twist from rosemary, making it perfect for an autumnal meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops, bone-in, about 1-inch thick
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large apples, cored and sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Method:

• Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are well-browned and nearly cooked through.
• Remove pork chops and set aside. In the same skillet, add onions and cook until they are translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Now, add apple slices to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
• Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, sprinkle with rosemary, cover, and let simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

🍏 Note: Using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples in this recipe will give you the best balance of sweetness and tartness.

2. Bourbon Glazed Apple Pork Chops

This recipe incorporates bourbon for a rich, complex flavor that enhances the sweet and tart notes of apples.

Ingredients:

• 4 thick-cut pork chops
• ¹⁄₃ cup bourbon
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 apples, sliced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

• Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
• In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sear the pork chops until golden brown on both sides. Remove and keep warm.
• In the same skillet, add bourbon and let it reduce by half. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add apple slices and cider vinegar, cooking until apples are tender and the sauce is syrupy.
• Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the bourbon glaze over them, and cook for another 5 minutes or until pork is done.

🍾 Note: The alcohol in the bourbon will cook off, leaving behind a subtle but distinctive flavor profile.

3. Maple and Mustard Apple Pork Chops

The combination of maple syrup and mustard introduces a unique sweet-savory balance that's particularly appealing.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 apples, cored and cut into wedges
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

• Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Combine mustard and maple syrup in a bowl.
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear pork chops for about 3 minutes on each side or until nicely browned. Remove from pan.
• Add apple wedges to the pan, cooking until just tender. Add the mustard-maple mixture, bring to a simmer, and reduce to a thick glaze.
• Return the chops to the pan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until heated through, basting with the glaze.
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

🍁 Note: The key to this recipe is balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup with the sharpness of the mustard.

4. Honey Glazed Apple and Cheddar Pork Chops

Here, cheese introduces a rich, indulgent element to the classic pork and apple pairing.

Ingredients:

• 4 thick-cut pork chops
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 apples, sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
• In an oven-safe skillet, sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and layer cheddar cheese on top of each chop.
• Add apple slices to the pan, drizzle with honey, and a splash of soy sauce.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pork is cooked through.

🧀 Note: Choose a strong-flavored cheddar for the best flavor contrast.

5. Cinnamon Spiced Apple Chutney with Pork Chops

This recipe transforms apples into a spiced chutney, elevating the dish with warmth and depth.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 2 apples, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Start by making the chutney: combine chopped apples, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and onion in a saucepan. Simmer until apples are tender and the mixture thickens. Add raisins last, stir, and set aside.
• Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet until nicely browned, then finish cooking in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes or until cooked through.
• Serve pork chops topped with the spiced apple chutney.

Apple pork chops are more than just a meal; they're an experience. Each of these recipes showcases how versatile this combination can be, offering something for every taste. Whether you're in the mood for something traditional or seeking to explore new flavors with ingredients like bourbon, cheese, or spices, there's an apple pork chop recipe here that will surely delight. These dishes not only provide warmth and comfort but also bring a touch of sophistication to your dining table. So, why not give one a try tonight? Your taste buds, and perhaps even your dinner guests, will thank you.