Juicy Pork Chops Paired with a Rich Apple Glaze – A Taste You’ll Love

Photo byAngie Bright

As the seasons change and apples fill the air with their crisp, sweet aroma, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish that brings out the best of both worlds. Pork chops glazed with apple bring a sweet-savory balance that’s comforting yet sophisticated. This dish is a great way to elevate a simple pork chop into a special meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Pork chops naturally pair well with apples, as the fruit's sweetness and acidity cut through the richness of the meat. The tender pork chops, seared to a golden perfection, are bathed in a glaze made from fresh apples, apple cider, and brown sugar, delivering a dish that's bursting with autumn flavors. The addition of Dijon mustard and fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme ensures the meal has layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.

Recipe: Pork Chops Glazed with Apple

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Pork Chops. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the skillet, cooking for about 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once seared, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Apple Glaze. In the same skillet, add the diced apples and sauté for about 3 minutes, allowing them to soften. Pour in the apple cider or apple juice, followed by the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and thyme. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook for around 5 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.
4. Glaze the Pork Chops. Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the glaze over the meat. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow the pork chops to simmer in the glaze for about 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Finish and Serve. Once the pork chops are cooked through, transfer them to a serving plate. Stir the butter into the remaining glaze in the skillet, allowing it to melt and create a rich, glossy sauce. Pour the apple glaze over the pork chops, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

The Perfect Combination

The beauty of this pork chop recipe lies in its simplicity and bold flavor profile. The juicy pork pairs perfectly with the sweet, tangy apple glaze, while the rosemary and thyme provide an earthy, aromatic touch. This dish works just as well for a cozy family dinner as it does for a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

When served alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad, this dish makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the best of fall’s harvest. So, as the weather cools, grab some fresh apples and try this irresistible pork chop recipe. You won’t be disappointed!

Here are some excellent sources for recipes and variations of pork chops glazed with apple:

1. WellPlated provides a juicy pork chop recipe with apples and onions, which is perfect for a sweet and savory flavor. The use of Dijon mustard and fresh sage adds a nice depth to the glaze, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions​Well Plated by Erin.
2. Allrecipes offers a recipe for pork chops with a glossy apple cider glaze, which brings a rich, sweet-tart apple syrup to the dish. The use of apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang, while garlic and rosemary round out the flavors​Allrecipes.
3. Julia's Album presents a version that emphasizes caramelized apples with butter and brown sugar. The key is in searing the apples for a roasted appearance before combining them with perfectly pan-seared pork chops​Julia's Album.

These recipes provide different takes on the apple-glazed pork chop, with options for caramelized apples, cider-based glazes, and even hints of spice from red pepper flakes. Feel free to explore the links for detailed instructions!