Pork Chops with Apples
My Pork Chops with Apples recipe is a simple yet gourmet-style dinner with juicy, herb-buttered pork chops and warm, caramelized baked apples. The balance of savory pork and sweet apples makes it perfect for fall and winter meals. I love making this for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 thick cut bone in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ recipe baked apples
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the ½ recipe for baked apples and keep warm.
- Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add the olive oil to a large frying pan over high heat and once it begins to lightly smoke, add in the pork chops and turn the head down to medium-high heat.
- Add in the butter and thyme and cook for 7-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and the desired internal temperature is achieved.
- Rest the pork for 3-4 minutes before serving with the baked apples.
Notes
Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Please insert it into the thickest part of the chop, and when it has an internal temperature of 135°F - 140°F (62°C), it’s ready to eat. Remember that pork can become dry and chewy if overcooked, so take them out of the hot pan when they’re a few degrees away from your ideal temperature. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they rest.
Room Temperature: I Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before cooking to give them time to come down to room temperature.
Searing Tip: I sear the pork chops over high heat, then lower the heat to lock in a crisp crust and juicy center. This simple trick makes all the difference.
Extra Apples: I always make a full batch of baked apples because leftovers are incredible with vanilla ice cream. Dessert is practically built-in!
Pan Sauce: I never waste the pork pan drippings. Deglaze the empty pan with a splash of chicken stock, apple cider, or white wine, then scrape up the browned bits. Gently simmer until you have a slightly thickened pan sauce to drizzle over the chops and apples.
Customize It: to make this recipe your own, serve the pork chops and apples with caramelized onions or with some sautéed mushrooms or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Make-Ahead: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the pork chops and baked apples as instructed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 day in advance.
How to Store: Transfer the pork and apples to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw the leftovers in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat: Place the pork and apples in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 78mgPotassium: 1009mgFiber: 9gSugar: 58gVitamin A: 145IUVitamin C: 14.3mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 1.5mg