These Spiced Apple Pork Chops are the ultimate easy and warming Fall dinner! Pan seared to perfection, the pork chops are juicy and the apples are top are soft and sweetened with maple syrup. Hello yum!
Fall savory recipes are here, my friends! Who is ready for them?! ME!
I am in the mood for anything and everything cozy this season – and this recipe absolutely fits the bill.
Can you guys even believe I’m posting a recipe that contains meat that ISN’T chicken?! I don’t know what it is about me with chicken – it’s just my go-to protein…but I may have to put a stop to that for a while with these pork chops!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
I don’t know about y’all, but when I grew up, it seemed that every pork chop recipe I ever ate was tough, dry and kind of bland. NOT THESE!
There is something SO incredibly hearty and delicious about this meal. The seared pork chops have such a savory flavor.
They have a crisp seared outside and yet the inside remains nice and juicy which can be difficult to do with some pork chops.
And what better way to step into Fall than to use up delicious seasonal apples and smother these pork chops with them?!
The apples are cooked down to perfection to where they aren’t *too soft* but just the right amount of bite left. They are buttery and are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup to add an extra hint of coziness.
The apple compote also has a hint of dijon mustard to it which really helps balance out the sweetness and brings out a tangy element to the dish.
Add some fresh herbs on top and add in some of my favorite roasted garlic mashed potatoes…you have the best kind of meal: hearty, cozy, delicious and SIMPLE.
If I wasn’t pregnant I would totally pair this with a glass of dry red wine and my favorite TV show. But since I am, I’ll have a sparkling water instead 😉
So let’s get into what you need to make this recipe!
Ingredients You Need:
- Bone in pork chops
- Gala Apples
- Maple Syrup
- Dijon Mustard
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt
- Butter
How to Make the Best Pork Chops:
It’s vitally important for this recipe to season your pork chops ahead of time!
Why, you may ask? This will allow them to come to room temperature and for the salt and other seasonings to be able to slightly soak into them – making sure the seasonings aren’t just surface but sink deep into each delicious bite of pork chops!
I kept it pretty simple with this recipe – salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Rub the seasonings into the pork chops on BOTH SIDES! Be sure to wash your hands afterward of course!
While those are coming to room temperature – 25 minutes should be enough, you can start slicing up your apples or making your side dish to serve it with. See below for my recommendations for what you should serve with this recipe!
When it comes to the apples, it couldn’t be more simple. Add butter to a pan and get it melted on medium heat. Add in the apples and let cook for about 5 minutes – stirring occasionally.
To the pan, add in the pure maple syrup as well as the dijon mustard and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the apples are softened to your liking. Turn down to low and keep them warm.
Next, start on the pork chops! These are super simple and require little maintenance because it’s really all about not disturbing them when they’re in the pan so they get that delicious and beautiful sear on them.
Add avocado oil to your favorite large skillet and let it get hot! Medium high heat should work. Once it’s hot, add in the pork chops.
Cook on the first side for 5 minutes – NOT moving or disturbing the pork chops. Once the 5 minutes is up, turn it over and repeat on the other side.
Use a meat thermometer – this is crucial in figuring out if the pork chops are done or not.
If they are reading internally at around 135-140, they are done. If not, let them go a few more minutes and check again.
Remove them to a platter or plate and let them rest once they’re done and the internal temperature should go up to 145!
If needed, add additional salt or seasoning at this time.
Now it’s time to plate up this delicious dish! For me, I loaded the bottom of the plate with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and then I added the pork chop on top. Generously top the pork chop with the apples + that delicious maple dijon sauce.
Enjoy each and every bite!
What to Serve This Dish With:
- Seasoned rice
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes (find my recipe HERE)
- Butternut Squash Mashed Potatoes
- Green Salad
- Sauteed vegetables
- Any and every type of dinner roll or toasted artisan bread with butter
Did you enjoy this recipe? Here are a few others you might like:
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Spiced Apple Pork Chops
These Spiced Apple Pork Chops are the ultimate easy and warming Fall dinner! Pan seared to perfection, the pork chops are juicy and the apples are top are soft and sweetened with maple syrup. Hello yum!
Ingredients
Pan Seared Pork Chops
- 2 large bone in center cut pork chops
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1-2 tsp kosher salt, depending on how large your pork chops are. You can always add more salt at the end, but you want to make sure you season these well!
Spiced Apples
- 1 and 1/2 large gala apples, sliced into long thin slices
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
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Remove the pork chops about 25 minutes prior to cooking to let them get room temperature. Mix the seasoning together in a bowl and then rub the pork chops down, both sides, with the seasoning.
Making Spiced Apples
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While the pork chops are coming to room temperature, slice up the apples. Cut them into long thin slices.
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Add 2 tbsp butter in a pan on medium heat. Add apples when it’s melted.
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Cook the apples, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Add maple syrup and 1 tbsp dijon mustard. Mix. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until apples are softened. Turn to low and keep warm.
Cooking Pork Chops
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Add avocado oil to a large skillet on medium high heat and let it get HOT. Once hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet.
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Cook for 5 minutes on the first side, not moving it. Repeat on the second side. Use a meat thermometer to check and see if they are done after the second 5 minutes is up. If they are reading internally at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, they are done. If not, let them go a few more minutes and check again.
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Once done, remove to a plate and let rest for 3-4 minutes or so. This will make sure that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Farhenheit, which means they are fully cooked. If needed, add more salt or additional seasoning.
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If desired, serve with mashed potatoes or any other of the dishes I recommend above in the blog post. Add pork chop on top of mashed potatoes and then a generous scoop of the apples and a spoonful of the maple dijon sauce. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
I highly recommend using a meat thermometer for this recipe, as it will really help figuring out when they are done. For fresh cuts of pork, it is recommended that the internal temperature be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.