I’ve perfected a recipe that combines the tenderness of pork chops with the sweetness of applesauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This applesauce pork chop recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
Cooking the pork chops to 145°F ensures they’re juicy and tender, while the applesauce adds a rich, fruity flavor. With a cooking time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Meat
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal
Ingredients for Applesauce Pork Chop
Simple, quality ingredients come together for a sophisticated weeknight dinner in 20 minutes.
Pork chop quality matters. Look for 1-1.5 inch thick chops at your local butcher or Whole Foods. The applesauce can be homemade or store-bought—Musselman’s is a solid choice if you’re buying it. For the best flavor, use a mix of Granny Smith and sweeter apples if making your own.
No apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar or lemon juice works as a substitute. Fresh thyme is ideal, but dried thyme at one-third the amount is a good backup. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the vinegar slightly and add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Leftover pork chops keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness. The applesauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 5 days or frozen for 3 months.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Weeknight Fix: I can get this applesauce pork chop recipe on the table in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I’m juggling dinner and homework help.
Sweet & Savory Magic: The combination of caramelized garlic, tangy applesauce, and juicy pork chops is ridiculously good – that sweet and savory flavor combo is my secret weapon for impressing the family.
One Pan Wonder: I love that this recipe requires minimal cleanup – just one pan to wash after cooking the pork chops and sauce.
Feeds the Crew: This recipe makes great leftovers, and I can easily double or triple it when we’ve got a crowd coming over, which makes meal planning so much easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Applesauce Pork Chops
Follow these precise steps to achieve perfectly cooked pork chops with a delicious applesauce glaze.
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Start by seasoning the 1.5 lb pork chops generously with the 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper on both sides. I like to press the seasoning into the meat to ensure it adheres well. Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
While the pork chops are resting, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches a shimmering state. This high heat is crucial for achieving a nice sear on the pork chops.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Add the pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Don’t move the pork chops during this time – letting them sit undisturbed allows for proper browning. Once seared, transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the 3 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Create the Applesauce Glaze
To the skillet with the garlic butter, add the 1 cup applesauce, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and reduces.
Stir in the 0.5 tsp dried thyme. The sauce should have a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. If it tastes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of apple cider vinegar. If it’s too thin, simmer for another minute.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Pork Chops
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the applesauce glaze over the top of each chop. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the pork chops more tender and juicy.
Step 5: Serve with Fresh Sage Garnish
To serve, place the pork chops on a warmed plate and spoon the remaining applesauce glaze over the top. Garnish with chopped 2 whole fresh sage leaves for a touch of freshness and color. The dish should be served immediately while the pork chops are still warm and the glaze is at its most flavorful.
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Pro Tips For Making Applesauce Pork Chop
Sear Then Finish: Get a hot skillet—almost smoking—before adding pork chops. Then finish cooking them on lower heat to prevent burning the outside.
Prep Garlic Properly: Mince garlic cloves finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dish and don’t overpower individual bites. I learned this the hard way—big chunks of garlic can be overwhelming.
Don’t Overcook Chops: Use a thermometer to check for doneness; pork chops are best at 145°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes afterward—the temperature will rise a bit more, and they’ll stay juicy.
Balance Applesauce Sweetness: Taste your applesauce before adding it; if it’s too sweet, a pinch of salt will balance it out. This simple step makes a real difference in the final flavor.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Essential Cooking Tools
For this applesauce pork chop recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to achieve perfect results. First, a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet is crucial for getting that beautiful sear on the pork chops. I prefer using a 12-inch Lodge cast iron for its heat retention and even cooking.
Temperature Control
A digital meat thermometer is non-negotiable for ensuring your pork chops reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F while remaining juicy. I recommend the ThermoWorks Smoke thermometer for its accuracy and quick readings. This tool takes the guesswork out of cooking.
Preparation Essentials
Having a sharp chef’s knife is essential for mincing the 3 cloves of garlic and chopping fresh sage for garnish. A microplane grater comes in handy if you need to grate any additional ingredients. For mixing the applesauce glaze, use a silicone spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan.
Cooking Utensils
Tongs or a spatula are necessary for flipping the pork chops during searing. I prefer tongs because they provide a firm grip on the meat. You’ll also need a plate or tray for resting the pork chops after searing.
Optional Equipment
While not essential, having an instant-read thermometer can be helpful for checking the oil temperature before searing. Some cooks also like using a garlic press for mincing garlic quickly. These tools can streamline your cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
For serving, warmed plates enhance the dining experience. Simply place your plates in a low oven (around 200°F) while you’re finishing the dish. This keeps everything warm and ready to serve together.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 24g31%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 520mg23%
Total Carbohydrate 18g7%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 12g
Protein 35g70%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Can I use store-bought applesauce for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought applesauce. Look for a brand with minimal added sugar and no artificial ingredients. Some good options include Musselman’s or unsweetened varieties. This will ensure the best flavor for your pork chops.
2
How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
To keep pork chops juicy, make sure not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F. Letting the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving also helps retain their juices. This simple step makes a big difference.
3
Can I make the applesauce glaze ahead of time?
While you can prepare the applesauce glaze in advance, it’s best made fresh to preserve its flavor and texture. If you do make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before using.
4
What sides pair well with applesauce pork chops?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, and sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. The sweetness of the applesauce complements these savory options perfectly.
I'm Nathan Turner, and I've been messing around with pots and pans since my Aunt Linda handed me a whisk at age six in her cramped Portland, Oregon kitchen, teaching me to stir roux while Fleetwood Mac played on her old boom box. The smell of sizzling garlic and butter still yanks me back to Sunday gravy sessions when she'd call me 'Little Chef' even though I could barely see over the counter. After college, I spent eight years in Chicago working in restaurant kitchens, learning more from burning my fingertips on sheet pans than any culinary textbook. These days, I live back in Portland with my wife Sophie, our daughter Maya (age 9), and our judgmental tuxedo cat Pickles. When I'm not experimenting with new recipes, I'm usually trail running in Forest Park or restoring vintage cast iron I find at garage sales. My proudest moment was Thanksgiving 2017 when my green bean casserole finally beat my cousin's at our family cook-off—he'd held the title since 2004, so that victory tasted better than the crispy onions on top.
