Baked Pork Chops and Apples is a classic comfort dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. Tender, juicy pork chops are baked alongside sliced apples, caramelized onions, and a touch of cinnamon, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The apples add a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, which beautifully complements the rich, savory pork. This dish is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a cozy family dinner or a special autumn meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Apples:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the sliced apples, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the apples begin to soften and the sugar is dissolved.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions.
- Pour the apple cider or chicken broth over the pork chops and apples.
- Dot the dish with pieces of butter.
- Bake the Pork Chops:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C) and the apples are tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the Baked Pork Chops and Apples hot, spooning the apples and onions over the top of each chop.
Enjoy your Baked Pork Chops and Apples, a deliciously comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of pork with the sweet, caramelized goodness of apples, perfect for any dinner occasion!
