SavePork Chops with Apple Sauce
Pan-seared bone-in pork chops with a warm cinnamon apple compote. Classic fall comfort.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $14.00 · $3.50/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, diced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Season pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature 10 minutes.
4 pieces bone-in pork chops1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1/2 tsp garlic powder - 2
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
2 tbsp olive oil - 3
Transfer skillet to oven and cook 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and rest 3 minutes (temperature will rise to 150°F).
145°F + 3 minute rest is the USDA guideline for pork. Don't overcook to 165°F — it'll be dry.
- 4
While chops rest, use the same skillet (on stovetop, medium heat) to cook diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme. Cook 5 minutes until apples soften. Add apple cider and simmer 3 more minutes until saucy.
3 medium Granny Smith apples2 tbsp brown sugar1 tsp cinnamon1/4 tsp nutmeg4 sprigs fresh thyme1/2 cup apple cider - 5
Plate pork chops and spoon warm apple compote over the top. Serve immediately.
Pairs With
Light, fruity Oregon Pinot Noir
Red fruit and earth complement both the pork and apples
Dry or semi-dry apple cider
Apple on apple is a natural winner
Bourbon, apple cider, lemon, cinnamon stick
Warm fall flavors echo the dish perfectly
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Easy-going rock, country, and the kind of music that pairs with burgers and cold beer.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Brining pork chops in saltwater for 30 minutes makes them extra juicy.
- •Use tart apples like Granny Smith — sweet apples become cloying when cooked with sugar.
Substitutions
- bone-in pork chops → boneless center-cut chops (reduce cook time)
- Granny Smith apples → Honeycrisp or Braeburn
- apple cider → apple juice
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F covered with foil.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
