15-Minute Pork Chops And Applesauce Recipe
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Pork chops and applesauce is a simple, no-fuss meal with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Juicy, tender pork chops are seasoned with herbs and spices, seared in butter, then topped generously with a delicious homemade applesauce mix. It’s easy to make but hard to forget, also simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for parties and celebrations.
I always have pork chops in stock at home for easy lunches and dinners. I love them because I can make a dish as simple as air fryer pork chops or as saucy as honey-glazed pork chops.
For a cozy and comforting meal, my go-to is pork chops and applesauce – a savory-sweet combo that takes me straight back to childhood dinners at my Grandma’s. With this recipe, I’ve kept the charm and flavors we all love from the timeless dish, but turned it into a weeknight wonder you can whip up in just 15 minutes.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or fall gatherings. Serve this dish with something to soak up every last bit because trust me, every last bit is worth enjoying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, fuss-free meal: Just a quick sear, a flavorful sauce, and dinner is ready!
- Simple, everyday ingredients: You probably already have all the ingredients in your fridge and pantry to make this dish, making it easy to whip up any time.
- Flavor galore: Juicy herbed pork chops paired with warm, cinnamon-spiced applesauce hits all the right notes.
- Comfort food made easy: You get everything you love from classic pork chops and applesauce, without any of the hassle.
- Ideal for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a solid option for make-ahead meals.
- Customizable: Add herbs, use bone-in or boneless chops, or play with apple varieties – this dish is super flexible.
How to Make Pork Chops And Applesauce
This skillet pork chops and applesauce recipe only requires 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time. Simply season and cook the chops, make the applesauce mix, serve together, and you have a delicious, family-friendly meal to enjoy!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Pork chops: I use boneless pork chops that are about an inch thick, but you can use bone-in if that’s what you have. Bone-in chops take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the time based on thickness.
- Butter: For searing the chops to a beautiful golden brown.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: The essentials that give the chops a bold and balanced flavor.
- Dried herbs: I use thyme and rosemary.
- Applesauce: Homemade or store-bought unsweetened applesauce both work great. Make or buy extra and whip up fluffy applesauce pancakes for breakfast the next day!
- Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang to the applesauce that helps cut through the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Warms up the applesauce with its cozy, familiar flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making applesauce pork chops is easier than you think – all you need is a skillet and a bowl. No marinating required, too! Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions to start making your soon-to-be-favorite lunch or dinner main!
Step 1: Season the chops
Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Step 2: Cook
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature is 145 F.
Step 3: Prep the applesauce
Mix the applesauce with mustard and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 4: Combine and serve
Serve warm with applesauce generously spooned over each pork chop.
Substitutions
This recipe keeps things simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own! Whether you’re using what’s already in your kitchen or swapping ingredients to match your taste, here are some easy substitutions to try.
- Garlic powder: Substitute with granulated garlic or fresh minced garlic (about 1 clove per chop).
- Dried herbs: No dried herbs? Use thrice the amount of fresh thyme and rosemary, or substitute with Italian seasoning.
- Dijon mustard: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, use whole-grain mustard instead.
- Cinnamon: Replace with nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip drying the chops: Blotting the pork chops with paper towels before seasoning helps you get that perfect golden sear.
- Let the chops rest: After cooking, let the pork rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute and keep every bite tender.
- Adjust the sweetness: Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you prefer the sauce sweeter.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.
- Make it party-ready: Sauté a few fresh apple slices alongside the pork chops for extra texture and added visual appeal – perfect for parties and gatherings!
How to Store This Recipe
Let the cooked pork chops cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month – just separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the chops moist.
What to Serve with Pork Chops And Applesauce
Pork chops and applesauce are a comforting classic, made even more delicious when served with sides to soak up all the sauce. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, warm buttered rolls, or a side of stuffing. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or roasted green beans to balance the richness of the dish.
More Easy Dinner Recipes To Try
- Herb-crusted chicken
- Slow cooker apricot chicken
- Bacon-wrapped filet mignon
- Honey mustard salmon
- Brown sugar baked ham
Skillet Pork Chops And Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 (1-inch) boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature is 145 °F.
- Mix the applesauce with mustard and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Serve warm with applesauce generously spooned over each pork chop.
Notes
- Patting the pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning helps achieve that perfect golden sear.
- After cooking, let the pork rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute and keep every bite tender.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.
- Sauté a few fresh apple slices alongside the pork chops for extra texture and added visual appeal.
