Pork Chops and Applesauce Recipe

Ingredients

For the pork chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick, about 8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the homemade applesauce:

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work well)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For serving:

• Fresh sage leaves for garnish
• Roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes

Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Meat thermometer

Making the Fresh Applesauce

Start with the applesauce since it can simmer while you prepare and cook the pork chops. Choose apples that are good for cooking – varieties like Honeycrisp offer sweetness with some tartness, while Granny Smith provides more tartness that balances well with the brown sugar.

Peel the apples and cut them into small, uniform chunks, about 1/2-inch pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster and break down more easily into that perfect applesauce consistency.

Place the chopped apples in your medium saucepan with the water, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness that enhances the apple flavor.

Simmering to Perfection

Bring the apple mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the apples simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and reach your desired consistency.

Some people prefer chunky applesauce with visible apple pieces, while others like it completely smooth. For chunky sauce, mash the apples lightly with a spoon. For smooth sauce, continue cooking and stirring until the apples completely break down, or use an immersion blender for a few seconds.

Taste and adjust the sweetness and spicing as needed. The applesauce should be sweet but with enough tartness to complement the savory pork.

Preparing the Pork Chops

Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking throughout the meat.

Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels – moisture on the surface will prevent proper browning and that delicious crust we want to achieve.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, sage, thyme, and paprika. This herb blend complements both the pork and the apples beautifully, creating layers of flavor that tie the whole dish together.

Seasoning for Maximum Flavor

Rub the spice mixture all over both sides of each pork chop, pressing gently to help the seasonings adhere to the meat. Make sure to season the edges as well for complete flavor coverage.

Let the seasoned chops sit for 10 minutes to allow the salt to start working its magic, drawing out a little moisture and then reabsorbing it along with the flavors of the spices.

Searing the Perfect Crust

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the olive oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking.

Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, leaving space between each chop. They should sizzle immediately upon contact – this sound means you’re developing that beautiful golden crust.

Sear the chops for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them. Resist the urge to peek or adjust – let them develop that golden-brown color that adds so much flavor.

Finishing in the Oven

Flip the pork chops carefully and sear the second side for another 2-3 minutes. Both sides should be beautifully golden brown with a nice crust forming.

Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chops. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked, juicy pork.

Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop to check the temperature. At 145 degrees, the pork will be slightly pink in the center and incredibly juicy – this is exactly what we want.

If you prefer your pork more well-done, cook to 160 degrees, but be careful not to overcook as pork can become dry very quickly.

Resting for Juiciness

Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest in the skillet for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

While the pork rests, check your applesauce and keep it warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Plating and Presentation

Place each pork chop on a warm dinner plate and spoon a generous portion of the warm applesauce alongside. The contrast between the golden-brown, herb-crusted chop and the pale, smooth applesauce is visually appealing and delicious.

Garnish with a few fresh sage leaves if you have them – they echo the herbs used to season the pork and add a pop of color to the plate.

Perfect Pairings

This classic combination pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. The applesauce actually complements these sides as well, making the entire plate cohesive and satisfying.

A simple green vegetable like steamed green beans or sautéed spinach provides color and nutrition while letting the pork and applesauce remain the stars of the show.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pork – modern pork is safe to eat at 145 degrees and will be much more tender and juicy than if cooked to higher temperatures.

Make extra applesauce – it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week and is delicious on its own, with yogurt, or over pancakes.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover pork chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. The applesauce keeps even longer and actually improves in flavor over time.

Customization Ideas

Try different apple varieties or mix several types for complex flavors. You can also add dried cranberries or a splash of apple brandy to the applesauce for special occasions.

For the pork chops, experiment with different herb combinations – rosemary and garlic, or oregano and lemon zest both work beautifully.

This Pork Chops and Applesauce recipe proves that sometimes the most satisfying meals come from simple, time-tested combinations that have been bringing families together around the dinner table for generations.