Description
These Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops are a delightful combination of savory and sweet, featuring tender, juicy meat coated in a rich, creamy apple butter glaze. The texture is succulent and melt-in-your-mouth, while the flavor profile is enhanced by hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a warm and inviting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Pork Chops: 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Apple Butter: 1 cup, preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for finishing
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from heat and brush the apple butter generously over the top of each pork chop.
- Add the butter to the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the juices run clear.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Make-ahead: You can marinate the pork chops in the spice mixture and apple butter for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitutions: Use boneless pork chops if preferred, or substitute apple butter with peach or pumpkin butter for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with glaze
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams
Keywords: Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops, pork chops, apple butter, savory, sweet, easy dinner, comfort food, baked pork, American cuisine, gluten-free, family meal, weeknight dinner, fall flavors