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Perfect Classic Pork Chops Recipe with Easy Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

perfect classic pork chops - featured image

Juicy bone-in pork chops seared to perfection and served with a warm, homemade cinnamon applesauce that adds a cozy, sweet-spiced contrast. A quick and easy recipe perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick, roughly 68 ounces / 170225 grams each)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Fuji recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 12 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional, depending on apple sweetness)
  • ½ cup water or apple juice (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine chopped apples, cinnamon, sugar or honey, water or apple juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft. Mash or blend for smoother applesauce if desired. Adjust sweetness or cinnamon to taste.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Flip pork chops, add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook another 4-5 minutes, spooning melted butter and garlic over chops. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) or cut to check slight pinkness.
  5. Transfer pork chops to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  6. Serve pork chops hot with a generous spoonful of warm cinnamon applesauce on top or on the side.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to get a better crust. Use medium-high heat for searing and baste with butter and garlic for extra flavor. Keep lid on applesauce while cooking to prevent burning and stir occasionally. Let pork chops rest after cooking to keep them juicy. Applesauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, cinnamon applesauce, easy dinner, quick recipe, homemade applesauce, bone-in pork chops, comforting meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option