Baked Pork Chops & Apple Sauce Recipe
Baked Pork Chops & Apple Sauce is one of those timeless dishes that always brings back memories of home-cooked meals. Growing up, my mother had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something that felt special, and this dish was one of her Sunday meal recipes. I remember the smell of pork chops baking along with the sweet aroma of apples bubbling away in the oven. It was a meal that seemed to bring everyone to the table a little faster. This is a nice way to prepare pork chops and many people instead of baking the apples just serve the pork chops with canned apple sauce.
Did You Know?
Pork is a great source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. It’s particularly rich in thiamin (vitamin B1), which is vital for energy production and nerve function. Pork also provides significant amounts of zinc, which supports the immune system, and selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. When choosing lean cuts like boneless pork chops, you’re getting all these nutritional benefits without too much fat.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 boneless pork chops (6-8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup water
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Personal Tip: Preheating the oven ensures even cooking and helps the pork chops stay tender and juicy.
Season Pork Chops: Rub the boneless pork chops with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Place them in a baking dish.
Personal Tip: For a more intense flavor, let the pork chops marinate in the seasoning for 30 minutes before baking.
Prepare Apple Sauce: In a bowl, mix the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this mixture over the pork chops.
Personal Tip: Using a variety of apples can add depth to the flavor. Try mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp.
Add Water: Pour the water into the baking dish around the pork chops. For an extra flavor boost, you can place fresh thyme sprigs on top during baking.
Personal Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, replace the water with apple cider.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the apples are tender.
Personal Tip: Removing the foil for the last few minutes of baking helps the top caramelize, adding a nice texture to the dish.
Serve: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with the apple sauce spooned on top.
Personal Tip: Serving with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fiber: 4g | Net Carbohydrates: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 600mg | Sugars: 25g | Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choosing Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops cook faster and are easier to handle, making them perfect for a quick dinner. Look for chops with a bit of fat marbling for the best flavor.
- Apple Varieties: Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor. These varieties hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker apple sauce, you can mash some of the baked apples or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the baking dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can be used instead of dried herbs for a more aromatic dish.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing Tips: This dish freezes well. Allow the pork chops and apple sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Reducing Sugar: For a healthier version, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can also be used.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the apple mixture for a touch of acidity that enhances the overall flavor.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Buy pork chops and apples in bulk when they are on sale. Using store-brand ingredients can also help reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Let's Learn About Pork
When purchasing pork, it’s important to consider the differences between conventional and organic options. Conventionally raised pigs are often kept in confined spaces and fed a grain-based diet, which may include antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic pork, on the other hand, comes from pigs raised on organic feed without antibiotics or hormones. These pigs typically have more space to roam and engage in natural behaviors. While organic pork can be more expensive, many people prefer it for the perceived health benefits and animal welfare considerations. When buying pork, look for labels like "Certified Organic" or "Pasture-Raised" for higher quality and more ethically produced meat.