Our easy baked pork chops with apples recipe is delicious. Made with boneless pork chops, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar and cinnamon it is a sweet and savory dinner kids love and is done in just 30 minutes flat.
Ok so we love baked pork chops!! I realize this may be a tricky protein to cook and if done wrong time after time you may not be a fan but let me change your mind. You do not want to overcook these, but done right they stay moist and juicy packed with flavor and protein.
Once we shared our tips and tricks of cooking the best 2 inch thick pork chops we couldn’t just stop there. They were so popular I thought we would go a step further to add a bit of sweetness with fresh apples and OMG did my kids love these even better!
You may have added a dollop of applesauce to the top of this meat in the past but let’s start from scratch and slice pieces to bake right on the top with a bit of butter, cinnamon and nutmeg too. Get ready for deliciousness.
Ingredient Notes
I prefer to use boneless pork chops because they are easier to eat when done. Yes they are a bit smaller but when you remove the bone really are they?? They fit a lot better and can get 4 in a pan at a time. Thin pork chops in oven may take a few minutes less.
Can you use bone-in pork chops?
Yes of course you can but like I said you may only be able to fit 3 instead of 4 and are just more trouble when serving, especially with kids. I wouldn’t change the cook time either way as long as they are medium sized. If
You will want a bit of olive oil to brown these in the first step but as for the other main ingredient I suggest that you choose Granny Smith apples for their firmness and flavor.
As for keeping it all moist and umami you need some salted butter (I love Kerrygold brand).
For a Fall blast I added cinnamon and nutmeg but you could just go with a pinch of the brown sugar instead to add a bit of sweetness since the fruit can be a bit tart if left as is. You could alternatively add our dry rub for pork chops for a blast of yum.
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Want to add sliced onions into the mix? Great idea. I would use half of a white or yellow onion and slice into thin strips if you want them to disintegrate or thicker if you want them to stay a bit firmer.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops with Apples in the Oven
You will want to brown the meat on both sides first, and the apples for a bit before combining the two. That will take 10 minutes or so to start. Then baked in the oven you will want to set aside about 20 minutes or so. If you wanted to brown the top broil pork chops the last 2 minutes or we added pecans and only took off the last 5.
How do you know when it is done?
It is important that pork is cooked all the way thru, so you always want to check with a meat thermometer in the thickest portion before consuming. It needs to reach a safe 145F., no higher to stay nice and moist. Juices will run clear when done and fruit will be fork tender.
Baked Pork Chops with Apples Recipe
Equipment
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium boneless pork chops
- 6 large apples, granny smith
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 4 tbsp butter, sliced
- 1/4 cup candied pecans, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add oil to a large ovenproof skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add pork and sear on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove pork from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently for about five minutes until apples begin to get tender.
- Return pork to pan, spooning the cooked apples to the top of them. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and top with pecans. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until meat reaches a safe 145F inside.
