Juicy Pork Chops with Homemade Apple Sauce
Perfectly seared bone-in pork chops with a quick homemade apple sauce. Classic comfort food with 38g protein and 420 kcal.
Juicy Pork Chops with Homemade Apple Sauce
Perfectly seared bone-in pork chops with a quick homemade apple sauce. Classic comfort food with 38g protein and 420 kcal.
Nutrition Per Serving
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Ingredients
- 2 (about 250g each) Bone-in pork chops
- 2 medium Apple
- 1 tbsp Butter
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Honey
- 4 leaves Fresh sage
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt & pepper
Instructions
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1
Prep pork chops
Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and finely chopped sage. Let sit at room temperature 10 minutes.
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2
Make quick apple sauce
Peel and dice apples. Melt butter in a saucepan, add apples, cinnamon, and honey. Cook 10-12 minutes over medium heat until soft, then mash with a fork.
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3
Sear pork chops
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and internal temp reaches 63°C/145°F.
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4
Rest and serve
Rest pork chops 5 minutes. Serve with warm homemade apple sauce on the side. Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Classic Pork Chops and Apple Sauce — Elevated
The pairing of pork and apple is one of the oldest and most beloved in Western cooking — and for good reason. The sweet acidity of apple cuts through the rich, savory pork, creating a balance that's hard to beat. This version uses bone-in chops seared to golden perfection with a quick homemade apple sauce that comes together while the chops rest.
At 38g protein and 420 calories, it's a lean yet satisfying dinner that feels special without being complicated. The homemade apple sauce — just apples, butter, cinnamon, and a touch of honey — is a world apart from the jarred stuff and takes only 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bone-in pork chops?
The bone insulates the meat, helping it cook more evenly and stay juicier. Bone-in chops are also cheaper per pound than boneless. The bone adds flavor to the pan drippings too.
Can I use store-bought applesauce?
You can, but homemade is significantly better — it takes only 10 minutes and you control the sugar. Store-bought often contains added sugars and preservatives that you don't need.
What apple variety works best for the sauce?
Granny Smith gives a tangy, bright sauce while Fuji or Honeycrisp results in a naturally sweeter one. A mix of tart and sweet varieties creates the most balanced flavor. Avoid Red Delicious — they turn mealy when cooked.
How do I avoid dry, tough pork chops?
Use a meat thermometer and pull the chops at exactly 63°C/145°F — they'll carry over to 66°C during rest. Brining for 30 minutes in salted water before cooking also helps retain moisture throughout the meat.
Can I grill the pork chops instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. The char from the grill adds a smoky dimension that pairs beautifully with the sweet apple sauce. Let them rest the same way before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let us know how it turned out for you! Share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #aimealplan.
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