Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops

These juicy apple butter pork chops are the perfect dish to warm you up on a crisp fall evening. The apple butter creates a sweet and tangy glaze that keeps the pork tender and bursting with flavor. This recipe comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Butter Pork Chops

• Sweet and savory flavors from the apple butter glaze that perfectly complement the pork
• Ready in just 30 to 45 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends
• Made from simple pantry staples that require no special grocery trip
• One-pan recipe which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal
• Mildly sweet, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike

I first made this during a chilly autumn evening, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now it’s a dish we request every time the leaves turn colors.

Ingredients

• Four boneless pork chops: chosen for even cooking and ease of slicing, look for chops about three quarters to one inch thick with a bit of marbling to keep them juicy
• One large onion, sliced very thin: helps to caramelize and add sweetness to the dish
• One medium honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced: adds a crunchy, sweet-tart contrast, select a firm apple for the best texture
• Salt and black pepper to taste: essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors
• Half a cup of apple butter: the star ingredient that adds a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze, choose a quality apple butter with robust apple flavor
• Half a cup of water: helps to loosen the sauce and allow everything to meld
• Two tablespoons of whole grain mustard: adds a subtle tang and depth, Dijon mustard works well as a substitute
• One fresh rosemary sprig (optional): enhances the aroma and earthy tones of the dish
• Three fresh sage leaves (optional): complements pork beautifully, offering a subtle herbal note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Brown the Pork Chops:

Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the pork chops. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Place the pork chops in the pan and sear each side for about three to four minutes until they are nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chops from the pan and transfer to a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm and let rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness.

Sauté the Apples, Onions, and Herbs:

In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and apples over medium heat. If you are using rosemary and sage, add them now. Stir frequently to prevent burning and sauté until onions turn translucent and the apples soften, about five to seven minutes. This step builds the sweet and savory base for your sauce.

Make the Apple Butter Sauce and Finish the Dish:

Add the apple butter, whole grain mustard, and water to the skillet with the cooked onions and apples. Stir well to combine and evenly coat everything with the sauce. Nestle the browned pork chops back into the pan, allowing them to soak in the flavors. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes until the sauce thickens and the pork is heated through. For an extra glossy and intense flavor, allow the sauce to reduce for one or two additional minutes before serving.

Save

My favorite ingredient here has to be the apple butter. Its sweet richness is what transforms simple pork into a comforting, memorable meal. One autumn, serving this dish sparked a fun conversation about family recipes and quickly became a new tradition around our table.

Storage Tips

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked pork chops with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture or use a microwave at fifty percent power and stir halfway through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Bone-in pork chops can be used but plan for additional cooking time. Pork tenderloin cut into thick medallions also works if you prefer a leaner cut. If you don’t have apple butter, mixing applesauce with brown sugar and cinnamon creates a quick alternative. Different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Gala can change the flavor profile slightly, choose based on whether you want it tarter or sweeter. Dijon mustard substitutes well for whole grain mustard, and dried herbs can replace fresh ones if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles which soak up the delicious apple sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans add a nice contrast in texture and a bit of earthiness to the richness of the pork. A simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette helps balance the meal. For a cozy seasonal dinner, consider roasted sweet potatoes or wild rice pilaf as hearty sides.

Pro Tips

• Always season your pork chops at least 15 minutes before cooking for better flavor absorption
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the pork. 145 degrees Fahrenheit is your sweet spot
• Don’t skip searing the chops in a hot pan to lock in the juices before adding the sauce

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of pork works best for this dish?

Boneless pork chops, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, are ideal for even cooking and juiciness. Bone-in chops can be used with slightly longer cooking times.

→ Can I substitute apple butter with other ingredients?

Yes, a mix of applesauce, brown sugar, and cinnamon makes a flavorful substitute, though it will be less thick.

→ How do I avoid dry pork chops?

Cook pork until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached and let rest before serving to retain moisture and tenderness.

→ What sides pair well with pork chops glazed with apple butter?

Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple salad complement the sweet-savory flavors nicely.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to preserve moisture.