Apple Baked Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops baked with sweet apples and brown sugar create a comforting dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings, blending savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim all fat from the pork chops.
- Place the pork chops in a baking dish.
- Cut the apples in half and remove the cores.
- Place each apple half on top of a pork chop.
- Spread butter or margarine on each apple half.
- Sprinkle each apple with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try marinating the pork chops in a mixture of apple juice and your favorite herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have apples on hand, pears can be a great substitute. Additionally, consider using honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. Ensure that the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple baked pork chops alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice can also complement the dish well, soaking up the delicious juices. This dish pairs beautifully with Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Chops for a flavorful dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them on medium power, but be careful not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Baked Pork Chops contains roughly 473 calories, with 1g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for a cooking time of about 30-40 minutes, checking for the internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
For baking, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices as they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of brown sugar. However, you can also use sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala if you prefer a sweeter flavor in your dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops and apples in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply take them out and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).