Baked Pork Chops And Apples
Juicy baked pork chops paired with sweet-tart apples and warm spices create a comforting, family-friendly dish full of rich flavors perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Saute chopped onion in butter or margarine for 5 minutes or until soft; remove and set aside.
- Brown pork chops on both sides in the remaining fat in the pan.
- Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper.
- Arrange chops in a baking dish.
- Cover with sliced apples and sprinkle with cooked onion.
- Add water, brown sugar, dry mustard, and ground cloves to the dish.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until chops are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have brown sugar, maple syrup or honey can be used as alternatives. You can also swap the apples for pears for a different taste profile. Searing the chops before baking helps to lock in moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked pork chops and apples with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the dish nicely. This recipe pairs beautifully with Honey Apple Pork Chops for a delightful fall-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave, ensuring the chops remain juicy by adding a splash of water to the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pork Chops And Apples contains roughly 689 calories, with 29g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (186% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless cuts may cook faster than bone-in chops. Check for doneness to ensure they're cooked through.
What type of apples are best for baking?
For baking, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also mix different apple types for added flavor complexity.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).