Main Dish U.S.A.
A hearty American dish featuring tender pork chops baked with sweet apples, raisins, and a rich molasses glaze, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sliced apples and raisins in a baking dish.
- Pour water and molasses over the apples and raisins.
- Place the browned pork chops on top of the fruit mixture.
- Cover the baking dish.
- Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours or until the pork chops are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of molasses, salt, and pepper for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of raisins, try using dried cranberries or chopped dates as a substitute. To intensify the apple flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This dish is a great example of American recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chops directly from the baking dish, spooning the warm apple and raisin mixture over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Cheese-Bacon-Broccoli Squares for added texture and flavor contrast.
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 the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them on medium power for shorter intervals, but be cautious to prevent drying out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Main Dish U.S.A. contains roughly 385 calories, with 4g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
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).