Apple Cider Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples
Apple Cider Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples is the perfect fall meal. Fragrant sage and sweet caramelized apples pair perfectly with savory pork chops!
This recipe for apple cider pork chops was originally published April 2013. It has been updated from the archives with new photos and additional information.
Creating This Cast Iron Pork Chops Recipe
I like pork, but for years I didn’t cook it as often as I should. The truth is, a for a long time I just forgot about pork (unless it is bacon). Now, we eat pork probably once a week because Kevin and Logan LOVE pork chops.
This isn’t your stereotypical pork chop with apples recipe, but it’s still just as comforting. Meals like this are perfect during the fall, but I like to have a few recipes that fit the “comfort food” bill for any of those cool, rainy (or even snowy!) evenings.
Pork chops seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and sage, then cooked in a heavy cast iron skillet with olive oil and butter until browned. Then, they simmer in a creamy apple cider sage sauce and are topped with caramelized apples.
I wanted to keep the recipe fairly simple, even though it would be more creative than your typical weeknight dinner, because I know most moms are pretty busy. Moms want to eat something good for dinner but they don’t want to spend all day preparing it. I totally get that because I am right there with you.
★★★★★
Reader says –
“I am not a very good cook but I took a chance and made this last night for my husband. We both loved it and his only complaint was that there wasn’t enough! Thank you for this delicious recipe!” —Danielle
Apple Cider Pork Chops Ingredients
These sage pork chops with apples require very few ingredients to make. Here’s what you’ll need for this stovetop pork chops recipe:
- Bone-in pork chops
- Butter
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Fresh sage
- Apples
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Cook Pork Chops on the Stove
Apple Cider Pork Chops might look fancy, but the recipe is relatively simple—especially if you skip the optional brining step. Brining isn’t necessary, but I do like to do it when I have the time as it does add extra flavor to the meat. especially if you’ve prepped the broth in advance.
Here’s a quick overview of the recipe:
- Prepare the brine (Optional Step!): Add the brine ingredients to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, then let cool for 10 minutes. Combine the cooled liquid with cold water, apple cider, and pork chops in a resealable bag or bowl. Chill for 2—6 hours, then discard the brine.
- Cook the pork chops: Pat the pork completely dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sage. In a large skillet, Sear pork chops in butter and olive oil for 3–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked, basting with the butter mixture as they cook.
- Caramelize the apples: Melt butter in a skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cook until melted. Add apples and sauté for 10–15 minutes until browned and tender.
- Make the sauce: In the pork chop pan, pour in apple cider and reduce by half. Stir in cream, bring to a boil, and let it bubble until slightly thickened.
- Serve: Spoon caramelized apples over the pork chops or serve them separately. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with fresh sage. Enjoy!
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe for apple cider pork chops. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Before cooking the pork chops, you need to set them on your counter to come to room temperature. If you place the pork chops in the hot pan while they’re still fridge cold, it’ll take longer for the insides to cook through.
- You’ll also want to make sure that you pat the pork chops completely dry on both sides before you begin browning them. I find that a paper towel works well for this. Pork Chops will get a much nicer crust when browning if they are dry to the touch when they go in the pan.
- Also, make sure you use unsweetened and unflavored apple cider and not the kind that has spices added to it. Double check the ingredients list to make sure you bought the right kind. Look for “fresh apple cider” in the produce department, or fresh pressed apple juice as an alternative.
Apple Cider Pork Chops FAQs
Got questions about how to make these cider pork chops? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
Can I Substitute Boneless Pork Chops?
Yes, although you’ll likely need to cook boneless pork chops for less time if they are thin. I would choose 3/4 to 1-inch thick boneless pork chops if I were to use the boneless variety in this recipe.
If possible, use bone-in pork chops since they have more flavor due to the bone and are typically thicker. Bone-in Pork chops also typically don’t get as dry as boneless pork chops do.
What Type of Apples Should I Use?
Any variety of apples that you have on hand would work fine in this Pork Chop Recipe! Just make sure they are fresh and crisp. Mealy, overripe apples would not work well in this recipe as the apples would fall apart when cooked and not hold their shape well.
Personally, I like using sweeter apples in this apple cider pork chops recipe. The sweet apples paired with the savory pork chops is hard to beat.
My favorite varieties to use with this Apple Cider Pork Chop Recipe are Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
I don’t have apples, can I use something else?
I haven’t personally tried to substitute another fruit in this recipe for Apple Cider Pork Chops.
Based on the flavor profile of this Cast Iron Pork Chop Recipe, I would recommend substituting pears for the apples if you have pears on hand. Just make sure the pears are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape when cooked.
Another alternative would be to simply omit the apples from the recipe. You will still have the tasty apple flavor from the apple cider in the sauce. That plus the sage and garlic will give you lots of flavor to go with these cast iron pork chops!
What Can I Substitute In Place of Pork
If you don’t consume pork but you’d still like to try this recipe, I recommend using bone in, skin on chicken thighs instead of the pork. Apples, sage, and chicken all taste good together, so this is a good substitute.
Alternatively, you could also use thin, trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you would like a leaner meat. Make sure the chicken is not too thick, otherwise the meat won’t turn out as tender.
Katie’s Tip: If you can’t purchase thin cut chicken breasts, I suggest pounding them thinner using a meat mallet or butterflying the breasts if they are very thick.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Sage Pork Chops
To make these pork chops with apples a full meal, I like to serve these Cast Iron Pork Chops with some of my favorite fall comfort food sides! Check out these recipes, or browse the Recipe Index for more Side Dish Recipes and Vegetable Recipes.
Classic buttery russet potato mashed potatoes are elevated thanks to the addition of plenty of browned butter and fresh grated parmesan in this Browned Butter Parmesan Mashed Potatoes.
In this recipe for Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Sage, Cubed sweet potatoes are tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper are roasted and then tossed generously with fresh garlic and sage.
Cream Cheese Chive Duchess Potatoes are delicious, individually portioned mounds of mashed potatoes that have been baked. Inside they’re creamy and fluffy while the outside is beautifully golden and crisp.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic are a fantastic side dish that is full of delicious flavor — caramelized, roasted Brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar.
My go-to super easy vegetable side dish is Roasted Broccoli. For a fancier version, try Lemon Roasted Broccolini.
More Fall Dinner Recipes
This Italian Sausage and Kale Soup is a lightened up version of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana. It’s easy to make and so flavorful!
A Roasted Pork Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms is a welcome addition to the dinner table year-round, but it’s especially delicious when the weather’s cooler.
Few soups are as cozy as this Turkey Black Bean Chili. It’s made with pumpkin for an extra dose of fall flavor, and comes together in no time.
It doesn’t get much easier than this Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Vegetables. It’s done in under an hour and requires just 10 minutes of hands on prep work.
Sometimes all I want is mac and cheese for dinner — when that craving strikes I make this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Serve it with a side salad to round out the meal and enjoy!
Chicken Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuit Crust is fall comfort food and it’s finest! Creamy chicken filling is topped with tender buttermilk biscuits. Come learn how to make chicken pot pie, how to make a vegetarian pot pie (if you don’t consume meat, I have plenty of suggestions for substitutes!), and how to freeze chicken pot pie.
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What are your favorite fall pork chop recipes?
Apple Cider Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples
Apple Cider Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples is the perfect fall meal - fragrant sage and sweet caramelized apples pair perfectly with savory pork chops!
Ingredients
For the Pork Brine (Optional)
- 4 cups Cold Water
- 4 Cups Fresh Apple Cider (not Apple Juice or Spiced Cider)
- 1/3 cup Kosher Salt
- 2 tablespoons Whole Black Peppercorn
- 4 Garlic Cloves, smashed
- 2 Sage stems
For the Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork loin chops
- 2 teaspoons butter*
- 2 teaspoons olive oil*
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 - 2 teaspoons fresh sage chopped, according to preference
For the Apples
- 1 pound apples, peeled, cored and sliced in ¼-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/3 cup cream
- 1 - 2 teaspoons fresh sage chopped, according to preference
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
FOR THE BRINE (OPTIONAL)
- Add 2 cups of the water, salt, garlic, peppercorn, and sage to a small sauce pan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- In a resealable bag or large bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of cold water, apple cider, and pork chops. Then, add the salt water mixture. Mix well so the mixtures are combine and the pork chops are completely coated and submerged.
- Chill the pork in the brine for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours. Then, proceed with the recipe as instructed but eliminating any additional salt on the pork chops as they will be salted throughout due to the brine. Discard the used brine the pork chops are done bringing.
FOR THE PORK
- Pat the pork chops completely dry on both sides (paper towels work well). Season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and f the sage.
- In a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
- Add the meat and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until browned.
- Turn and cook the other side until browned and the pork is cooked through
- While cooking, brush some of the butter and olive oil mixture on the side of the pork facing up.
FOR THE APPLES
- In another skillet melt the remaining tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar to the butter and cook for 1 minute, or until it begins to melt.
- Add the apples and sauté over medium heat until the apples are browned and tender. This should take about 10–15 minutes.
FOR THE SAUCE
- In the pan with the pork chops, add the apple cider and cook over medium heat until the liquid is reduced by about half.
- Add the cream, bring to a boil and allow it to bubble for a few minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened. Make sure the pork is cooked through to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Sprinkle with remaining fresh sage if desired, and season with salt and pepper if desired. Spoon some of the sauce over the pork chops.
SERVING
- If serving immediately, spoon the caramelized apples on top of the pork in the pan.
- Alternatively, you can pass the apples separately at the table and portion them out directly on the dinner plates.
Notes
*this recipe originally called for a garlic herb seasoned butter and olive oil blend called Saute Express, however that product is no longer on the market. I've updated the recipe with alternative ingredients.
Tips for this Recipe
Before cooking the pork chops, you need to set them on your counter to come to room temperature. If you place the pork chops in the hot pan while they're still fridge cold, it'll take longer for the insides to cook through.
You'll also want to make sure that you pat the pork chops completely dry on both sides before you begin browning them. I find that a paper towel works well for this. Pork Chops will get a much nicer crust when browning if they are dry to the touch when they go in the pan.
Also, make sure you're using unflavored apple cider and not the kind that has spices added to it. Double check the ingredients list to make sure you bought the right kind.
Apple Variety Recommendations
Apples should be ripe but still crisp and firm. Any variety will do but my favorites are Pink Lady or Honeycrisp.
Need a Pork Substitute?
If you don't consume pork but you'd still like to try this recipe, I recommend using bone in, skin on chicken thighs instead of the pork. Apples, sage, and chicken all taste good together, so this is a good substitute.
Alternatively, you could also use trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you would like a leaner meat. Make sure the chicken is not too thick, otherwise the meat won't turn out as tender.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 384Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 189mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 17gProtein: 28g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
For the step-by-step version of this recipe, check out the How to Make Apple Cider Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples Story.
Pat says
Just finished eating these and I want to say YUM!!!! We loved it. I would have never bought this butter but now it is on my shopping list always. We made noodles to got with this and we put some of the sauce from the chops on the noodles and OMGoodness, that was so great. Try this it is really good.
Danielle Medley says
I am not a very good cook but I took a chance and made this last night for my husband. We both loved it and his only complaint was that there wasn’t enough! Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Marie Herrick says
I love to cook. Creating a meal is a way to express my likes and dislike in food. I love to make new marinades. I love to take whatever if left in the fridge freezer and pantry to create a “surprise” meal. I especially love when my husband says that the “surprise was great but then groans when he find out I did not use a recipe so I may not be able to make it again. Saute Expressions will add to my creativity. I cannot wait to try them on the meat I just purchased (different cuts of steak and pork).
Susan says
I express myself while cooking by not being afraid to change the recipe a bit, but not go too crazy. (I once decided to make cinnamon chicken on my own in college. Never again.)