Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
The first time I made the Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe, it was a crisp October evening when the air smelled like wood smoke and leaves. I had just picked up a jar of homemade apple butter from the local farmers’ market, along with thick-cut pork chops from the butcher. My plan was simple—roast something cozy for dinner—but that jar of apple butter kept catching my eye on the counter.
Inspired by a memory of my grandmother’s pork roast with apples, I decided to blend the sweet warmth of apple butter with the savory richness of seared pork chops. A splash of apple cider, a hint of mustard, and some sautéed onions later… I had created something that quickly became a family favorite.
Since that evening, this apple butter pork chops recipe has been a staple in our fall and winter meal rotation. It’s the kind of dinner that’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make—even on a weeknight.
Now, I’m excited to share it with you. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just trying to bring some autumnal warmth to your weeknight dinner table, the Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe is one that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
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Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe (2025)
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients to create this cozy pork dinner.
For the pork chops:
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the apple butter glaze:
- ¾ cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional add-ins: Sliced apples or shallots for extra texture
How to Make Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe
This dish comes together easily in just one pan. Here’s how to create that perfect balance of sweet glaze and savory seared pork.
Step 1: Prep the pork chops
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the pork
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter.
- Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside (they’ll finish in the sauce).
Step 3: Sauté aromatics
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add the onion slices and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the glaze
- Stir in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add apple butter, Dijon mustard, vinegar, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and bubbling.
Step 5: Return pork to pan
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet.
- Spoon the glaze over each chop.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5–8 minutes, or until pork reaches 145°F internal temperature.
Step 6: Serve
- Let pork rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Spoon extra sauce and onions over the top and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
How to Serve Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe
The Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe is rich and comforting, so it pairs well with simple sides that soak up that sweet-savory sauce.
1. Best Sides:
- Mashed potatoes – Classic pairing to soak up the glaze
- Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Buttered rice or wild rice
- Crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic
2. Bread Options:
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for mopping up sauce
- Cornbread for a Southern twist
3. Salad Pairings:
- A mixed greens salad with apple slices, goat cheese, and vinaigrette
- Kale salad with cranberries and nuts
Tips
Thickness matters – Use pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick for juicier results.
Don’t overcook – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F and no more.
Use quality apple butter – Homemade or organic versions add richer flavor and fewer additives.
Sear well – Browning the pork builds flavor in both the meat and the pan sauce.
Let it rest – Rest the pork for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Balance the sweetness – Dijon mustard and vinegar keep the sauce from becoming too sweet.
Variations
1. Garlic Lovers:
- Add roasted garlic to the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
2. Add Apple Slices:
- Toss in thin sliced apples or shallots when sautéing onions for extra texture and autumn flair.
3. Use Other Cuts:
- This recipe works with bone-in chops, pork loin, or even chicken thighs.
4. Fresh Herbs:
- Swap thyme for fresh sage or rosemary for a more earthy flavor.
5. Spice it up:
- Add a dash of chipotle powder or hot honey to the sauce for sweet heat.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Bone-in pork chops work beautifully and often have more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—bone-in chops may need an extra few minutes to cook through.
Q2. What kind of apple butter should I use?
Use thick, spreadable apple butter—homemade is amazing, but any high-quality store-bought version will work. Look for varieties without added corn syrup.
Q3. Can I make this Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe in the oven?
Yes! After searing the pork and creating the glaze, you can transfer the skillet to a 350°F oven and bake for 10–15 minutes to finish cooking the chops and thicken the sauce.
Q4. Can I make the Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Cook everything and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of apple cider or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q5. What’s the best apple cider to use?
Use unsweetened apple cider for the most balanced flavor. Apple juice can be used in a pinch but may make the sauce sweeter.
Q6. Is this Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just make sure your mustard and apple butter are gluten-free certified. Serve with gluten-free sides like mashed potatoes or rice.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe is everything you want in a fall or winter meal—warm, flavorful, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and gourmet flair, made easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests.
I love that this recipe brings together seasonal ingredients and nostalgic flavors in such a beautiful, balanced way. The pork is juicy and seared to perfection, the sauce is velvety with just the right touch of sweetness, and the whole meal comes together in one skillet.
Whether you’re picking apples on the weekend, meal-prepping for busy weekdays, or hosting a cozy dinner party, this Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe deserves a spot on your table.