Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy pork chops glazed with luscious apple butter and smothered in a velvety, creamy apple sauce that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The Apple Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Apple Sauce Recipe is a delightful comfort dish that’s both simple to make and astonishingly flavorful. Each bite sings with hints of spice, buttery richness, and the bright, fresh notes of apples, transforming your weeknight meal into a cozy, memorable feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this recipe shine. The magic lies in how the buttery pork blends harmoniously with the tart, soft apples and the rich, sweet apple butter, all elevated by a touch of spice and a creamy finish.
- 1 lb. boneless center-cut pork chop filets: Choose filets about 2 per pound for even cooking and tender bites.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essentials to season the pork, enhancing the natural flavors.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided): Adds richness and a golden sear to the pork and apples.
- 2 apples (cored and sliced): No need to peel—choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honey Crisp for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 7½ oz. apple butter (½ jar): The star ingredient that wraps the dish in deep apple flavor; feel free to add more if you love it extra sweet.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: A touch of molasses sweetness to deepen the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder (or chili powder): Brings a gentle warmth and slight earthiness to balance the sweetness.
- â…“ cup heavy cream (room temperature): Creates the dreamy, creamy apple sauce that coats the chops perfectly.
How to Make Apple Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Apple Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Start by seasoning both sides of each pork chop liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step ensures the pork is flavorful from the very first bite and helps to develop a beautiful crust when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear each side for about 3 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust locking in juices. After cooking, transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest while you prepare the sauce—this resting keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Cook the Apples and Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced apples and cook until they soften, roughly 5 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out the apples’ natural sweetness without losing their texture. Next, stir in the apple butter, brown sugar, and ancho chili powder, melding the flavors into a luscious sauce base. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently, bringing it all to a light boil. This creates the creamy apple sauce that will elevate your pork chops.
Step 4: Return Pork Chops to the Skillet
Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, pushing the apples aside to ensure each chop touches the pan for more caramelization. Spoon a tablespoon of the apple butter sauce over each side of the pork while they cook.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Pork Chops
Cook each pork chop for about 4 additional minutes per side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfectly juicy pork. This final cooking phase lets the pork soak up the luscious flavors of the creamy apple sauce while developing a beautiful glaze.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Spoon Sauce
Plate the pork chops and generously spoon the creamy apple sauce and tender cooked apples over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Apple Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Apple Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like finely chopped thyme or rosemary add a fragrant pop of color and rustic flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add delightful crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, consider creamy mashed potatoes or buttery spaetzle, which soak up every bit of the sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots bring a bright, earthy balance that complements the sweet and savory elements of the pork chops.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pork chops on a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice to add texture and heartiness. For a cozy twist, stack the chops with apples and sauce layered between slices and garnish with a cinnamon stick for an aromatic touch that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully with time, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the apple butter pork chops with creamy apple sauce in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve the sauce’s texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating also works—heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the pork chops.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops may require an extra few minutes to cook through, but they bring added flavor and juiciness that work wonderfully with the apple butter and creamy sauce.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are excellent for their tartness, but sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honey Crisp provide a lovely balance. Using a combination can also add complexity to the sauce.
Is there a substitute for ancho chili powder?
If you don’t have ancho chili powder, regular chili powder or even smoked paprika can provide a gentle smoky warmth that complements the sweetness of the apple butter.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil, and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a rich almond milk. This will still create a deliciously creamy sauce.
How do I know when the pork chops are cooked perfectly?
The safest and best way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 145°F. The pork should be juicy and have a slight blush of pink in the center, not dry or grey.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the Apple Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Apple Sauce Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward yet elegant, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch how the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors becomes an instant favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Apple Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Apple Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe features tender boneless pork chops cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with apple butter, sautéed apples, brown sugar, and a hint of ancho chili powder. Finished with a touch of heavy cream, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement the pork beautifully. Quick to prepare and ideal for a cozy dinner, it yields four hearty servings.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 1 lb. boneless center-cut pork chop filets (about 2 filets)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Apple Butter Sauce
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (no need to peel; Granny Smith preferred, but Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, or Jonagold also work)
- 7½ oz. apple butter (½ jar; use more if desired)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder (or substitute with regular chili powder)
- â…“ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
Instructions
- Season the Pork Chops: Season both sides of each pork chop evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest while preparing the sauce.
- Cook the Apples: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced apples and cook them over medium heat until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Butter Sauce: Pour in the apple butter, brown sugar, and chili powder into the skillet with the apples. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then, add the room temperature heavy cream and continue stirring the mixture until it reaches a light boil.
- Reintroduce the Pork Chops: Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, pushing the cooked apples aside to ensure the bottoms of the pork chops contact the skillet surface. Spoon about one tablespoon of the apple butter sauce over each side of the pork chops.
- Finish Cooking the Pork Chops: Continue cooking the pork chops for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through to your desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
- Serve: Plate the pork chops and spoon the apple mixture generously over the top. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use apples that hold their shape and have a balance of sweet and tart flavors for the best sauce texture and taste.
- Adjust the amount of apple butter to control the sweetness of the sauce as desired.
- Allow the pork chops to rest after searing to retain juice and achieve tenderness.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked pork.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
