Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe Pork Chops With Apples

What’s in This Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe?

Nothing goes together quite like pork chops and apples. Something about the sweetness of the apples mixed with the pork really works. A lot of people eat pork chops with applesauce, so let’s take it up a notch. Cook the pork chops in apple butter, and add a side of apple slices– that is the ultimate way to eat pork chops with apples.

Pork Chops: We used boneless center-cut pork chop filets. If using bone-in, they may take longer to cook. Apple Butter: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade apple butter. Apples: We used Granny Smiths for their balanced flavor. Sugar: A little bit of brown sugar enhances the sweet flavor of the apples. Chili Powder: We like ancho chili powder for its slightly smoky flavor, but regular chili powder also works. Cream: Heavy cream helps thicken up the sauce.

Variations on Pork Chops with Apples

We love Granny Smith apples because they keep this recipe from turning out too sweet, but Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, or Jonagold are all great choices that will hold their shape once cooked. And if you can’t get your hands on any apple butter, try using applesauce instead!

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover apple butter pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze apple butter pork chops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops are great served with rice, egg noodles, or our favorite easy mashed potatoes. The sauce is so rich and flavorful, so a simple side is best! For a little more savory flavor, try green beans with bacon!

Notes from the Test Kitchen

This one-pan skillet pork chops with apples recipe is so simple! All you need are some pork chops, a jar of apple butter, a couple of apples, butter, brown sugar, chili powder (a little kick of spice), butter, and heavy cream. And your cast iron skillet, but that’s the only dish here!

How to Make Apple Butter Pork Chops Step by Step

Season the Pork: Season both sides 1 pound of center-cut pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear the Pork: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the pork chops and cook each side for 3 minutes. Place pork on a plate and allow to rest while you cook the apples. Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add 2 cored and sliced apples and allow to cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Pour in 7½ ounces (½ jar) of apple butter (you can use a bit more if you want, but it does get pretty sweet), 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ancho chili powder. Stir to combine. Add in ⅓ cup of room-temperature heavy cream and continue to stir. Bring to a light boil. Simmer the Pork: Add the pork chops, pushing aside the apples to make sure the bottoms of each pork chop are touching the skillet. Spoon a tablespoon of apple butter onto each side of each pork chop as you cook. Cook each pork chop for about 4 more minutes or each side, adding a tablespoon of apple butter to each side as you cook. Cook until pork is cooked through to your liking. Serve hot with the apple mixture spooned over the pork.