Apple Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Introduction

Apple Maple Glazed Pork Chops are the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors that celebrate the warmth of home-cooked comfort food. This dish features juicy, tender pork chops glazed with a rich, sticky sauce made from maple syrup, apple cider, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. The natural sweetness of apples pairs beautifully with the salty, meaty flavor of pork, creating a dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a cozy fall weekend meal, these pork chops are sure to impress everyone at the table. The balance of caramelized maple glaze and the slight tang from the apples creates a truly memorable flavor experience.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it embodies the best of fall comfort cooking — warm, rustic, and full of cozy flavors. The glaze beautifully caramelizes, coating each pork chop with a glossy finish that locks in moisture. The combination of apple cider and maple syrup gives it a deep, rich sweetness, while the Dijon mustard adds just the right touch of tanginess to balance everything.

What I find most special about this dish is its simplicity — it feels gourmet but requires only a few everyday ingredients. Every bite feels like a hug — savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully tender.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try Apple Maple Glazed Pork Chops because:

• It’s a perfect fall dish, full of seasonal flavors like apples and maple syrup.
• It cooks in under 30 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.
• It’s family-approved — even picky eaters love the sweet glaze.
• It’s versatile and pairs with almost anything — mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Ingredients

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 Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the pork chops in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions and apple slices until slightly softened.
4. Add apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and thyme. Simmer to reduce slightly.
5. Return the pork chops to the pan and cook until glazed and fully cooked through.
6. Optional: Add cornstarch slurry for a thicker glaze.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Pork

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Apples and Onions

In the same pan, add sliced apples and onions. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Pour in apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Stir and let it simmer for about 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over them and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Thicken the Glaze (Optional)

For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy and rich.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from heat, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes, and serve drizzled with extra glaze and topped with apples and onions.

How to Serve

Serve these pork chops hot with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice
• Roasted vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes)
• A light salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing balance

Garnish with a sprig of thyme or extra apple slices for a beautiful presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook pork chops — use a thermometer to check doneness at 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
• Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for authentic flavor.
• If you don’t have apple cider, apple juice or white wine works well.
• For extra richness, add a pat of butter at the end to make the glaze silky.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
2. Smoky Flavor: Add a bit of smoked paprika or bacon bits to the glaze.
3. Apple-Free Option: Replace apples with pears for a different sweetness.
4. Herb Lovers: Use rosemary instead of thyme for a deeper, earthy note.
5. Oven-Baked Version: Sear pork chops, then bake with glaze at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or cast iron pan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Small bowl for glaze mixing
• Whisk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat and cook with pork chops when ready to serve.

Q3: What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji give a sweeter flavor.

Q4: Can I grill the pork chops instead of pan-searing?
Yes — grill the pork chops, then brush on the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.

Q5: Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?
Yes, honey can be used, but maple syrup gives a richer, more traditional flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Maple Glazed Pork Chops are the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy — a true comfort dish that feels like autumn on a plate. With its tender, juicy pork and glossy, flavorful glaze, this recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will never disappoint.