Apple Butter Pork Chops – Sweet & Savory Fall Dinner

When the crisp autumn air sets in, nothing feels cozier than recipes that bring together the flavors of fall. Enter Apple Butter Pork Chops – tender, juicy pork chops coated in a rich, slightly sweet, slightly tangy apple butter glaze.

This dish is the perfect marriage of savory and sweet: the hearty pork balances beautifully with the spiced apple butter, while garlic, herbs, and apple cider vinegar add depth and brightness. It’s a one-skillet wonder that takes less than 30 minutes but tastes like something out of a gourmet kitchen.

In this detailed article, we’ll explore:

• Why apple butter is perfect with pork
• Ingredient breakdown and substitutions
• Step-by-step instructions
• Creative variations (grilled, baked, or slow-cooked)
• Expert tips for juicy pork chops
• Serving suggestions with sides and drinks
• Storage and reheating advice

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Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• ½ cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, for garnish
• Optional: sliced apples for serving

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Instructions

1. Prep Pork Chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in apple butter, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Cook until sauce is smooth and glossy.
4. Glaze Pork: Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until pork is cooked through (145°F internal temperature).
5. Finish: Garnish with fresh thyme and apple slices. Serve hot with extra glaze.

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Why Apple Butter Works So Well

Apple butter isn’t just a spread for toast – it’s a flavor powerhouse. Its concentrated apple sweetness, warm spices, and smooth texture make it a natural partner for pork, which has a mild, savory flavor that welcomes sweetness. The tang of apple cider vinegar and mustard balances the richness, while garlic and herbs keep it savory.

This recipe transforms a humble pork chop into a dish worthy of Sunday dinners or festive occasions.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Grilled: Grill pork chops first, then brush with apple butter glaze before serving.
• Baked: Place seared pork chops in a baking dish, top with glaze, and bake at 375°F until done.
• Slow Cooker: Place pork chops in crockpot, pour glaze over, and cook on low for 6–7 hours.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• Apple Swap: Replace apple butter with pear butter for a twist.

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Serving Suggestions

Apple Butter Pork Chops pair beautifully with:

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Buttery green beans
• Warm dinner rolls
• A glass of crisp apple cider or Chardonnay

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked pork chops with glaze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in skillet with a splash of broth to loosen glaze.

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Expert Tips

1. Don’t overcook – use a meat thermometer for perfect juiciness.
2. Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier than boneless.
3. Let pork rest 3–5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
4. Homemade apple butter adds the richest flavor, but store-bought works fine.

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Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g