Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples: Sweet, Savory, and Just a Little Fancy

I make this on repeat in the fall when fresh apples are coming straight from the orchard to our table. But honestly, if you can get your hands on a crisp, tart apple, this works any time of year.

There’s something the apples bring to this dish: the pork is simple in its preparation, but the apples add that extra layer that makes everything come together. The end result is that perfect sweet and savory bite.

Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples

Juicy pork chops paired with buttery caramelized apples—an easy sweet and savory dinner that feels cozy, simple, and just a little special.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 4 pork chops 1½ inch thick
• 2 teaspoons crushed dried thyme
• 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 large apples cored, peeled, and cut into wedges

Let’s Cook!

 

• Pat chops dry. In a small bowl, mix thyme, pepper, and salt. Season both sides of the chops and set aside.
• In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter with the sugar over moderately high heat.
• Add the apples and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to brown.
• Turn apples and cook about 5 minutes more, until golden brown and the sauce thickens.
• Remove from heat and keep warm.
• Heat another heavy skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
• Add chops and brown one side, about 4 minutes.
• Turn and cook another 4 minutes.
• Continue turning every couple of minutes until just done (internal temp ~155°F).

Notes

• Use apples like Crispin or Granny Smith that will hold up to caramelizing without turning into applesauce.

Keyword apples, Easy, Pork, Savory, sweet

In my neck of the woods, the signs of spring are finally starting to show up (finally). I fully planned to make these the traditional way, but when a beautiful spring night rolled in, I couldn’t resist taking things outside.

Spoiler: it worked perfectly.

I used the side burner with a cast iron skillet for the apples while the pork grilled, and those chops picked up just a hint of smoky flavor that took everything up a notch.

Eat well, friends!

Before you go—come join me at the table! Gather & Savor is my laid-back Substack where I share the recipes, stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and seasonal favorites that make life delicious.  I’d love to have you join me there!