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Simplifying dinner tonight with these Apple Butter and Sage Pork Chops. This easy recipe is all things fall. Pan seared pork chops with apple butter, sage, a splash of balsamic, and a little browned butter…for good measure. It doesn’t get simpler, cozier, or more delicious than this apple butter pork chop recipe. Great any night of the week with a side of creamy polenta and a colorful salad.
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Did you grow up eating pork chops? I did not, and for the longest time cooking with pork chops has never excited me. But within the last two years or so I’ve really grown to like them. I don’t make them often, maybe once every few months, but when I do make them, I always ask myself why I don’t cook with pork chops more.
Sometimes I get so stuck in my chicken dinner routine that I forget to incorporate other forms of protein. Anyone else do the same? Today it’s time to break out of the chicken rut and embrace a dish that’s just a little different (at least for me).
A few years ago when I was testing recipes for the HBH cookbook, I started to play around with pork chops. In the end I developed one of my favorite recipes in the book, the balsamic fig roasted pork chops. It’s sweet, savory, and a great way to incorporate figs into dinner. It’s also so easy.
This recipe today is inspired by the pork chops in the cookbook. Fig season is so short, and I always have the hardest time finding fresh figs up here in the mountains. So I wanted to create an autumn inspired pork chop recipe for when I can’t find fresh figs at the store.
Enter these apple butter and sage pork chops. Very different from the recipe in the cookbook, but just has the best flavor.
Side Note: It’s been so chaotic lately that I’m just now realizing that we passed the cookbook’s one year anniversary this month! It’s so crazy that the book has been out for an entire year now. What’s even crazier? To this very day I am still getting messages, photos, and comments through email, the blog, and Instagram about the cookbook. It’s the BEST thing in the world, and I just have to say THANK YOU to you guys. I love seeing all the recipes you have made. It’s fills me with so much happiness knowing that you guys are still, even a year later, enjoying the HBH cookbook. Thank you. THANK YOU!
Just like chicken, pork chops are incredibly quick cooking. This recipe takes thirty minutes tops and uses under ten ingredients, Honestly, I didn’t know I could create a recipe with an ingredient list so short. But hey, I did, and hey, I kind of love it.
Here is how this works.
Start with a heavy cast iron skillet (this is my current favorite Staub skillet) and get it screaming hot. Pan sear the pork chops to give them a nice crust, then lower the heat to slowly cook them though. Once they are cooked, remove the chops from the skillet and rub them with a thin layer of apple butter.
Yes, I am apple butter obsessed right now. Really hoping you guys do not mind. In my defense, it’s truly just the most addicting spread that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Hands down my favorite ingredient right now.
To the same skillet used to sear the pork chops, add some butter, and cook the garlic, sage and apples for a few minutes to give them a head start on cooking before heading to the oven for a delicious sauce. Place pork chops back in the skillet and drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar for a nice tang. Then transfer everything to the oven, and broil until the apples have a nice char on the edges.
And done.
Personally, I really love serving these pork chops alongside some creamy polenta (with cheddar cheese swirled throughout). But wild rice and mashed potatoes would be equally great options.
And then a nice salad to round out the meal.
Autumn dinner perfection, right?
If you make these apple butter and sage pork chops, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Apple Butter and Sage Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1-2 honeycrisp apples, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the broiler to high.2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the pork chops all over with kosher salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to the skillet, when the oil shimmers, add the pork and sear on both sides for 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through. 3. Remove the pork from the pan to a plate. Spread each pork chop with a layer of apple butter. 4. To the skillet, add the butter, garlic, apples, and sage. Cook 1-2 minutes then remove from the heat. Slide the pork back into the the skillet. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the pork. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the apples are lightly charred. 4. Remove from the oven and top with fresh thyme. Spoon the butter over the pork chops. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
This is my favorite pork chop recipe of all time. The sage/apple butter/apple combination with perfectly cooked pork chops is other worldly. The simplicity of ingredients only adds to an amazing dinner
Hey Michael,
Perfect! So glad to hear this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it!
Happy Sunday!
I made these years ago and anytime I mention cooking pork chops, they ask about this version. I had to look it up again, but it was a hit!
Hey Alyse,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try and sharing your thoughts, so happy it worked for you!
This recipe is AMAZING!!!! My new favorite!!
Hey Lori,
Love to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it and your comment!
Happy Holidays!🎄
Delish !
My husband says it’s a dinner party recipe 😋
Hey Vivian,
Love to hear this! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and your comment!
Have a great Sunday!
This recipe is a 7/5 it’s so, so good! There is such a rich depth of flavour, for a meal cooked in under an hour. I served them with cheddar polenta, and spinach salad with balsamic glaze.
Hey Ashley,
Awesome!☃️ I am so glad to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it!
Tried this recipe, and the family absolutely loved it
Hey James,
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback after trying this recipe, I’m happy to hear it was a win!
Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
My bone in pork chops are not 1″ thick, they aren’t thin either. How would I adjust the time to make sure my pork is tender and juicy?
Thank you for your time and LOVE all your recipes.
Hi Lisa,
How thick are they? Less than 1″ or more than 1″? That would determine how long they need to cook for. Let me know:)
Amazing! Though I’m not sure how this is bulgogi? But its good food! Not only did I want to lick the plate, I wanted to drink the sauce straight out of the 12″ pan! It was kind of heavy and hard to wield, but I wanted it! Finger licking!
Hi Lorrene,
Thanks for trying the recipe and sharing your feedback, I’m glad to hear it was enjoyed!
This dish is amazing!! We will definitely be making this again. This is the first recipe of Tieghan’s I’ve tried and I cannot wait to try more!
Hey Cindy,
Fantastic! I’m so glad to hear this recipe was a hit, thanks a bunch for making it!🍁
This was everything i hoped it would be! 10/10 highly recommend!!!
Hey Lexi,
Wonderful!! Love to hear this dish turned out nicely for you, I appreciate you making it!
Great recipe, something different and perfect for a snowing evening in WI. Served with mashed red potatoes.
Hey Amy,
Wonderful! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe and your comment, love to hear it turned out well! Happy December:) xT
Easy and quick. Used a thermometer to ensure chop were cooked through. Great weeknight recipe
Hey Nicole,
Wonderful! Thank you for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! Have the best day! xx
Oh my gosh, delicious! I cooked the apples a bit longer on the stovetop and served with roasted potatoes.
Was glad to give my Kansas garden grown sage and thyme a last hurrah in this dish.
Hey Kimberly,
Love to hear this! Thank you so much for trying this dish and your feedback! Have the best week! xT
Amazing dish! New fun way to elevate pork chops and applesauce!
Love to hear this, Tricia! Thanks for making this dish and your feedback! Have a great Sunday! xT
Can you use boneless pork chops for this recipe? That’ what we usually buy.
Hi Jennifer,
Totally, that will work nicely for you! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
I just did this recipe with boneless center cut pork chops just cooked for a bit longer worked amazingly!