Apple Cider Pork Chops

Not only are these apple cider pork chops tasty and quick for a weeknight, but they will also use up that jug of apple cider you have leftover in your fridge. This dinner recipe is for you if you’re always on the hunt for apple cider recipes after making a trip to your local apple tree farm. In less than 15 minutes you’ll have pork chops served in a thick tasty sauce, perfect for pairing with any of your favorite roasted vegetables.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Pork Chops

• Olive oil: Choose your favorite high-quality cooking olive oil for browning the pork chops.
• Boneless pork loin chops: Each chop should be 6 to 8 ounces each and around 3/4-inch thick.
• Garlic: You’ll need to mince one garlic clove for this recipe.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweet apple cider in this recipe.
• Honey: The honey helps to cut into the tangy Dijon mustard and garlic in the sauce.
• Apple pie spice: This blend of spices is used to enhance the flavor of the apple cider. A pumpkin spice blend could also work if you don’t have it.
• Dried thyme: Use dried thyme leaves, not ground thyme for this recipe.
• Apple cider: Freshly pressed apple cider will result in the best tasting sauce for these pork chops.
• Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry is used to thicken the sauce that will be poured over the finished pork chops.
• Parsley: Fresh minced parsley is optional to garnish on top.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the pork

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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the pork chops on both sides.

Step 2: Add the sauce

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In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, apple pie spice, ground pepper, dried thyme and salt. Stir in the apple cider and then pour the sauce over the pork chops. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, until a meat thermometer inserted into the pork chops reads 145°F. (This should take four to five minutes.) Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them stand for five minutes.

Step 3: Thicken the sauce and cook

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Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the leftover cider mixture in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil and stir constantly. Once the sauce has thickened (about one to two minutes), pour it over the pork chops and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

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Recipe Variations

• Make it creamy: For a creamier sauce on top, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream along with the cornstarch and let the sauce bubble to thicken.
• Enhance the flavor with brandy: For an even more elegant taste of these apple cider pork chops, add in 2 tablespoons of brandy with the original sauce when cooking the pork.
• Serve with fried apples: Toss sliced apples in a separate small skillet with hot butter until slightly cooked down. Sprinkle them with a dash of that apple pie spice for a great topping to serve on your pork chops!

How to Store Apple Cider Pork Chops

Refrigerate the apple cider pork chops in a shallow airtight container for up to four days. Be sure you don’t leave your pork chops out too long after cooking them; they should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

How do you reheat apple cider pork chops?

For the best results, place your apple cider glazed pork chops in a baking dish sealed with aluminum foil and place it in the oven at 350° until the internal temperature of the pork chops reads 145°. The aluminum foil is key for keeping the pork chops moist and not drying them out.

Apple Cider Pork Chops Tips

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How do I stop my pork chop from curling at the ends?

Make a couple of crosswise slices that cut just barely through the outer layer of fat to avoid a curled-in pork chop.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider on pork?

While the recipe will technically still work, apple cider has a richer flavor that will result in a much richer tasting sauce. We recommend using freshly pressed apple cider if you can get your hands on it.

What do you serve with apple cider pork chops?

Apple cider pork chops are best with a carbohydrate side that will soak up that delicious sauce, like white or brown rice, couscous or even garlic mashed potatoes.