Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup unsweetened apple butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
If you can’t find apple butter, you can substitute with an equal amount of applesauce mixed with a tablespoon of brown sugar. The smoked paprika gives a lovely depth to the dish, but regular paprika will work in a pinch.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple butter, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, cinnamon, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Pour the apple butter mixture over the pork chops, turning them to ensure they are well-coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (62°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.
Remember, the key to juicy pork chops is not to overcook them. Keep an eye on that internal temperature for the perfect result!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International