Sautéed Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples
Juicy pork chops pan-seared and finished with a sweet maple glaze and tender caramelized apples, perfect for a cozy dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, maple syrup, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced apples
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sauté for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove chops and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 sliced medium apples, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to the skillet. Cook apples for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelize.
- Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup maple syrup over the apples and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the syrup thickens and coats the apples.
- Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon the maple-glazed apples and pan sauce over them, sprinkle 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves on top, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep maple syrup from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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