Applesauce Pork Chops Recipe

Name: Applesauce Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 apple - peeled, cored, and sliced; 0.25 cup chopped onion; 2 (1/2-inch thick) pork chops; 0.5 teaspoon salt; ground black pepper to taste; 0.75 cup applesauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard; 0.125 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 apple - peeled, cored, and sliced
cup chopped onion
2 (1/2-inch thick) pork chops
teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste
cup applesauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apple slices and chopped onion. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the apple and onion are tender. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Brown the pork chops: In the same skillet, place the pork chops over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until browned.
Transfer pork chops to a 9x9-inch baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the sauce: In the bowl with the apple and onion mixture, add applesauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
Spoon the apple mixture over the pork chops, spreading evenly.
Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of the pork chops. The temperature should read at least 145F (63C).

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 386
Total Fat: 15g (19% DV)
Saturated Fat: 6g (32% DV)
Cholesterol: 81mg (27% DV)
Sodium: 625mg (27% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 43g (16% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% DV)
Total Sugars: 35g
Protein: 21g (42% DV)
Vitamin C: 7mg (8% DV)
Calcium: 53mg (4% DV)
Iron: 1mg (7% DV)
Potassium: 522mg (11% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins:

Applesauce Pork Chops is a classic American dish that combines two beloved ingredients: pork and apples. The pairing of pork with apples is rooted in centuries of culinary tradition, with the flavors of sweet apples and savory meat complementing each other perfectly. The dish became especially popular in the Midwest and northeastern United States, where both pork farming and apple orchards were abundant. Over time, this combination has evolved, with regional variations incorporating different spices and cooking methods. It is a quintessential comfort food that has stood the test of time in American households.

Regional Variations:

While the basic recipe for Applesauce Pork Chops remains fairly consistent, there are regional variations in how the dish is prepared. In the Midwest, the pork chops are often slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together, while in the South, the dish might be served with a side of cornbread or mashed potatoes. In some recipes, mustard or vinegar is added to provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the applesauce. The specific type of apple used can also vary, with tart apples like Granny Smith being a popular choice in many regions, as their tartness balances the richness of the pork.

Distinguishing Features:

Applesauce Pork Chops stands out from other similar dishes due to its unique balance of sweet and savory flavors. Unlike traditional pork dishes that rely on savory seasonings, this recipe integrates sweet applesauce and brown sugar, making it a sweeter alternative. It differs from other popular pork dishes, such as Pork with Apples, where the apples are often cooked as a side or garnish rather than as a main ingredient. Additionally, the applesauce in this recipe adds a smooth, flavorful sauce that enhances the porks tenderness, creating a juicier and more flavorful dish.

Common Occasions for Serving:

Applesauce Pork Chops is a versatile dish that can be served on a variety of occasions. It is perfect for casual family dinners, yet elegant enough for a holiday meal or special gathering. The dish is often enjoyed during fall and winter months, when apples are in season and the desire for hearty, comforting meals increases. It can be served alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, making it a well-rounded meal that suits a variety of tastes and preferences.

Interesting Facts:

The pairing of pork and apples dates back to ancient times, as both ingredients were staples in many European diets.
In the United States, the dish gained popularity during the 20th century, especially in regions known for apple production.
The sweetness of the apples helps to tenderize the pork, making it a great choice for lean cuts like pork chops, which can often be dry if not cooked properly.
Many modern variations of the dish incorporate additional fruits like pears or cranberries for a more complex flavor profile.

Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast, Applesauce Pork Chops is a dish that never goes out of style. Its combination of savory pork and sweet applesauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that highlights the best of American comfort food.

FAQ about Applesauce Pork Chops Recipe

Yes, boneless pork chops can be used instead of bone-in. However, they tend to cook faster, so reduce the baking time by about 5–10 minutes to prevent them from drying out.

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they balance the sweetness of the applesauce and brown sugar. Sweeter apples such as Fuji or Gala can make the dish noticeably sweeter.

Yes. Brown the pork chops first, then place them in a slow cooker with the apple-onion-applesauce mixture. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Avoid overcooking. Pork is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C). Let it rest covered for a few minutes before serving to retain moisture. Using thicker chops or bone-in cuts also helps keep the meat juicy.

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave at low power to prevent the pork from drying out.

Yes. Cool completely, then place the pork chops with sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven or on the stovetop.

Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or a cabbage-apple slaw complement the sweet and savory flavors of Applesauce Pork Chops perfectly.

Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar in equal amounts for a more natural sweetness. For a lower-sugar version, use unsweetened applesauce and omit or reduce the sweetener.

Reheat the pork chops covered with foil at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Adding a tablespoon of applesauce or broth before reheating helps maintain moisture.

Comments

JennieLynn

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This is my second time commenting on this in a week! I made these again in my crock pot, and they came out even better! I definitely recommend doing it that way!

Ed P

03/06/2023 06:55:40 AM

Cooked 1" boneless pork chops according to the recipe except reduced oven time to 20 minutes. Brown them for a minute or two on high. Otherwise the pork chops will be cooked before they go into the oven. The pork chops were perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender. For the apples we used Granny Smith apples and they were perfect for this dish.

Jillian Huntress

10/09/2018 12:52:59 AM

this recipe is definitely a winner, might start making this every week. I did change a few things. first, I quickly made some fresh applesauce before starting anything, I think I made maybe a cup. then I sauteed a whole onion and 2 apples in a cast iron pan. I then seared the pork chops on all sides. meanwhile, I mixed the brown sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of whole seed mustard(the good stuff) to the applesauce mixture. finally, I called the applesauce under the pork chops and baked it for 30 minutes. the only thing I would have done differently is cut the cooking time. the pork chops can out a little dry but it was no big deal since I had so much delicious onion applesauce!!

AceBagel3733

01/10/2023 12:21:45 AM

After reading all the ingredients I felt the need to change a few things. Less sugar, more mustard, less applesauce and shorter cooking time. "Searing" is always a challenge with pork and I did it for a longer time than necessary. Because of that I shortened the cooking time to 20 minutes (no need for chops to cook for 40 minutes at 375). They came out nice not dry but a tad tough. Hubby loved it. Served in with a cabbage/apple/onion side.

jahill17

09/21/2016 12:49:17 PM

Very good. I browned the chops with black pepper and onion powder. I put them in the crock pot. I used homemade applesauce that already had brown sugar and cinnamon. I did add dry mustard ( read it wrong), small amount of salt, little more pepper and onion powder. Cooked on low for four hours.

anna duval

09/19/2016 06:20:43 PM

Delicious! Took other's advice and modified as follows: used 1 c applesauce; seasoned chops when browning with salt, pepper, thyme. Added dash vinegar, mustard, cinnamon to applesauce. Used cast iron skillet on stove then added applesauce, onion, apple and baked for 30 minutes. So good!

MANDT2

04/26/2018 06:11:14 AM

I peeled and chopped the apples and onions ahead of time, as well as assembling the sauce. At dinnertime, I fried everything in an oven proof skillet, making cook time and cleanup quick and easy. I stuck a couple sweet potatoes in the hot oven while the chops and apples were being fried, then left them there to finish baking with the chops. A side salad completed this easy, but delicious meal.

yankeefanz

11/22/2020 01:59:54 AM

This was delicious and so easy to make! I followed the recipe for the most part but I did take one reviewers suggestion of cooking them in the crock pot. I wasn’t sure how long to cook them but I did them on low for about 3 hours then kept them warn foe about another hour and they were very good but starting to dry out. I would definitely do them in the crock pot again but probably for a shorter period of time. The family loved them! Super Easy!

Terrapin

10/19/2017 07:42:16 AM

I made this tonight and omg was it good! I doubled everything and might have went a little crazy with the onions and brown sugar due to eyeballing the quantities of each. Next time I'll just have to add an extra apple. I think I'll cube the apples rather than slicing them so it spreads more evenly and also use a bit more applesauce. I also cooked them at 375 for about an hour. Could have used even more time in my opinion. With the apple and onion spread, plus the baking dish being covered, it's hard to overcook the chops or dry them out. My chops were still a bit frozen after 2 days defrosting in the fridge, which is why I seared them longer and gave them extra time in the oven. Unlike the oven baked chicken I made the other night, the prep and wait time was well worth it for this entree. To summarize my modifications: -Doubled all ingredients (4 chops) -Extra apples (3 or 4 total) -Cut apples into cubes -A bit more applesauce -Sear a bit longer -One pinch of salt and pepper on both sides dispersed evenly -1 hour or more oven cook time Perfection!

UniqueWhisk1941

02/27/2024 02:24:41 AM

OK so at first I wasn’t sure about this, but let me just say I am so glad that I made this! It is absolutely delicious. It’s super easy to make super easy to follow. Simple ingredients very good. I double the recipe and I didn’t have ground mustard, so I used stone ground mustard out of the container which was really yummy. I will be making this again 10/10

FunDuck9901

11/22/2023 12:10:59 AM

I cut the 4-pork chops up as my wife has difficulty chewing. I also used 2-apples and 1 1/2 cups of apple sauce and doubled the spices. Made it a second time and it is great.

KindCup6442

06/17/2025 08:34:26 PM

Many butchers these days remove MOST of the fat from meat making Pork Chops especially inclined to be dry and leathery (with very little flavour)....my Sister has to shop at an alternate store in order to find Ground Beef that is Medium fat content. If you can find a good butcher who is not in a Grocery Store I think you'll do much better.

tarbuckle1970

05/03/2025 02:33:50 PM

Turned out good. I followed this recipe exactly and found the cooking time is a bit long. Will definitely make it again, and cut the cooking time back some between the pan, and oven cooking times.

ModestSalad8253

04/28/2025 11:27:58 PM

Super fantastic! Will try again closer to fall.

DapperStew7929

04/10/2025 11:52:44 PM

This is a perfect dutch oven recipe. Cook the apples and such until they're softened in a frying pan with a couple strips of diced bacon, add a couple cups of chicken broth and let it go at 375 for about an hour. Put a hard sear on the pork chops with a frying pan first for extra flavor.

Howie

02/03/2025 05:39:39 PM

Loved it

Judy H

02/01/2025 12:09:13 AM

The sauce was fine. The pork was dry. I lightly browned the pork chops before putting into the slow cooker (as recommended) and would either not brown the chops at all or would marinate them (apple juice?) before putting them in the slow cooker. Either way, my husband's verdict was "don't bother again."

beaugilson

12/28/2024 11:42:13 PM

Added BBQ sauce to the applesauce mixture, perfect. Best chops I've ever made. Juicy, flavorful! The lady I care for ate them and she hates trying new dishes. So easy to make.

Rachel Diaz

11/06/2024 09:39:48 PM

Turned out better than I imagined.

TrendyChai5097

10/12/2024 11:58:30 PM

I leave out the cinnamon and the brown sugar. I don’t like sweet meat and I don’t care for cinnamon.

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