In this house, I’ve always had staple foods that I go to during certain seasons. As the weather changes (well, hopefully), my menu shifts to heartier, comforting meals that bring those cozy vibes to the table. Many years ago, I stumbled upon a simple yet delicious recipe: pork chops with apples and onions. I sear the onions in apple cider, which brings a wonderful sweetness to the dish. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and I no longer follow strict measurements, but I’ll do my best to share a version of it with you.
The first time I made this meal, I was cooking in a tiny galley kitchen with two large dogs underfoot, in a cozy little home. I don’t remember much about the weather that day—maybe it was cool, or maybe I just imagined it that way! Today, I’m making it in Arizona on the first day of October, where we're still facing over 100-degree weather. But that won’t stop me from dreaming of crisp fall days. Hopefully, this fall-inspired dish will help us manifest some cooler weather!
Here’s my loose take on the recipe. Feel free to adjust it to your taste!
Pork Chops with Apples & Onions Recipe Serves: 4
Ingredients:
4 bone-in pork chops (or boneless, your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 medium apples (I like Granny Smith for their tartness), cored and sliced
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1–1 ½ cups apple cider
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for added fall flavor)
Instructions:
Prep the pork chops: Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the apples and onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the sliced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the apple slices and continue to cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the apples start to soften.
Deglaze with apple cider: Pour in 1 cup of apple cider (start with less and add more if needed). Stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently, reducing the cider slightly and letting the flavors meld. You can add a pinch of thyme and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of fall flavor if you like.
Sear the pork chops: While the apple-onion mixture simmers, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet (or your preferred pan) over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. Reduce the heat and cook the pork chops for an additional 5–7 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Combine and serve: Once the pork chops are done, transfer them into the apple and onion mixture. Let them simmer together for a couple of minutes to soak up the flavors.
Serve with sides: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and green beans, but feel free to choose any seasonal sides that you love.
Even though it’s still hot outside, this meal brings all the fall vibes into the kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor—everything a good autumn meal should be. I hope this recipe brings a little coziness to your home, no matter the temperature outside!
Have you tried cooking something seasonal to welcome in fall? Let me know in the comments and share your favorite seasonal dishes!
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