Enjoy golden-seared pork chops with a sweet-tart apple cider glaze and creamy garlic Smashed Potatoes. Ready in 40 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Chops with Apples and Smashed Potatoes
This dish is a dinner winner. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick Prep: A 40-minute, one-pan meal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Harmony: Savory meat meets sweet apples and creamy Smashed Potatoes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, seasonal ingredients for a hearty meal.
- Cozy Comfort: Ideal for fall or year-round family dinners.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Rustic elegance that wows without complexity.
Explore more hearty dishes in our guide: Comfort Food Recipes.
What Makes This Pork Chops with Apples and Smashed Potatoes Special?
This recipe transforms a classic comfort dish into a vibrant, one-pan masterpiece. Juicy, sage-seasoned pork chops are seared to perfection and nestled in a rich apple cider glaze with caramelized onions and tart apples. Paired with rustic garlic Smashed Potatoes, it offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy textures. Its simplicity, using pantry staples, makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering warmth and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients for Pork Chops with Apples and Smashed Potatoes
To make this dish (serves 4), gather these ingredients:
For the Smashed Potatoes:
- 1 lb small fingerling potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- Kosher salt, to taste
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork loin chops (½-inch thick, ~5 oz each)
- 2 tsp chopped fresh sage
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion, cut into ½-inch wedges
- 2 Granny Smith apples, diced into ½-inch pieces
- ¾ cup apple cider
Ingredient Tips:
- Pork: Boneless loin chops cook quickly; bone-in adds extra flavor for this dish.
- Potatoes: Fingerlings give a buttery texture for Smashed Potatoes; Yukon Golds are a good substitute.
- Apples: Granny Smiths add tartness; mix with Honeycrisp for sweeter notes.
- Sage: Fresh sage elevates the meat; dried sage works (use half the amount).
- Cider: Pure apple cider creates a rich glaze; avoid sweetened apple juice.
How to Make Pork Chops with Apples and Smashed Potatoes
Cook Potatoes
Boil 1 lb fingerling potatoes and 2 garlic cloves in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes; keep warm.
Season Meat
Rub 4 pork chops with 2 tsp sage, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Sear Meat
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat, sear chops 5 minutes until golden; set aside.
Sauté Apples and Onions
In the same skillet, add 2 tsp olive oil, sauté 1 red onion and 2 diced apples 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Make Glaze
Stir in ¾ cup apple cider, return chops to skillet, cover, and cook 4-5 minutes until done.
Mash Potatoes
Drain potatoes, reserving ¼ cup water; mash with ¼ cup buttermilk, adding reserved water as needed; season for Smashed Potatoes.
Serve Dish
Plate chops with apple-onion mix, drizzle with pan juices, and serve with Smashed Potatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: ~430 per serving (based on 4 servings)
Servings: 4
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 25g protein, 18g fat, 3g fiber
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops with Apples and Smashed Potatoes
- Avoid Crowding: Sear chops in a single layer for a golden crust.
- Rest Meat: Let chops sit 3 minutes after cooking for juicier results.
- Smash Lightly: Keep some potato chunks for rustic Smashed Potatoes texture.
- Use Fresh Sage: Enhances flavor; chop finely for even distribution.
- Save Pan Juices: Drizzle apple cider glaze over the dish for extra depth.
Creative Variations to Try
Customize this dish with these ideas:
- Herb Swap: Try rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Apple Twist: Use Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter glaze.
- Potato Boost: Add parmesan or chives to Smashed Potatoes for richness.
- Veggie Add-In: Toss in green beans or carrots with the apples and onions.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili flakes for a subtle heat.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Serve on rustic plates, with chops topped with the apple-onion mix and a drizzle of pan juices, alongside a generous scoop of Smashed Potatoes. Garnish with a sprig of sage or parsley for a fresh touch. Pair with a crisp arugula salad or roasted green beans for balance, or finish with an apple crumble dessert for a seasonal menu. For gatherings, present family-style on a large platter to impress guests.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Ahead: Boil potatoes and season chops up to 1 day in advance; cook fresh for best flavor.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chops (without glaze) for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Best Fresh: Enjoy Smashed Potatoes within 2 days for optimal texture.
- Reheat Carefully: Warm chops with a splash of cider to keep moist.
FAQs About Pork Chops with Apples and Smashed Potatoes
- Can I use bone-in chops? Yes, adjust cooking time to 6-8 minutes per side.
- Can I substitute buttermilk in Smashed Potatoes? Use milk with a splash of lemon juice or yogurt.
- Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; check cider for additives.
- Can I use other apples? Fuji or Honeycrisp add sweetness to the glaze.
- How do I avoid dry chops? Don’t overcook; aim for 145°F internal temperature and rest before serving.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Swap buttermilk for dairy-free milk with vinegar in Smashed Potatoes.
- What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet? Use any heavy skillet; ensure it’s oven-safe if finishing in the oven.
- Can I prep ahead? Boil potatoes and season chops 1 day ahead; cook fresh.
- How long do leftovers last? Up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat gently.
- Can I add other veggies? Carrots or zucchini pair well with the apple-onion mix.
More Dinner Recipe Ideas You’ll Love
- Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
- Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
- Turkey Patties: Easy High Protein Meals
Conclusion
These Pork Chops with Smashed Potatoes are a comforting, flavorful meal that brings warmth to any table. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this one-pan dish is as easy as it is delicious. Cook up a batch, share your creations on social media, and explore more cozy recipes at Food and Tips!
Pork Chops with Apples and Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pound small fingerling potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- Kosher salt
- 4 boneless pork loin chops 1/2-inch thick, about 5 oz each
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 2 Granny Smith apples diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Place potatoes and garlic in a saucepan. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of kosher salt. Cover, bring to a boil, then uncover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, season pork chops on both sides with chopped sage, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, then sear pork chops on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
- Wipe out the skillet. Add remaining olive oil, then sauté the onion and apples over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in apple cider.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet. Cover and cook, turning once, for 4–5 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Drain potatoes, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Return potatoes to the pan, add buttermilk, and mash with a fork or masher. Use reserved water as needed to reach desired consistency. Season to taste.
- Serve pork chops with apple-onion mixture on top, alongside garlic mashed potatoes. Drizzle with pan juices.
Notes
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!
