Print

Cozy Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe with Easy Roasted Butternut Squash

apple butter pork chops - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring pork chops glazed with apple butter and served alongside roasted butternut squash. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • ½ cup apple butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss peeled and cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ground cinnamon, maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
  2. While the squash roasts, pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the chopped thyme.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chops and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in apple butter and remaining thyme, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer gently until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes.
  5. Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon apple butter glaze over them. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until glaze sticks and chops finish cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  6. Remove pork chops from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve alongside roasted butternut squash, spooning any extra glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Dry pork chops thoroughly before seasoning for a better sear. Do not stir the apple butter glaze constantly; let it thicken gently. Let pork chops rest after cooking to lock in juices. If glaze thickens too much, add a teaspoon of water or apple cider to loosen. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter pork chops, roasted butternut squash, easy dinner, cozy meal, weeknight recipe, pork chops glaze, fall recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/cozy-apple-butter-pork-chops-recipe-with-easy-roasted-butternut-squash/