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Savory Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

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Juicy, golden-seared pork chops baked with a sweet-tangy apple cider glaze, fresh thyme, and garlic. This easy fall dinner recipe is comforting, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for cozy family meals or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • Optional: 1 small apple, thinly sliced, for garnish or roasting

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until reduced by half and syrupy.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. In the last minute of searing, add minced garlic and a little extra thyme to the pan. Spoon some melted butter over the chops.
  5. Remove 2-3 tablespoons of glaze for basting. Brush tops of pork chops with glaze, reserving the rest for serving.
  6. Transfer skillet to oven (or move chops to a baking dish). Bake for 12-16 minutes, depending on thickness, until a meat thermometer reads 145°F in the thickest part. Brush with more glaze halfway through baking.
  7. Optional: Tuck thin apple slices around pork before baking.
  8. Remove from oven and let pork rest for 5 minutes. Brush with final layer of glaze, spoon extra sauce over top, and sprinkle with more fresh thyme.

Notes

Bone-in pork chops are juicier, but boneless can be used with reduced bake time. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter or all olive oil. Resting the pork after baking keeps it juicy. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of cider or water. Double-check mustard for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple cider glaze, fall dinner, baked pork, easy recipe, comfort food, gluten-free, family meal, oven baked, autumn recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-baked-pork-chops-with-apple-cider-glaze-easy-fall-dinner-recipe/