I’ll never forget the first time I made pork chops with apple sauce for my family.
I was determined to recreate that perfect balance of savory and sweet—just like the ones my mom used to make, but without the store-bought apple sauce that always tasted too sugary.
I wanted real flavors, fresh ingredients, and something that felt like home on a plate.
Turns out, it’s easier than I thought.
A well-seasoned chop, a little butter in the pan, and apples cooked down just right? Pure comfort.
And best of all—completely gluten-free, naturally!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the apple sauce for a little tang.
- No bone-in chops? Use boneless pork chops but reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side.
- Want a bit of heat? Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne into the spice rub for a subtle kick.
- Dairy-free? Swap butter for more olive oil or coconut oil.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or even a simple quinoa salad. For a drink, a crisp apple cider (or a dry white wine) rounds out the flavors perfectly.
This one’s a keeper. Simple, satisfying, and a little nostalgic—exactly the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite.
Enjoy!
Juicy Gluten-Free Pork Chops with Apple Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender, juicy pork chops with a warm, spiced apple sauce—comfort food at its best. Naturally gluten-free and easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Apple Sauce:
- 3 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prep the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel (this helps with a good sear). Rub them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you start the apple sauce.
2. Make the Apple Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cover. Let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and start breaking down. Mash them with a fork or potato masher for a chunkier texture, or blend for a smooth sauce.
3. Cook the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the pork chops. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Plate the pork chops and generously spoon the warm apple sauce over them. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed greens, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
Best served warm. Leftover apple sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with apple sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
