Description
These smothered pork chops are tender, juicy, and full of warm, comforting flavors. With apples, butter, and spices, this dish turns simple ingredients into a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s incredibly easy — one pork chop, one apple, one dish, huge flavor.
Introduction
If you’ve ever struggled with dry pork chops, this recipe will change everything. The key is the brine: a simple salt soak that transforms the chop into a moist, tender, perfectly cooked piece of meat. Topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and baked in butter, it delivers sweet and savory flavor with almost no effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only one pan to clean
- Takes just minutes to prep
- Brine ensures ultra-juicy pork
- Sweet apples + warm spices = amazing flavor
- Easy to scale for multiple servings
- Perfect for beginners
Ingredients
For the Pork Chop
- 1 boneless pork chop (bone-in works too)
- ½ apple, thinly sliced
- Dash of cinnamon
- Dash of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter (or ghee)
Optional Flavor Boosts
- Bay leaf
- Whole black peppercorns
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
For the Brine
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Optional: bay leaf, peppercorns, garlic, thyme, rosemary
Instructions
1. Brine the Pork Chop
Brine the chop for at least 1 hour (up to 12 hours for best results).
Use a zip-top bag or bowl and combine:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Optional: bay leaf, peppercorns, garlic
Add the pork chop, fully submerge it in water, and refrigerate.
2. Preheat
After brining, remove the chop, pat dry, and let it come to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Season
Lightly season with black pepper or thyme if you like. No need for extra salt — the brine already seasoned it perfectly.
4. Assemble
- Slice ½ an apple thinly.
- Place 1 tablespoon butter in the center of an oven-safe dish.
- Set the pork chop directly on top of the butter.
- Arrange apple slices on top and around the chop.
- Add a generous dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pork reaches 140°F internally.
Don’t overcook — it stays juiciest this way.
6. Serve
Plate the pork chop and spoon the melted buttery apple juices over everything. Enjoy the tender, smothered goodness.
Variations
- Island Vibe Cooking Style: Add onions, bell peppers, garlic powder, paprika, and a creamy gravy base.
- Savory Herb Version: Use rosemary and thyme instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Honey Apple: Drizzle 1 teaspoon honey over the apples before baking for a sweeter glaze.
- Maple Pork Chops: Replace butter with 1 tablespoon maple butter or add 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
Tips for Best Results
- Brine long if you can — the difference is huge.
- Pat the chop very dry before baking for best texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it keeps the pork juicy.
- Use firm apples (like Gala or Honeycrisp) so they hold shape.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a covered pan or microwave at low power so the meat stays tender.
Conclusion
This simple smothered pork chop recipe delivers big, comforting flavor with almost no effort. Juicy meat, sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery drippings make it an unforgettable meal for any night of the week.