Pork chops with apples and bacon is a cozy, fall-inspired dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. Juicy seared pork chops are cooked with crisp bacon and tender caramelized apples, creating a rich, comforting meal in one skillet. The smoky bacon adds depth, while the apples bring a touch of sweetness that complements the pork beautifully. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special autumn meals, this recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
2largeapples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are great choices), cored and sliced thinly
1largeonion, thinly sliced
2tspall-purpose flour
1cupfresh apple cider
2tbspDijon mustard
1tbspmaple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
salt and pepper to taste
Fresh sage leaves
Instructions
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the bacon pieces and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add a handful of sage leaves to the pan. Fry in the bacon drippings until crispy. Remove sage from the pan and set aside with the bacon.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the pork chops to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown.
Remove the pork chops and set them aside; they don’t need to be cooked through yet, as they’ll finish cooking with the apples and onions.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced apples and onions, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Add apple cider and Dijon mustard. Whisk to combine well. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Nestle the pork chops and bacon into the apple mixture.
Place the skillet into preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Remove from oven and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with crispy sage leaves.
Notes
*Calories are approximate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon apple skillet dinner, fall dinner recipe, hearty fall meals, pork chops with apples, rustic pork recipe, skillet dinners