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Cinnamon spiced pork chops nestled in an apple cider sauce bursting with apples, onions and thyme. These chops are quick, healthy, can be made in ONE pan and on the table in 30 minutes!
Hey hey heeeey, friends! How’s the week going? Someone please give me some good news!
Maybe you got a puppy, your kid got an A, you won a scratch off lottery, or simply woke up on the right side of the bed. I don’t care how big or small, just something… anything (!) good. SHARE it with me!
OUR LATEST VIDEOSYou see, I’m having a CRAP week. We are talking EPIC sized kitchen fails one right after the other. The first involved scones plummeting to their death on the hard wood floors. And the second involved vegetable noodles that disintegrated like a magic trick gone wrong right in front of my eyes.
All I want to do is curl up in a ball, eat my weight in ice cream and never leave my bed.
Okay, so maybe I’m being a weeeeee bit dramatic. But for real, I feel like I have been kitchen cursed. Anyone know some good reverse voodoo?
When I can’t seem to do anything right, and cooking dinner feels like the bane of my existence, there is one thing I can always rely on – Smithfield All Natural Fresh Pork.
If you follow this blog the above statement may feel like déjà vu. Well, that’s because I’ve talked openly about my love of Smithfield pork before on this here blog, see here, here, and here.
Naturally tender and perfectly juicy, Smithfield Bone-in Pork Chops are my solution to down in the dumps, dinner ruts.
Cinnamon Spiced Pork Chops with Apple Cider Apples & Onions
Tender, succulent, savory, juicy cinnamon spiced pork chops nestled in a cozy, warm apple cider sauce bursting with crisp apples, mellow onion and hints of earthy thyme.
This easy, but impressive dish is all made in ONE pan AND can be on the table in 30 minutes flat.
Easy enough for weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for entertaining, this dish is what I call winning at life.
Recipe Notes:
- The recipe calls for 2 heaping cups of green apples, which is about 2 apples. I used Golden Delicious green apples because their crisp mellow sweetness pairs wonderfully with pork, but feel free to use whatever variety is your favorite – red or green.
- I didn’t peel the apples for this recipe because I like the crispness of the skin, but you can absolutely peel them prior to dicing them if you prefer.
- The amount of time the pork takes to finish cooking in the sauce will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. I recommend using an instant read thermometer. If you love your pork medium rare, you should cook it to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (followed by a 3-minute rest). If you like your pork a little more done, you can cook them to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
SWEEPSTAKES TIME!
On top of Smithfield being THE people for pork, they have also teamed up with Walmart on a ‘Compassion for Community’ mission.
My hero has always been my father, not only was he my best friend, but he was the embodiment and definition of Compassion, Care and Commitment.
If you have a hero in your life, don’t miss the chance to give them a little recognition in the #SmithfieldCares Sweepstakes! With over $9,000 in prizing, nominate someone in your community who embraces the 3 C’s (compassion, care and commitment).
*You can enter the Sweepsteaks at the end of this post. Scroll down past the recipe!
Forget beef, pork chops are what’s for dinner!
Until next week friends, cheers – to pork-tastic fall eats!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
Cinnamon spiced pork chops nestled in an apple cider sauce bursting with apples, onions and thyme. These chops are quick, healthy, can be made in ONE pan and on the table in 30 minutes!
- 4 Bone-in Pork Chops
- 1 ¾ tsp Ground Cinnamon , divided
- Kosher Salt & Ground Pepper
- 3 TBS Unsalted Butter , divided
- 2 heaping Cups Green Apples – Cored and diced* (about 2 apples)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion – peeled and diced
- 2 TBS Light Brown Sugar , packed
- 1/8 tsp All Spice
- 1 Cup Apple Cider
- 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 TBS Fresh Thyme Leaves , plus more for garnish
- Season the pork chops with ¾ tsp cinnamon and generously with salt and pepper.
- Brown the pork chops: Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook, turning once, until golden brown, about 5 minutes total. Transfer the pork chops to a clean plate and set aside.
- Make the apple sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook until melted. Add in the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the apples, brown sugar, remaining teaspoon cinnamon and all spice. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until the apples are crisp-tender, about 2 additional minutes. Stir in the apple cider, vinegar and thyme.
- Finish the pork: Return the pork chops and any juiced that have accumulated to the pan, nestling them into the pan and spooning the apples and glaze over top. Cook, turning once halfway through, until the pork is tender and cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 6-12 minutes*.
- Serve: Transfer the pork chops to serving plates or a platter and top with apple glaze spooned on top. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve and enjoy!
*You can peel the apples before dicing if you prefer.
*The amount of time the pork takes to finish cooking in the sauce will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. I recommend using an instant read thermometer. If you love your pork medium rare, you should cook it to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. If you like your pork a little more done, you can cook them to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
You Might Also Like:
Hoisin & Honey Glazed Pork Chops with Plum Salsa
Ginger & Honey Glazed Pork Chops with Peach-Poblano Salsa
Brown Sugar Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Bourbon Compote
Your recipes are so unique. This sounds so flavorful and looks so delicious. Thank you so much for sharing. Pinned!
Your week sounds challenging … I had a few of those this year where nothing seemed to work at all but thankfully it usually balances itself out with good weeks 🙂 Your Cinnamon Spiced Pork Chops with Apple Cider Apples & Onions certainly looks like a winner! Apples and pork are such a beautiful combination and meals that are that delicious and ready in 30 minutes are right up my alley! Have a great weekend!
We all have those kitchen fails, Chey! I know I definitely have my fair share. I made a cake a couple of weeks ago and it was perfect. I’ve made this cake, like, a bazillion times before and I was gonna blog it and, unfortunately, I didn’t let it cool long enough and left half of it in the pan. I was so upset. We ate the cake anyway, but definitely not blogworthy. Good news? Not much excitement on my end this week. Though, I did get a wicked marble board perfect for pickies and we picked up some nice blue cheese so I see that in my future 😉 Exciting, hey? Lol 😀
Love one pot dishes and totally loving this pork/apple combo you have goin’ on! Screams fall! Total comfort food, which is my fave! Pinned, of course. Looks like you redeemed yourself with this one, girlie 😉 And, listen, tomorrow is Friday so woot woot! Have an awesome weekend! xoxo
Ugh aren’t food fails the worst?! That’s when I give up and go back to it later. After cursing and screaming, of course! 🙂 I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the flavor of these pork chops, Cheyanne! As soon as I saw the recipe title, I thought of fall. Love how full of flavor this is! My husband always asks for pork chops, so I will have to try these! Pinned, of course! Hope you have a great rest of the week!
Beautiful dish! I am loving using apples in savoury dishes and I never peel them either 🙂 Sorry about your kitchen fails. Been there 😉
Sorry about the kitchen fails Chey! I’ve been there many a time. Happens to the best of us! But these pork chops look like a TOTAL success! You know I’m loving these. Apples make a great addition! Can’t wait to try! Happy weekend!
There’s just something about “pork chops and apple sauce”…sorry – I’m channeling my inner Peter Brady…. I mean cinnamon pork chops and apple cider apples…oh my! This is quintessential fall(!) and if this doesn’t help pull us out of our kitchen funks – I suspect nothing will! Super comforting and delicious!! And since I’m a pro at things going south in the kitchen – I’m storing this baby for certain use!! Happy weekend, my friend! xo
Kitchen fails are the worst… especially when they come back to back like that. We’ve all been there, we’ll all be headed back soon enough. You are a rock star with all things food though, so chin up girl! Many more amazing kitchen successes are coming your way 😉
I’m not big on beef but I LOVE me some pork chops! Especially these gorgeous cinnamon flavored ones with apples and onions – my kind of easy weeknight meal! Winning for sure!
haha well as you know my week isn’t going much better … misery loves company right??? 🙂 I HATE when I drop things on the floor like that … or possibly even worse in the hot oven as I am pulling them out of the oven! I’ve done that a few times! Oompf.
But this pork dish makes me smile! Pork + apples = awesomeness!
I can totally relate to those kinds of weeks. But, chin up – it will get better. Eat some peanut butter…that makes everything better.
Pork and apple is such a delicious flavour combo at this time of year and we love making dishes like this.
So colorful and flavorful! This is right up my alley!
I’ve never had cinnamon on pork chops, but it sounds delightful! Great post and beautiful photos my dear. Hugs!!
I believe that pork chop and apple are the best friends! You did an excellent job creating this hearty and delicious meal, Cheyanne.
Well, I don’t think you’ve been cursed, but I think some voodoo protection won’t hurt anyone, Chey. Did you know lavender has that desperately needed quality? And since I believe you don’t get any, I’m sending you 15 kg dried lavender right away (along with a so anticipated fig recipe book – you may need it next year(decade). Just put it in a small bags and place all around the kitchen. It works! This pork chops look seriously great! Last year I cooked pork in an apple sauce, and it was fabulous. Now I need to try with apple cider. And answering your question, yes I have a good news. Indeed, even two. We have a long weekend here (Thanksgiving). Also, I added 2 days off and now I’m having a super long long weekend (aka vacation). Besides, I’m not staying home, but having a plane this night (ups, that might be even 3 news, right?):)
OK, my good news is we’re headed up to the Portland area to visit family for Thanksgiving, which means a real season of weather will be experienced and I can’t wait!
I feel your pain, but you’re not cursed, time to take a step back, deep breath and let that crap go! I had a week like that myself, it too shall pass my dear, hang in there! I love the apple/cinnamon/pork trifecta, it’s perfect pairing and would be great on my table tonight. Might I place 2 orders please? 🙂
Aw man… more poor zesty sweet pea had a tough week? Argh, tell me who to kick and I’ll do it! Was it the baking sheet? The mixing bowl… or that dodgy-looking hardwood floor? I knew that bugger was suspicious!! Some good news over here: the WEEKEND is coming!!!! Yay!! We’re nearly there to your top 3 most favoritest days of the week! What could be better, right? 🙂 Meanwhile, I’m so glad that you were able to rely on your old fave. Plus, hello: APPLES. No matter the kitchen craziness, I know that you’ll always whip up something amazing. The sound of apple cider in a savory dinner is more than I can even bear. So hungry right now!! I hope things go better ASAP. Big hugs and good vibes to ya, my cupcake! xoxo
I’m sorry about your week — I’ve been having a crap week too! I’ve had recipes go wrong and a video shoot bust (details I’ll keep to myself). On the bright side however, everyone is healthy and happy and I need to not to complain. I LOVE everything about this meal, so my day is getting brighter. Pork chops and apples were meant to be together and I can’t wait to try this!
This reminds me SO much of something my mom used to make for me as a kid. I need to try this out!
OMG. Recipe fails are the worst. I am with you on the scone situation. My dogs were happy. But you totally killed it with this pork chop apple cider business! And all in one pan really gets my attention!!! Pinned!
Oh sweet Cheyanne, it couldn’t have been that bad of a week – cos look at these chops! I love Smithfield too – but, you cooked them up pretty darn marvelously – SO WIN for the week – yeah!!! And, ooh that apple cider broth has my stomach grumbling that I cannot get ma paws on this right now! As for vegetable noodles that disintegrate – girl, I had that exact same thing happen – and there was no reconstructing them so I just made it a hash and called it a day! Here’s hoping your weekend is filled with EPIC wins, my friend! xoxo
Oh, Chey. Your week sounds really challenging. Indeed recipe fails are the worst things. But I know that you always come up with some exotic and innovative ideas so failure is just a part of it. Remember success comes to those who try! SO I am hoping many many more successful recipes coming from you. And this Cinnamon spiced pork chops looks so bright and sounds super delicious. And the addition of apple cider sauce with apples, onions and thyme are just making me wow! Love that these are really quick and healthy too. Wish you a lovely weekend, girlfriend. 🙂 <3
Sorry you are having such a tough week. I know how it is. Not sure all the readers know how many times we have to test recipes! You definitely made a come back with this pork dish. Loving all those fall flavors.
Pork chops and apples are one of my favorite combos! This recipe is divine and the perfect weeknight dinner for the fam. I’ve had kitchen fails, plenty of them. Sometimes they really get in my head and I can’t get out of the cycle. My solution? I set the blog aside and bake up something delicious to just hand out to neighbors, friends, etc. It seems to break the curse, lol and brings the fun back.
Oh no! Sorry your week isn’t going so hot, Cheyanne! Maybe just go out and do a little rain dance. Oh wait, that’ll just make it rain. Hmmm…back to the drawing board there! Hang in there, though! We all have kitchen fails. Good thing this pork chops recipe is 100% NOT a kitchen fail. In fact, this totally makes up for other kitchen mishaps because of how amazing it looks! Love the apples + onions combo in there! #client
Urghh this was NOT my week either. My mother was admitted and after a few days of cancer scare, we escaped that demon. Now my baby is sick and I can’t seem to focus on recipe making. Oieee. Hope next week is better for all of us. These pork chops look amazing!
Chey, I had a crappy week too, so I can’t give you sunshine today. My new job is kicking my a$$. But I am an optimist for both of us that it will get better. This week I bet you have all kitchen success and no failure!
Besides, you made this, and it looks phenomenal!
I have DEFINITELY had those kinds of weeks…work has been pretty overwhelming these past few weeks. Grrr…I’m going to try and cheer myself up with some brownies later today, because CHOCOLATE. Although these pork chops look like they could cheer anyone up no matter what – they are fall deliciousness extraordinaire! Sending hugs from rainy NJ – xo
Whenever I’m having a crappy week complete with kitchen disasters, I always make a go-to meal that is fail-proof! Not only does it comfort me, but it brings back my confidence, too. I sure hope you had a great weekend and this week turns out much better for you! These pork chops look absolutely delish and the perfect fall meal!
These are really beautiful. Pork and apples are just heavenly together. And I also had a really crappy few weeks in the kitchen a while back, and I was wondering if I’d lost my mojo altogether – but it got so much better!! You’ll pull through 🙂
Wow! That’s a hard week girl! You should’ve have say F- it and gone on vaca with me in the pimpin camper 😉 Hopefully this week is better in the kitchen for you. These chops look delish thou and def not a fail. Yum in my tum! Perfect fall dinner dish too 🙂
I’ve been cooking pork chops for my boys like crazy lately. they can’t get enough. this recipe is going in the recipe file for sure. they will love it. delicious and quick is the best for our busy weeknights and i love all the fall apple-ness in here.
How delicous it looks <3 <3 <3 Your dish is so beautiful and I bet it tastes pefect!!! Always like using apple when cooking because it bring sweet and faint aroma to our dish. Thank you so much for sharing a great recipe!!!!
You show to us how way we can make more recipe from a fruit. Really if we made it very easy. Thank you for your good recipe.