Savory Apple Butter-Glazed Pork Chops
These tender and flavorful pork chops are infused with the sweet and spicy notes of apple butter, making them perfect for any family dinner. The natural acidity of the apple butter helps to tenderize the meat while imparting a delightful blend of spices. For those who prefer a milder taste, feel free to substitute apple butter with regular applesauce, including sugar-free varieties. This one-pan dish offers easy cleanup and is a kid-approved favorite. Additionally, for a convenient option, you can use a crockpot to gently cook the chops all day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve alongside your favorite vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
3
Servings
267
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork loin chops
1 1/2 lbs (3 chops)
Apple butter
2 cups ((or applesauce as an alternative))
Oil
2 teaspoons (for greasing the baking dish)
Water
1/4 cup (for mixing with apple butter)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Onion powder
optional
Garlic powder
optional
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 6 x 10 inch ovenproof dish with oil to prevent sticking.
3
Season both sides of the pork loin chops with salt and pepper. If desired, add onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
4
Spoon and spread one cup of apple butter evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
5
Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the apple butter layer.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining cup of apple butter with 1/4 cup of water. Mix well until combined.
7
Spoon the apple butter mixture evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they're well covered.
8
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing the pork chops to become tender and infused with the apple butter flavors. Alternatively, for a slower cooking method, place the chops in a crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
17g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Apple Butter-Glazed Pork Chops?
This is a dish consisting of tender pork chops infused with a sweet and spicy apple butter glaze, often prepared as a one-pan meal or in a crockpot.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 3 servings.
What type of pork should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of boneless pork loin chops, specifically about 3 chops.
Can I substitute the apple butter?
Yes, you can substitute apple butter with regular applesauce, including sugar-free varieties for a milder taste.
What is the benefit of using apple butter on pork?
The natural acidity of the apple butter helps to tenderize the meat while providing a rich blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the pork chops need to bake in the oven?
The pork chops should bake for approximately 2 hours to ensure they are tender and fully infused with flavor.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the 2-hour baking process.
Can I cook this recipe in a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook the chops in a crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How much apple butter is needed in total?
The recipe requires a total of 2 cups of apple butter.
How is the apple butter applied to the dish?
One cup is spread across the bottom of the dish, and the second cup is mixed with water and spooned over the top of the chops.
How much water should be mixed with the glaze?
You should mix 1/4 cup of water with the remaining cup of apple butter to create the topping glaze.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 6 x 10 inch ovenproof dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish with 2 teaspoons of oil before adding the ingredients.
What basic seasonings are used?
Both sides of the pork loin chops should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Are there any optional ingredients for more flavor?
Yes, you can optionally add onion powder and garlic powder for extra depth of flavor.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the sweet profile of the apple butter makes this a kid-approved favorite.
Is cleanup easy for this meal?
Yes, because it is a one-pan dish, cleanup is relatively easy.
What side dishes are recommended?
This dish pairs well with vegetables or mashed potatoes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 total ingredients, including the optional spices.
Can I use sugar-free apple butter?
The recipe notes that sugar-free varieties of applesauce can be used, implying sugar-free apple butter would also work.
How much oil is needed for greasing?
You will need 2 teaspoons of oil to grease the baking dish.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized as being savory, sweet, tender, and slightly spicy.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional data provided indicates that the fiber content is null or not specified.
Can I prepare the meat in advance?
While not explicitly stated, you can season the chops and prepare the apple butter mixture ahead of time to speed up the process.
What is the texture of the pork after cooking?
The pork becomes tender and is thoroughly infused with the apple butter glaze.