Description
A quick, one-pan dinner featuring juicy pork chops and caramelized apples roasted in a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and sliced into ½-inch wedges
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
- Optional: 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Spread apple slices (and onion/squash if using) in an even layer on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle about half of the balsamic mixture over the fruit and toss to coat.
- Place pork chops on top of the apples, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brush the tops of the pork chops with the remaining balsamic mixture and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Check apples at 15 minutes; tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Remove from oven and let pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon remaining pan juices over the chops and apples.
Notes
Do not overcook the pork; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Use thick-cut apples that hold their shape, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Avoid Red Delicious as they turn mushy. For a thicker glaze, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop and appl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: sheet pan dinner, pork chops, roasted apples, balsamic glaze, easy weeknight dinner, fall recipes, one pan meal