Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops – Sweet & Savory Autumn Dinner

There’s something about fall evenings that makes me crave hearty yet cozy dishes, and these Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops hit the spot every time.

The apple cider glaze is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once—clinging beautifully to juicy, golden-seared pork chops.

It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy enough for a dinner party, but it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight.

If you’re looking for fall recipes that really showcase the season’s best flavors, this one will become a staple in your kitchen.

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Recipe Highlights

These pork chops capture the essence of autumn, featuring apple cider reduced into a glossy glaze, fresh herbs, and tender meat.

The balance of sweetness from cider and savory depth from Dijon mustard and garlic makes every bite memorable.

Plus, the glaze makes the pork look downright irresistible for Pinterest photos.

Highlights:

• Juicy pork chops with a caramelized apple cider glaze
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• Ready in under 30 minutes
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• Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
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• Gorgeous glossy finish that makes it share-worthy
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• Ideal for fall recipe boards and cozy autumn dinners

Ingredient Notes

• Bone-In Pork Chops – Bone-in cuts stay juicier and pack more flavor. Look for chops about 1-inch thick.
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• Apple Cider – The star of the glaze; reduces down to a sweet, tangy syrup.
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• Dijon Mustard – Adds sharpness and balances the sweetness of cider.
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• Garlic – Infuses the glaze with savory depth.
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• Butter – Enriches the sauce, giving it a silky finish.
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• Fresh Thyme – Earthy and herbal, the perfect companion to cider.
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• Brown Sugar – Helps caramelize the glaze and deepen the flavor.
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• Olive Oil – Ideal for searing the chops until golden brown.
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• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.

How to Make My Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

1. Prepare the Pork Chops – Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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2. Sear the Chops – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
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3. Make the Glaze – In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Stir in apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and reduce until thickened and glossy.
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4. Coat the Pork – Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon glaze over the top, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
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5. Serve – Plate chops with extra glaze spooned on top and garnish with fresh thyme.

Preparation and Cooking Process

To start, the pork chops are seasoned with salt and pepper, ensuring a well-rounded flavor. A generous drizzle of olive oil in a hot skillet is essential for achieving that perfect sear.

Cooking the chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side allows them to develop a beautiful crust while remaining juicy inside. Once seared, they are set aside to make way for the glaze.

Creating the Glaze

The glaze begins with melting butter in the same skillet, where minced garlic cloves are added to infuse the dish with a rich aroma. This step is crucial, as it sets the foundation for the glaze’s flavor.

Next, apple cider is poured in, along with Dijon mustard and brown sugar. This mixture is brought to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly and create a luscious coating for the pork chops.

Finishing Touches

Once the glaze has reached the desired consistency, the pork chops are returned to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the chops, letting them soak up the flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.

This final step ensures that every bite is bursting with the sweet and tangy essence of the glaze, complemented by the earthy notes of fresh thyme leaves.

Serving Suggestions

For an inviting presentation, serve the apple cider-glazed pork chops on a rustic wooden plate.

Accompany them with a side of roasted vegetables, which not only adds color but also enhances the overall dining experience.

The contrast of textures and flavors makes this dish not only visually appealing but also a satisfying meal that is sure to impress guests and family alike.

These pork chops shine on their own, but taste even better with:

• Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
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• Garlic mashed potatoes
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• A crisp apple and walnut salad
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• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
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• Warm dinner rolls to soak up the glaze

Nutritional Information

This dish serves four, making it perfect for a family meal. Each serving contains approximately 420 calories, with a balance of 30g of protein and 20g of fat, making it a hearty option without compromising on flavor.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this apple cider-glazed pork chop recipe is a delightful addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

For the juiciest pork, don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, then rest the chops for 5 minutes before serving.

Use real apple cider (not apple juice) for the best flavor, as cider is naturally tangy and less sweet.

Reduce the glaze until it coats the back of a spoon—it should be glossy and syrupy, not watery.

Storage & Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cider or broth to keep the glaze from thickening too much.

Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the pork.