“This post has been sponsored by the National Pork Board. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
A classic pork recipe!
Which came first: the pork or the apples? To me, they are inseparable! A classic, timeless combination that is guaranteed to please fancy guests at a dinner party or your family on a busy weeknight. I know what you’re thinking. What’s new? People have been pairing pork and apples for centuries. But are they serving it in a luscious bacon bourbon sauce? AKA the creamiest, most flavorful sauce ever invented? No, they are not! And that, my friends, is what sets this pork chops and apples recipe apart from all the other recipes out there. Don’t believe me? Give it a try! You can thank me later.
Bacon Bourbon Cream Sauce
Last week, while browsing through the ACME mobile app to see what was on sale, I saw that fresh pork was selling for an excellent price! I immediately thought of cooking pork chops with apples, as I was in the mood for a cozy autumn meal! I headed to the store and, while I was shopping for the ingredients, decided that I was craving something a bit more indulgent. In my world, that usually means bacon. And cream. With bacon and cream in my cart, I thought of the nice bottle of bourbon that we had at home. Bingo! The concept of this sauce was born. But would it be as delicious as it sounds in my head? Spoiler alert: it was even better!
Ingredients for Pork Chops with Apples
Here’s what you’ll need to make my pork chops and apples:
Pork Chops – Choose thick for the juiciest results! Apples Bacon Shallots Garlic Bourbon – Most of the alcohol will cook off, but omit if needed. Apple Cider Heavy Cream Butter and Olive Oil – Yes, you’ll need both. The oil prevents the butter from burning. Salt and Pepper Thyme – You can use rosemary if you prefer! Parsley – For garnishing
What kind of apples go with pork?
We will need a variety that is sweet to pair nicely with the savoriness from the pork. It also has to hold its shape while cooking. These are some of my favorites:
Honeycrisp Pink Lady SweeTango Braeburn Cortland Jonathan Golden Delicious
What temperature should I cook pork?
Your days of dry, overcooked pork are over! It is a misconception that pork has to be cooked until juices run clear and the meat is white. Modern pork is much leaner (less fatty) than it used to be decades ago, which means that it is more prone to drying out if you overcook it. The USDA recommends cooking chops, loin roasts, and tenderloin to an internal temperature of 145° F, followed by a three-minute rest. The pork chops will be juicy, tender, and a light blush pink color!
Is pork good for you?
Fresh pork is an excellent source of lean protein! With 24g of protein per 3 ounces of pork, it is hard to beat its nutrient profile. And while many people perceive pork to be high in fat due to associations with processed cuts like bacon, sausage, or pepperoni, fresh pork is actually just as lean as skinless chicken breast! I love visiting the pork section of my local ACME store and stocking my fridge with all sorts of cuts to cook during the week. It is also a popular protein during the holidays since it makes the best hearty dishes and pairs great with rich sauces, like this creamy bacon bourbon sauce!
How to make Apple Pork Chops
This recipe is easy to make and is all cooked in one pot! Here’s how I make it:
You’re welcome!
What to serve with Pork Chops and Apples?
Serve this comforting pork dinner with mashed potatoes, rice, and/or a nice crusty bread to soak up all the rich sauce! A fresh green salad on the side completes a balanced meal. As for wine, red or white? Pork can go both ways! I find that a richer variety, like Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, goes great with this dish.
Tips and tricks for the best Pork Chops and Apples
Looking for more apple recipes?
Almond Apple PieWinter Salad with Apples, Pecans, Cranberries and Goat CheeseCreamy Chicken with ApplesApple, Bacon and Brie BurgerApple, Arugula and Brie Panini with Honey Butter
