Is there any flavor combination more classic, more comforting, or more perfectly nostalgic than savory, juicy pork chops and sweet, warm applesauce? This incredible, one-pan Baked Pork Chops with Applesauce is the absolute easiest way to enjoy that beloved, timeless dinner. Tender, flavorful pork chops are baked in a thick, sweet, and tangy applesauce glaze for a complete, soul-warming meal that’s on the table in about 30 minutes.
This isn’t just another pork chop recipe; it’s a guide to your new weeknight hero. We’ll show you the simple secrets to a perfectly cooked, never-dry pork chop, using a simple baking method and a brilliant “shortcut” glaze that comes together in seconds. This is the kind of satisfying, family-friendly meal that tastes like a cozy Sunday dinner but is easy enough for the busiest of weeknights.
Recipe Overview: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
What makes this Pork Chops and Applesauce recipe so spectacularly delicious and easy is its incredibly simple one-pan baking method and its perfectly balanced, sweet and savory flavor. The secret to this quick and flavorful dish is a brilliant no-cook applesauce glaze. A simple mixture of unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce is spooned directly over the raw pork chops. As the pork bakes in the oven, the sauce reduces and thickens into a rich, sticky, and unbelievably delicious glaze that also keeps the pork incredibly moist and tender.
| Metric | Time / Level |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Active Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
The Essential Ingredients for This Classic Meal
This recipe uses a handful of simple pantry staples to create its signature comforting and savory flavor.
- The Pork Chops (Bone-in for Flavor!):
- For the best, juiciest result when baking, it is highly recommended to use bone-in pork loin chops that are about 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick. The bone is a fantastic insulator that helps to protect the meat from the dry heat of the oven, which prevents it from drying out and also adds a huge amount of flavor as it cooks.
- The “Shortcut” Applesauce Glaze: This is the sweet, tangy, and savory heart of the dish.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: It is crucial to use unsweetened applesauce. This allows you to control the sweetness of the final dish with the brown sugar and lets the tangy flavors of the other ingredients shine through.
- The Flavor Boosters: A classic and foolproof combination of packed brown sugar for a deep, molasses-like sweetness, your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky tang, and savory Worcestershire sauce for a deep, umami kick creates a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful glaze.
Step-by-Step to the Best Baked Pork Chops
This delicious, one-pan meal is incredibly simple to prepare.
Step 1: Make the Applesauce Glaze
Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a small bowl, prepare your glaze. Mix together the 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, the 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, the 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce, the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, the 1 minced garlic clove, the 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Part 2: Assemble the Skillet and Bake to Juicy Perfection
Step 1: Place your 4 bone-in pork loin chops in a large, ovenproof skillet (a 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet is perfect here!) or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Spoon the prepared applesauce glaze mixture evenly over the tops of the pork chops.
Step 3: Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes.
Pro Tip: The only 100% foolproof way to guarantee a juicy, perfectly cooked pork chop is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chop (not touching the bone) registers 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing a tender and juicy result every single time.
Serve the hot pork chops with a generous spoonful of the warm, thick applesauce glaze from the pan.
The Best Easy Baked Pork Chops and Applesauce
An extremely simple, one-pan recipe for classic baked pork chops and applesauce. This easy weeknight meal features bone-in pork loin chops placed in an ovenproof skillet and topped with a sweet and savory sauce. The sauce is a simple mixture of unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The dish is then baked uncovered until the pork is cooked through and the sauce has created a glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork loin chops (1/2 inch thick and 7 ounces each)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the pork chops in a large cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ingredients: applesauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the sauce mixture over the pork chops in the skillet.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the pork reads 145°F.
- Let the pork chops stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This is a very easy ‘mix and bake’ recipe that comes together in one pan, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
- Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the pork is cooked to a juicy and safe temperature without being overcooked.
- Letting the cooked pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender result.
What to Serve With Your Pork Chops and Applesauce
This beautiful skillet dinner is a fantastic, hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with classic, comforting side dishes.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The absolute perfect partner for this dish, ideal for sopping up every last drop of that delicious, sweet and tangy pan sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or sweet potatoes are a wonderful, cozy accompaniment.
- A Simple Side: A side of steamed green beans or buttered egg noodles are other fantastic and easy choices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: For a super-fast and impressive weeknight meal, you can get a head start by preparing the entire applesauce glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container or a jar in the refrigerator. This turns the final dish into a true, 5-minute assembly and bake job.
- Storage: Store any leftover pork chops and the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat the pork chops without drying them out is to place them in a covered, oven-safe skillet in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until they are warmed through.
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Creative Recipe Variations
- Add a Spicy Kick: For a delicious, spicy-sweet flavor, you can add about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to your applesauce glaze.
- Add Fresh Apples: For some extra texture and a more classic, chunky applesauce feel, you can place a few thin slices of a firm, tart apple (like a Granny Smith) on top of each pork chop along with the glaze before you bake them.
- Use a Different Cut of Meat: This delicious and versatile glaze is also absolutely fantastic with a whole pork tenderloin or even with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. You will just need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Enjoy The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic!
You’ve just created a truly special dish that is a perfect harmony of wholesome, classic ingredients and delicious, satisfying flavors. These classic Baked Pork Chops with Applesauce are a testament to the power of a simple, from-scratch-tasting meal to bring comfort and joy. It’s a rewarding and deeply satisfying recipe that is sure to become a new, much-requested family favorite.
We hope you enjoy every last, perfect, and delicious bite!
If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend who loves a good, easy, and comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the absolute secret to a juicy, not dry, baked pork chop?
There are two main secrets! First, be sure to start with a thick-cut, bone-in pork chop. The bone helps to insulate the meat and keep it moist. Second, and most importantly, be very careful not to overcook them. The best way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Q2: What is the correct and safe internal temperature for cooked pork?
According to the USDA, pork is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat reaches 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3- to 5-minute rest. This will result in a pork chop that is incredibly juicy and may still have a hint of beautiful, blush pink in the center, which is both perfectly safe and delicious.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish comes together so quickly that it is at its absolute best when it is made fresh. However, for a fantastic time-saving trick, you can prepare the entire applesauce glaze and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes the final dinner a true, 5-minute prep job.
Q4: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
You can, but you will need to be much more careful with the cooking time. If you are using thick-cut, boneless pork chops, the cooking time will be very similar. If you are using thin, boneless pork chops, you will need to reduce the baking time significantly (check them after 10-15 minutes) to ensure they do not overcook and become dry.
Q5: Can I sear the pork chops first for a better crust?
Yes, absolutely! For an even deeper flavor and a beautiful, caramelized crust, you can sear the pork chops in a hot, oven-safe skillet with a little bit of butter or oil for about 2-3 minutes per side before you top them with the glaze and place the entire skillet in the oven to finish baking.