Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops – Easy Autumn Dinner Recipe

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who believes every season deserves its own signature recipe. For me, autumn is all about cozy dinners that fill the home with warmth, comfort, and a touch of seasonal magic. One recipe that embodies this perfectly is Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops—a dish that turns simple ingredients into a dinner that feels special yet effortless.

There’s something enchanting about cooking with apple cider. Its natural sweetness and tang bring out the best in savory meats, while filling the kitchen with an aroma that reminds me of crisp evenings, changing leaves, and gatherings around the table. These pork chops are seared until golden, then finished with a glossy, flavorful apple cider glaze that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and tangy.

It’s the kind of recipe that works beautifully for a weeknight dinner yet is impressive enough to serve to guests. Autumn comfort food at its very best—simple, seasonal, and unforgettable.

Overview of Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

The Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops are a seasonal delight that combines rich, hearty pork with the sweet and slightly tart flavors of apple cider. The glaze is a reduction of apple cider, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a sauce that coats the chops in glossy perfection. It’s savory with a kiss of sweetness, balanced with just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the meat.

What makes this recipe so appealing is its versatility. You can prepare it in under 40 minutes, making it a weeknight-friendly option. Yet, when plated with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, it becomes an elegant dish worthy of a dinner party. The flavor profile is distinctly autumnal, evoking orchard-fresh apples, warm spice, and the cozy atmosphere of seasonal gatherings.

Beyond the taste, this recipe is about the experience. The sizzling of chops in the skillet, the cider simmering into a syrupy glaze, the way it perfumes your kitchen—it’s more than cooking. It’s a celebration of fall on a plate.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

Optional Sides:

• Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes
• Creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

The key to this recipe lies in balancing a perfect sear with a glossy, flavorful glaze. Begin by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and thyme. This helps build flavor from the start.

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the pork chops in the pan. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove the pork chops and set aside on a plate.

Next, reduce the heat to medium and add garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in apple cider, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom—this step infuses the glaze with deep flavor. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.

Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the chops are cooked through (145°F internal temperature). Finish with a swirl of butter for richness before serving.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the pork chops into the pan. Sear each side for 3–4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
3. Build the Glaze: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately pour in the apple cider, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce into a syrupy glaze.
4. Finish Cooking the Pork Chops: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the glaze. Spoon the sauce over the tops and let them cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Add Butter: Stir in butter at the very end, whisking it into the glaze to add shine and richness.
6. Serve: Remove pork chops from the skillet and spoon additional glaze over each one before serving. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a seasonal salad for a complete meal.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 780mg

Serving of Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

These Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops are best served immediately, while the glaze is glossy and the chops are tender and juicy. Arrange them on a rustic platter, drizzling the extra cider glaze generously over the top for a dramatic finish. For a cozy autumn dinner, pair them with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash. The sweetness of the glaze beautifully complements earthy, caramelized sides.

Creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice make excellent pairings as they soak up the glaze, turning every bite into comfort food bliss. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green apple and fennel salad to add brightness and crunch.

If entertaining, garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary, and serve alongside a pitcher of warm spiced cider or a glass of dry white wine. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, these pork chops bring seasonal charm and elegance to the table.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• For a deeper flavor, marinate pork chops in apple cider for 1–2 hours before cooking.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, woodsy sweetness.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the glaze for extra warmth.
• Make it festive by adding thin apple slices as garnish.
• Pair with a fall grain salad (quinoa with cranberries and pecans) for a lighter side.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops are everything I love about autumn cooking—comforting, flavorful, and deeply tied to the season’s best ingredients. The glaze, with its sweet and tangy notes, transforms simple pork chops into a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

As I’ve learned through traveling and tasting cuisines around the world, the best meals are the ones that tell a story. This recipe tells the story of fall: the crisp bite of apples, the coziness of warm spices, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. It’s quick enough for busy evenings but elegant enough for special occasions.

Cooking these pork chops is about more than dinner—it’s about creating a seasonal moment that lingers beyond the plate. With every bite, you’ll taste the essence of autumn, and you’ll be reminded of why food has the power to make ordinary days feel extraordinary.