Layered Apple Pork Chop Bake
A comforting dish made with tender boneless pork chops, sweet apples, brown sugar, and warm spices baked into a rich, flavorful glaze.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 boneless pork chops
- 2 to 3 apples peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter
- ¼ to ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon divided
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg divided
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary minced (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the apple base:
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of the ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of the ground nutmeg to provide a warm, fragrant base.
Add the pork chops:
- Place the boneless pork chops directly over the apples. Season the pork generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Create the glaze:
- In a medium-sized saucepan set over medium-high heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar until fully combined. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. For a thicker glaze, whisk in the optional cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Assemble the bake:
- Carefully pour the warm glaze over the pork chops and apple slices, ensuring even coverage.
Bake the dish:
- Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked and the apples are tender.
Garnish and serve:
- Once removed from the oven, sprinkle the top with freshly minced rosemary. Serve warm, directly from the dish.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the following:
- Use a certified gluten-free cornstarch if thickening the glaze.
- Double-check that the brown sugar and spices are free from any additives or cross-contamination.
This recipe contains no wheat-based ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free when prepared with care.