If you’re craving a dinner that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, look no further than the Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a delightful mix of crisp apples, smoky bacon, tangy balsamic vinegar, and rich blue cheese crumbles. Every bite bursts with comforting and sophisticated flavors that are both familiar and exciting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple but delightful ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the smoky bacon and tart apples to the creamy blue cheese and aromatic cinnamon, every component shines through in this dish.
- 3 bone-in center cut pork chops: Choose chops about 1-inch thick for juicy, tender meat that holds up well to cooking.
- 6 strips bacon: Adds irresistible smoky richness and crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the pork.
- 2 apples, hard variety: Select firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so they maintain a slight crunch and fresh tartness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the apples a warm aromatic sweetness that complements the pork beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles: Melts into creamy pockets of bold tangy flavor that elevate the dish uniquely.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness of the pork and cheese.
How to Make Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F to get it ready for finishing the pork chops. This step is key so your dish comes out evenly cooked and deliciously golden.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon strips in a large cast iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy, about 5-8 minutes, tossing occasionally so it cooks evenly. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble it into small pieces for topping later.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
While the bacon sizzles, core and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with ground cinnamon to add a warm spice that will mellow and complement the sweetness as they cook.
Step 4: Brown the Pork Chops and Add Apples
Carefully drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just enough to coat the bottom. Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bottoms are nicely browned. Then nestle the cinnamon-coated apples in all the spaces around the chops. Let them cook together for another 3-4 minutes so the apples begin to soften and soak in some savory flavors.
Step 5: Top with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Balsamic
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the crumbled bacon and blue cheese evenly over the top of the pork chops. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar across the chops to add depth and a pleasantly sharp contrast to the rich cheese and sweet apples.
Step 6: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet straight to your preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the blue cheese has melted into luscious pockets. Serve hot for maximum flavor and comfort.
How to Serve Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme make wonderful garnishes, adding a splash of green color and a fresh aroma that brightens the richness of this dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these smothered pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the bold flavors and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve each pork chop on a warm plate with the apples and bacon artfully arranged on top. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze around the edges adds a sophisticated restaurant touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 300º F until warmed through, to keep the pork chops moist and the cheese melty without drying out the apples.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chops, but bone-in chops tend to retain more moisture and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they stay juicy.
What type of blue cheese is best?
Choose a good quality blue cheese that you enjoy eating on its own. Mild varieties will give a less intense flavor, while stronger blue cheeses add more punch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the blue cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well for a similar creamy effect.
What apples work best in this dish?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape nicely and provide a nice contrast to the rich pork and cheese flavors.
Is it necessary to use cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron or ovenproof skillet is ideal for even cooking and easy transfer to the oven, you can use any oven-safe pan if you don’t have cast iron available.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe when you’re craving a meal that feels both indulgent and approachable. The marriage of flavors is so delightful, and the steps are simple enough to turn an ordinary dinner night into something memorable. I hope you fall in love with this dish the way I did—it’s truly a keeper!
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Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops combine savory pork chops with crispy bacon, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, tangy blue cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Cooked first on the stovetop and finished in the oven, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for a comforting, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 bone-in center cut pork chops
- 6 strips bacon
Fruit & Vegetables
- 2 apples (firm, hard variety), cored and diced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dairy & Cheese
- 3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
Condiments
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F to prepare for finishing the pork chops with the toppings.
- Cook the Bacon: Place the 6 strips of bacon into a large cast iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-8 minutes, tossing occasionally until the bacon is browned and crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and place onto paper towels to drain, then crumble or chop into small pieces once cooled.
- Prepare Apples: While the bacon cooks, core and dice the apples. Sprinkle the diced apples with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and toss to evenly coat the apple pieces with cinnamon.
- Sear Pork Chops and Add Apples: Carefully drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving a thin layer to coat the bottom. Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is browned. Flip the chops and add the cinnamon-coated apples around and between the chops. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes to let the apples soften slightly.
- Add Toppings: Remove the skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled bacon and 3 tablespoons of blue cheese crumbles over the pork chops. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar over the entire skillet contents.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10 minutes. This step finishes cooking the pork chops through and melts the blue cheese, melding the flavors beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture during cooking.
- Keep a small amount of bacon grease for searing pork chops for added flavor.
- Ensure pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145ºF for safe consumption.
- If you do not have a cast iron skillet, use any oven-safe skillet for cooking and finishing this dish.
- Blue cheese has a strong flavor; adjust quantity based on preference.
