Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Topping pairs the classic combination of pork and apple in a stunning entree that's very easy to recreate!
My husband and I like to travel. Mostly, we travel in the States with a travel trailer we tow behind our pickup truck. In an interesting twist of life, all three of our Canadian kids have settled in the United States with their families. You might assume that they would live near each other - but no - they are scattered far and wide! Fortunately, because my husband has been with the same company for a long time, he is able to get a decent amount of paid holiday time. I, of course, can work on the blog from anywhere. So, we organize most of our trips around visits to family. When we park our RV in their driveways, it's like we live next door!
This recipe was created on one of those trips. While some recipes are born out of what we find in our kitchens, this one was created from a very limited trailer fridge inventory. It may seem strange that we would run low in food when we've been driving by scores of grocery stores. However, when our destination includes family we haven't seen in ages, we don't like taking the time to stop. Also, we're not always sure what the plans will be when we arrive at our destination. Will we be eating out? Which meals will I be preparing and for how many people?
So, when I wanted to make dinner for my daughter and her husband who had just welcomed a newborn baby, I had pork chops and apples in my fridge. Well, they go well together, so we were in luck. I like simple recipes like this, anyway, so it's one I've been repeating.
Grilling Pork Chops
Grilling time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Naturally, thick ones are great, but sometimes we just have to work with what we have. I used boneless pork loin centre chops from the grocery store. There were three of them in an approximately one-pound package. Preheat your grill to high heat. Place pork chops onto hot grill for 2 or 3 minutes. Turn them over for another 4 minutes or so. Cook pork to an internal temperature of 160F. If you have some nice, thick pork chops, reduce the heat to finish them off. While you want your pork cooked to a safe temperature, don't overcook it.
Apple Topping
Since pork chops tend to not have strong flavour on their own, I like them with this apple topping. If your chops are thin, you should prepare the topping first. If they're thick, you might be able to cook this at the same time.
What if I don't have a grill?
You can easily fry the pork chops in the same pan as you use for the apple and onion topping. A cast iron pan works well for this. When the topping has cooked, remove it from the pan and keep it warm.
Add the chops to the hot pan and fry on each side until they're done. How long that takes will depend on their thickness and the temperature of the pan. Be careful not to overcook the pork, as it will dry out. An instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out of knowing when the meat is done.
Arrange the pork chops on a plate or plates. Toss the topping back into the pan for a minute to heat it up again, and serve it over the pork chops.
Travel Foods
These are some of the foods I bring with me on trips:
Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Topping
Equipment
- 1 Instant-read thermometer
- 1 cast iron frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork loin chops
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 yellow cooking onion sliced
- 1 apple cored and sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook until tender.
- Add rosemary, seasonings, and apple to the onions in the pan. Cook until the apple slices are tender crisp.
- Grill pork chops on both sides until they reach an internal temperature of 160F.
- Serve warm apple topping over pork chops.
Notes
Nutrition
Wanda Baker says
I love how you travel into the US, visiting your kids and pulling a trailer. One day when our kids are gone I hope we can do the same! This recipe sounds delicious - pork and apples are the perfect combo!
Cathy says
Thanks, Wanda! The extended visits do help to offset the difficulties of having our family so far away. I'm glad that we're able to travel as much as we do!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
Love quick and delicious recipes that can be pulled together in a pinch! The apple topping with sliced onions and rosemary is my kind of topping! Looks like a great supper Cathy!
Cathy says
It's a handy one for entertaining when you want something that looks a little fancy but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen!
linda spiker says
Perfection! And so simple. Love that!
Cathy says
Thank you, Linda!
Christina Shoemaker says
I don't eat pork but I do something very similar with turkey cutlets! This looks beautiful and so simple, Cathy! Another recipe winner! <3
Cathy says
I'm sure this would be good with turkey cutlets!
Joni Gomes says
Pork and apples are a true match made in heaven!
Cathy says
I agree!
Raia Todd says
I love the sweetness of the apple combined with the savory pork. Sounds delicious!
Cathy says
Thank you, Raia! It's so easy to make, too!
Megan Stevens says
This looks so comforting on a cold and chilly night, how perfect this time of year! On my list to make, thank you!
Cathy says
I hope you enjoy it!
Lindsey Dietz says
Pure comfort food! Thanks for sharing!
Cathy says
Thanks for stopping by!
Jean says
Pork and apple... one of the best combos! Looks so yummy and comforting.
Cathy says
Thank you, Jean. It's a classic, isn't it!
Tessa Simpson says
I love having simple recipe to rely on when we travel too....minimal prep and ingredients are key! Your kids are lucky to have you!
Cathy says
Thanks, Tessa! It's fun to experiment with different foods we find locally, too.
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
Pork chops and apple work so well together - I love your take on it! Bookmarking!
Cathy says
Thanks, Carrie! Enjoy!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Pork chops served with apples is the best! It's one of my husband's favorite flavor combos.
Cathy says
They do go well together, don't they!
Leslie says
It's so funny all of your kids ended up in the States! It's great you are able to visit (and bring your own accommodations!). Apples, pork and onions are a classic combo - I'd love this just about any night!
Cathy says
I agree! Thanks for stopping by, Leslie.
Tatiana says
It is a fantastic idea to travel around the country like this! My forever dream was to drive through the US, but now I have little kids, no way I can do that:)
Cathy says
Maybe you'll get to travel someday.:)
Mira Richard-Fioramore says
Apples and pork are one of my favourite combinations! Can't wait to make this
Cathy says
Enjoy!