Cider-Glazed Pork Chops are the kind of dish that feels like fall on a plate. The combination of juicy pork and a slightly sweet, tangy apple cider glaze creates a comforting and flavorful meal that is simple yet impressive. With hints of apple, a touch of sweetness, and the savory richness of pork, this dish brings together seasonal flavors in the most satisfying way.
What makes cider-glazed pork chops stand out is the perfect balance of flavors. The apple cider glaze reduces down into a sticky, glossy sauce that beautifully coats the pork chops. It adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the savory, juicy meat. The natural acidity of the cider also helps cut through the richness, creating a well-rounded and delicious bite every time.
This is a dish that feels just as appropriate for a weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion. It’s quick enough to prepare after a busy day but has the kind of flavor that feels restaurant-worthy. Paired with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad, cider-glazed pork chops easily become the star of the table.
The best part about this dish is how it captures the essence of fall. Apple cider, with its naturally sweet and slightly tart profile, brings a cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with pork. It’s a flavor combination that evokes memories of orchard visits, crisp autumn air, and hearty meals shared with family and friends.
Cider-glazed pork chops also offer a lot of versatility. Some like to add a touch of Dijon mustard for tang, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for earthiness, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. No matter how it’s customized, the dish remains deeply comforting and satisfying.
Perfect for fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want a meal that feels cozy and special, these pork chops deliver flavor, comfort, and a little seasonal magic in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 Pork chops bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons thyme chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some sauce over them.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon additional sauce over the top if desired.
Nutrition
Easy to follow! I added some garlic too. Yum!
Isn’t cider more of a drink? How does it work with meat? Sounds odd. I and just trying to figure it out.
Who needs fancy restaurants when you can cook like this at home? So easy to make! 🍽️
I dunno… looks a bit too complicated for me. Can’t we just order takeout? 😅
Absolutely! Cooking at home is the best, especially with recipes like this! Can’t wait to try it! 🍏✨
Cider pork chops? Sounds weird. But hey, I guess I’ll give it a try.
I followed the recipe to a T, but my chops came out a bit dry. Maybe I overcooked them? Not sure if I’ll try again.
My family loved these! The flavors are amazing. Thanks for sharing!
This recipe is bomb! The cider glaze was to die for. Definitely making again!
Bomb? Really? Seems a bit overrated. I mean, it’s just pork chops with a glaze, right? Not my thing.
So glad you liked it! The cider glaze really does add a special touch. Can’t wait to try it myself!
These pork chops were absolutely delicious! The cider glaze gave it a nice sweet tang. Will definitely make again!
I tried this recipe too, and it was a total hit at my dinner party! The glaze is to die for! 🍏
I can’t cook for the life of me, but even I pulled this off! My family loved it!
Yummmm! My whole family loved this recipe! 🍏🥩
I don’t think these are worth the hype. The glaze was too sweet for my taste, and the chops didn’t stay juicy.
I totally get what you mean! I found the glaze too sweet too. Maybe a little less sugar would help?
But I loved the glaze! It’s what made the dish special for me. Every recipe isn’t for everyone, right?
I don’t understand why you’d mix mustard with cider. Sounds weird!
I thought it was a weird combo too, but trust me, the flavors really work together! Give it a shot!
Mustard with cider? That sounds like something my grandma would do when she ran out of ingredients!
Nice recipe! Simple ingredients, and I had fun cooking this. 🌟
I’m glad you enjoyed it! The cider-glazed flavor is just on point. 🍏
Just okay, I think the flavors didn’t pop enough for my taste. Might need more seasoning next time.
This recipe is too complicated for me. Why can’t you just grill the chops as usual? 🤷♂️
This was super easy to make! Thanks for the clear instructions! 🌟
Easy steps and great taste! I used some rosemary ‘cause I didn’t have thyme and it turned out just fine.
Absolutely delicious! The cider glaze is a game changer. Will definitely make again!
Pork chops are my favorite but this just didn’t do it for me. I won’t make again. 🙁
Need more details! How do I know when its done? I tasted it and it was still pink…
You should use a meat thermometer! Cook it until it hits 145°F. That’s when it’s safe to eat. Don’t go by just the color.
I usually just cut it open to check. Pink meat freaks me out! Maybe ya overcooked it.
The thyme was kinda overwhelming. Can I leave that out next time?
Yeah, you can totally leave out the thyme. It won’t ruin the dish! I don’t even like thyme myself.
I dunno, thyme is like the best part lol. But if it’s too much, maybe just use less instead? 🤔
Never tried cider glaze before. Thought it was gonna be weird but ended up loving it. Super yumm!
These pork chops were amazing! The cider glaze gave them such a unique flavor. Definitely making this again!
Recipe is kinda weird with apple cider. Do people really use that in meat? I usually just use BBQ sauce…
Weird? Nah, it’s awesome! Cider makes the meat moist and tasty. BBQ sauce is good, but try mixing it up sometimes!
I get where you’re coming from! BBQ sauce is classic, but apple cider does add a sweet and tangy flavor that’s really nice. You should give it a try!
Did i miss something? Cooking times seem off. My chops were way too dry!
Sounds like user error. Follow the times, and they won’t be dry. 🤷♂️
I had the same issue! My chops turned out tough too. Timing feels off!
Cider Glazed? Sounds fancy! I ain’t ever cooked pork that way. Gonna impress my wife.
Meat + Apple juice? Not for me. But my wife liked it.
I messed it up and burned the sauce. 😱 Lesson learned! Going to try again, though.
I didn’t have apple cider, so I used grape juice instead. Not the same 😩 But still edible.