If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with savory, sweet, and tangy flavors all at once, then you’ve got to try this Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe. It’s an irresistibly delicious blend where crispy bacon meets tender pork chops, topped with melting blue cheese and juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, all finished with a balsamic drizzle. This recipe balances comforting textures and rich tastes, making it an unforgettable meal perfect for any occasion—weeknight dinners or impressing guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients that each bring their own charm. From the smoky bacon to the naturally sweet apples and the tangy blue cheese, every component plays a vital role in crafting this memorable dish.
- 3 bone-in center cut pork chops: Thick chops ensure juicy, tender meat that holds up well to the rich toppings.
- 6 strips bacon: Adds that unmistakable smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
- 2 hard variety apples: Their firm texture and tart sweetness perfectly complement the savory pork.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on the apples to bring warm, cozy spice notes.
- 3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles: Provides a creamy, tangy punch with a delightful bite.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: A drizzle to brighten the entire dish with its sweet acidity.
How to Make Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F so everything is ready for the final bake. This sets the stage for your pork chops to finish cooking perfectly after searing.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon strips in a large cast iron or oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon for 5 to 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until it reaches a beautiful brown crispness. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble it into small pieces. That smoky bacon flavor is going to be a game changer.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
While the bacon cooks, core and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with half a teaspoon of cinnamon, coating evenly to infuse every bite with a lovely spicy warmth that balances the savory elements.
Step 4: Brown the Pork Chops and Apples
Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just enough to lightly coat the bottom. Place the pork chops in the skillet and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Once flipped, scatter the cinnamon-coated apples around the pork chops in the skillet, filling the spaces. Let everything cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes to soften the apples and blend the flavors.
Step 5: Add Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Balsamic
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the crumbled bacon and blue cheese evenly over each pork chop. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top to add a tangy sweetness that ties the dish all together.
Step 6: Finish in the Oven
Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This final step ensures the pork is fully cooked through while the cheese melts to a creamy, irresistible finish. Serve immediately to enjoy all those layers of flavor at their best.
How to Serve Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add fresh contrasts, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top. A little extra blue cheese crumbles on the side can also please the cheese lovers at the table.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a crisp green salad. The sides should complement the chops without overpowering that fantastic bacon-apple-blue cheese combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish dinner option, plate the pork chops on a wooden board with the apples and toppings spilling generously over. Serve with rustic bread on the side to scoop up every decadent bit of sauce and melted cheese for a truly hearty, soul-satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover pork chops tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty meal again without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to save your Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe for longer, freezing is an option. Freeze cooked chops individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil or in airtight freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to keep the pork moist and prevent the cheese from burning. You can also warm them in a 300º F oven, covered with foil, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese adds a wonderful tang, you can swap it for feta, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar to suit your taste preferences. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well when cooked and provide the best balance of sweetness and acidity to cut through the richness of the pork and bacon.
Is it necessary to use bone-in pork chops?
Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier and have more flavor, but boneless chops can work if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times slightly to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and blue cheese don’t contain hidden gluten additives. Always check labels to be sure.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 145º F for safe consumption. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and tender pork chops kissed with sweet cinnamon apples. If you haven’t yet tried this Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops Recipe, now is the perfect time to bring it to your table. It’s straightforward, bursting with flavor, and will quickly become one of your most requested dishes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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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
Delicious Apple Bacon Blue Smothered Pork Chops featuring juicy bone-in pork chops cooked with crispy bacon, cinnamon-spiced apples, tangy balsamic vinegar, and creamy blue cheese for a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Bacon
- 3 bone-in center cut pork chops
- 6 strips bacon
Fruit and Seasoning
- 2 hard variety apples, cored and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dressings and Toppings
- 3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F to prepare for finishing the pork chops with the cheese and bacon toppings.
- Cook Bacon: Place bacon strips in a large cast iron or oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-8 minutes, tossing occasionally until the bacon is browned and crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
- Prepare Apples: While the bacon cooks, core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the diced apples with ground cinnamon and toss to evenly coat the apple pieces.
- Sear Pork Chops: Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving a thin layer to help cook the pork chops. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip. Add the cinnamon-coated apples around the pork chops in the skillet and cook an additional 3-4 minutes to soften the apples and cook the other side of the pork chops.
- Add Toppings: Remove the skillet from the heat. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled bacon pieces and blue cheese over the pork chops. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top to enhance the flavor.
- Finish in Oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the pork chops reach full doneness and the blue cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately for a warm, savory dish.
Notes
- Use a hard apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- Bone-in pork chops help retain moisture and improve flavor.
- Cast iron or ovenproof skillet is essential for searing and finishing in the oven.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
- Ensure pork reaches an internal temperature of 145º F for safe consumption.
