• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Main Dishes ยป Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme

    LAST UPDATED: January 29, 2022 โ€ข FIRST PUBLISHED: September 13, 2016 By Toni Dash 27 Comments

    Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    The classic, flavorful pairing of pork chops and applesauce is reinvented with an autumnal theme! Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme is easy to prepare and a one pot meal that celebrates the flavors of the fall season!

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Pumpkin Spice Apple Sauce with Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme

    If you have any doubts whether or not fall has arrived, today’s recipe will convince you it is definitely here!

    The flavors of autumn are distinct, as are the signature aromas when fall foods are cooking. Amber tones, rustic reds, and tawny hues grace our dinner tables and warm our palates.

    I think you’ll love these Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme served on a bed of Pumpkin Spice Applesauce!

    You can even make your own Spiced Apple Cider with pumpkin to use.

    Jump to:
    • What is braising?
    • Recipe
    Overhead of plates of Pumpkin Spice Apple Sauce with Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops

    There were two signature pairings which made a regular appearance at our family dinner table when I was growing up: lamb chops with mint jelly, and pork chops and applesauce. Until I was an adult the combination of pork chops and applesauce were inextricably linked, like night and day, Laurel and Hardy, Penn and Teller and peanut butter and jelly. I couldn’t imagine one without the other.

    pork loin chops

    Pumpkin is an obvious choice though for me apples is another favorite flavor with so many versatile uses, savory to sweet.

    pouring pumpkin spiced apple cider in measuring cup

    I used Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider it seemed perfect for braising. However regular apple cider can also be used.

    What is braising?

    Braising is a method of searing meat, adding vegetables and simmering one pot until done. Another favorite fall recipe is Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions. Braising is an easy cooking method that produces a cozy meal without much fuss.

    cooking pork chops in skillet

    My beloved childhood favorite sprang to mind but in a more grown up form. Center loin boneless pork chops cooked with shallots and thyme, simmered in Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider. The perfectly cooked pork chops have a wonderful ‘mouth feel’ and texture. The dish sings the flavors of fall. Neatly plated atop a large scoop of Pumpkin Spice Apple Sauce and a sophisticated yet homey meal is made!

    Pumpkin Spice Apple Sauce with Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops on plate with sides

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    Pumpkin Spice Apple Sauce with Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme

    Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme

    This dish is quintessentially fall and will have you in the mood of the season. Center cut boneless pork loin chops are a favorite cut of meat with a wonderful texture and consistency. Should you not have access to pumpkin cider or pumpkin spice apple sauce, regular spiced apple cider and apple sauce may be substituted.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 393kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly Ground Black Pepper
    • 4 Boneless Center Cut Pork Loin Chops (approximately 2 pounds total)
    • 5 medium Shallots , peeled, cut into thin slices across the shallot and separated into rings
    • 2 large Garlic Cloves , peeled and diced
    • 1 teaspoon fresh Thyme leaves (with some sprigs reserved for garnish)
    • ¾ cup Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider or regular Apple Cider
    • ¾ cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock
    • ½ cup Apple Brandy*
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • Pumpkin Spice Applesauce or regular apple sauce
    • Supplies: instant read thermometer

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet (which has a tight fitting lid), heat the olive oil over medium high heat until the surface of the oil is shimmering. Combine the salt and pepper, and sprinkle over both sides of the pork chops. Place a plate next to the stovetop.
    • Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove chops from the skillet and set on a plate.
    • Reduce heat to medium, and add the shallots, garlic and thyme to the skillet. Sauté until the shallots become limp and transparent (approximately 5 minutes).
    • Combine the cider, chicken stock and brandy and gently pour into the hot skillet (be careful of splattering!). Scrape the bottom of the pan with a heatproof spatula to deglaze the pan and free any bit of pork. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
    • Return the pork chops to the skillet, turn the heat to low and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 140 degrees. Remove the pork chops and set them on a clean plate; tent with foil (they will continue to cook while tented).
    • Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the pan juices in the skillet to come to a boil. Cook, stirring periodically until the juices reduce by half (approximately 5 minutes).
    • To serve: place a 1-2 large spoonfuls of the applesauce on dining plates; add a pork chop on top. Place some of the shallots on the chop and drizzle with pan juices. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 679mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 4.1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1.3mg
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Sausage and Peppers Breakfast Tacos
    Express Orange Chicken: Home Takeout Chinese Food Fast! »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anjanette @MommaYoung says

      September 16, 2016 at 11:29 am

      I have NEVER had pumpkin spiced apple cider! What a great idea! I must get my hands on some of this! I love how apples and pork mix. I am really anxious to try out this combination! Thanks for the super idea.

      Reply
    2. Kiwi says

      September 16, 2016 at 2:02 am

      This is delicious! Wow what an amazing presentation!!!

      Reply
    3. Rachel Ferrucci says

      September 15, 2016 at 11:25 pm

      This looks and sounds amazing. It’s a great twist on pork chops and applesauce! We will have to add this to our fall dinner list

      Reply
    4. Candy O says

      September 15, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      Your recipes never disappoint. I think the pumpkin would be such a great addition to the pork. Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    5. Joyce Brewer says

      September 14, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      This reminds me of the way we were raised to eat pork chops – with apple sauce. It was sweet, warm and delicious.

      Reply
    6. Megan @ MegUnprocessed says

      September 14, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      Great photography!

      Reply
    7. Kristin says

      September 14, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      Look very nice. My husband would loves something like this.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

    More about me โ†’

    Featured on....

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Recipes

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe โ€“ Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Recipe
    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup โ€“ Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright ยฉ 2010-2025 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.