Easy Baked Bone-In Apple Pork Chops

You'll love how juicy, tender pork is combined with flavors of fall.

If you’re craving baked apple pork chops that come together in one pan with almost zero cleanup, you’re going to love this recipe. I make these baked apple pork chops on busy weeknights all the time — they only need about 10 minutes of prep before the oven does the rest of the work. Sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples melt right into juicy, fork-tender bone-in pork chops, and the whole thing tastes way fancier than the effort it actually takes.

If you’ve been scrolling through bone-in pork chops recipes looking for something that isn’t fried, drowning in sauce, or full of ingredients you can’t pronounce, this is the one to bookmark.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• It’s fast. From prep to plate, this recipe takes about 30 minutes total — perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table now.
• It’s healthy(ish). No breading, no deep frying, no butter. Just olive oil, real fruit, and warm spices. These healthy baked pork chops still taste indulgent without weighing you down.
• It’s easy. Seven ingredients, one baking sheet, and a handful of simple steps. You genuinely don’t need any special pork-cooking know-how to nail this one.
• It’s flavorful. Cinnamon apple pork chops just work — the natural sweetness of the apples plus the brown sugar and cinnamon caramelize in the oven and balance out the savory pork perfectly.
• It’s a great fall pork chop recipe, but honestly, I make these year-round because they’re that good.

Ingredients Needed to Make Baked Apple Pork Chops

Here’s everything you’ll need for this apple pork chop recipe (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Center cut bone-in pork chops, fat trimmed off
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Dried thyme leaves
• Apples, cored and sliced (peeling is optional — I usually leave the skins on for extra texture and fiber)
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

That’s it. No hunting down obscure ingredients for this one — just pantry staples and produce you probably already have on hand.

How to Make Baked Apple Pork Chops

Making these oven baked bone-in pork chops really is as simple as it sounds:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and give it a quick spray of nonstick spray so nothing sticks.
2. Arrange the pork chops on the baking sheet, evenly spaced so they cook through nicely. Brush each one with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Top with apples. Layer the sliced apples right on top of each pork chop, then sprinkle everything with brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the pork is cooked through (I like to check with a meat thermometer — you’re looking for 145°F).
5. Serve hot and enjoy the compliments that are about to roll in.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

One of the things I love about this baked apple pork chops recipe is how forgiving it is. A few swaps I’ve tried and loved:

• Boneless instead of bone-in: If bone-in isn’t your thing, boneless pork chops with apples work just as well — just keep an eye on the bake time, since boneless chops tend to cook a bit faster.
• Maple syrup instead of brown sugar: For a slightly different sweetness, swap the brown sugar for a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Pears instead of apples: Sliced pears make a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand, and they caramelize just as beautifully.
• A splash of apple cider: Pour a little apple cider or apple juice over the pan before baking for extra moisture and flavor.
• Add some onion: Thinly sliced yellow onion tucked in with the apples adds a savory depth that plays really well with the cinnamon.

FAQ: Baked Apple Pork Chops

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in? Yes! This apple pork chop recipe works with either cut. Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, but boneless chops will cook a little faster, so start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark.

What’s the best apple for baked pork chops? Firmer, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith hold their shape best during baking and balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.

How do I know when the pork chops are done? The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop (avoiding the bone) is the most reliable way to check.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can slice the apples and season the pork chops a few hours ahead and store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready for the freshest results.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover baked apple pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or in the microwave in short bursts so the pork doesn’t dry out.

Can I freeze baked pork chops with apples? Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve with Baked Apple Pork Chops

These pork chops with brown sugar and cinnamon pair beautifully with all kinds of sides, from cozy comfort food to lighter veggie dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Instant Pot Seasoned Green Beans
• Orange Glazed Acorn Squash Rings
• Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese (pictured above)
• Herb Roasted Zucchini and Carrots
• Must-Have Air Fried French Fries

Conclusion

However you serve them, these easy baked apple pork chops are the kind of recipe you’ll want to put in regular rotation. They’re quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and cozy enough to make you feel like you’ve got dinner completely handled. Give this baked apple pork chops recipe a try and see why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen.

More Recipes to Try

If you loved these apple pork chops, here are a few more recipes worth adding to your list:

• Blackberry Ginger Pork Chops (pictured above)
• Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas 
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pulled Pork
• Pecan Crusted Chicken
• Air Fryer Pork Chops 

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