Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with our Honey-Mustard Pork Chops with Apple Sauerkraut! This dish combines rich, savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and tang, making it perfect for any dinner table, especially during the cooler months when comfort food reigns supreme.
Pork chops: The star of the dish, these provide a hearty base and soak up the rich flavors beautifully. Bone-in chops add extra juiciness and flavor.
Sauerkraut: Offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey, balancing the dish while adding a traditional touch.
Apple: Adds a natural sweetness and complements the tang of the sauerkraut. Choose a crisp apple for the best texture.
Honey: Provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking, enhancing the overall flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and spice, marrying the flavors together with its creamy texture.
Olive oil: Used for searing the pork chops, it helps to lock in their moisture and flavor.
Caraway seeds: These little seeds bring a hint of earthiness and pair perfectly with the sauerkraut.
Black pepper and salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors in this dish.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and infuse the chops with flavor.
Pair these honey-mustard pork chops with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A glass of a medium-bodied white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the flavors beautifully.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. While it’s heating up, take a small bowl and mix together the honey and Dijon mustard until it’s nice and smooth. This will be your glaze.
Next, take those beautiful pork chops and season them well with salt and black pepper on both sides. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork chops. You want to sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once done, take them out and set aside.
Now, in the same skillet, toss in the apple slices and sauerkraut. Stir them around for about 2 minutes to get them going. Then sprinkle in the caraway seeds and pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir.
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauerkraut mixture. Pour the honey-mustard glaze over the chops, making sure they’re well coated with that delicious mixture.
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once out of the oven, let the chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful.