Image by Leonardo Sanches

Pork chops and applesauce

Ah, pork chops and applesauce - a classic but beloved dish, one that evokes cozy memories of home-cooked meals and comfort food. Yet there is more to this culinary masterpiece than meets the eye; the humble combination of pork and apples can be elevated to delectable heights with a few simple tweaks.

Pork chops and applesauce


To start, let's begin with the pork chop. Selecting a good quality pork chop is key; opt for one that is tender, succulent and well-seasoned. Allow it to marinate in a mixture of herbs, spices, and garlic for added flavor. Once the chops have been properly prepared, they should be browned in a skillet over medium-high heat. The result is a juicy, savory pork chop to set the tone for the rest of the dish.

Now, onto the applesauce. Commercial applesauce can be used, but nothing beats freshly made applesauce. Simply simmer peeled, diced apples in a little bit of cinnamon and sugar until it forms a thick, fragrant sauce - the perfect accompaniment to the pork chops. Once the chops and applesauce are cooked, serve them together atop a bed of steamed rice for a delicious, nutritious meal.

For added sophistication, arrange the pork chops on a bed of roasted vegetables (like potatoes and asparagus) and drizzle with a balsamic glaze. Or layer the chops alongside a medley of different fruits (try apples, pears, and grapes) and finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a dollop of cream. Regardless of how it's presented, the elegant marriage of pork and apples will always be a beloved favorite.

The origin of Pork chops and applesauce

Pork chops have been a fixture of the human diet for centuries. However, their exact origins remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. Most accounts point to some form of pork cutlet being eaten in China as far back as the 12th Century, with the earliest recipes not appearing until the 19th Century.

The combination of pork and applesauce has become a classic accompaniment over the years. Though there is no definitive answer as to when or where this delectable pairing first occurred, it seems likely that the combination was developed sometime in the 19th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated in the rural American Midwest, where apple orchards were plentiful, and pork was a common protein source.

It is thought that the first use of applesauce as a condiment for pork chops was likely achieved by combining the two in a kind of ‘stew’, made with pork, apples, and spices. This dish would then be slowly simmered before being served. The combination resulted in an incredibly rich and hearty flavor that has since become one of the most beloved food pairings in the world.

Over the years, the humble pork chop and applesauce combo has become an international sensation. While the recipe has seen variations across different cultures, the flavors remain fundamentally the same – sweet and succulent pork, paired with tart and tangy applesauce. Whether served as part of a traditional Sunday dinner, or as a quick weeknight meal, the pairing remains one of the most beloved dishes, and its popularity is likely to continue for many years to come.

FAQs about Pork chops and applesauce

Is pork chops and applesauce a southern thing?

While pork chops and applesauce is a classic dish, it is not particularly associated with any particular region. The dish is popular around the world and is enjoyed in many different cultures.


Is pork chops and applesauce good?

Yes, pork chops and applesauce is a classic combination that many people enjoy.


Why did Peter Brady say pork chops and applesauce?

Peter Brady said "pork chops and applesauce" as a joke in the episode of The Brady Bunch titled "Kelly's Girlfriend." In the episode, Peter is having difficulty with a math test and his older sister, Marcia, teases him about it. To get back at her, Peter pretends he knows the answer to a question that she doesn't know, and he says the answer is "pork chops and applesauce."


Why do you put applesauce on pork chops?

Applesauce can be used to add flavor to pork chops. It can help balance the savory flavor of the pork and provide a sweet, tart contrast to the fat. Applesauce can also help keep the pork moist while cooking and give it some sweetness.


Types of Pork chops and applesauce

Ah, pork chops and applesauce, one of the most classic combinations in comfort food. This classic dish has been around for generations and is beloved by millions of people for its simple but incredibly delicious flavor.

But what many people don't know is that there are actually a variety of different types of pork chop and apple sauce combinations to try! From savory to sweet, from spicy to tangy, there's something to please everyone's taste buds when it comes to this simple yet tasty meal.

Let's start with what is probably the most common version of this dish: the classic savory pork chops and applesauce. This basic combination is usually made with bone-in pork chops, either fried or baked, along with regular applesauce. The savory flavor of the pork pairs nicely with the sweetness of the applesauce to create a truly satisfying meal.

For a bit of a twist, some people enjoy making crispy pork chops and applesauce. Instead of frying or baking the pork chops, this method involves coating them in flour (or panko crumbs) and pan-frying them until they are crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside. The result is an incredibly crunchy pork chop accompanied by a supersweet applesauce.

If it's a spicier flavor you're after, you can try making curry pork chops and applesauce. This version of the classic dish involves rubbing a curry seasoning onto the pork chops before pan-frying, and then adding a dollop of sweet applesauce for a unique and flavorful take on the traditional recipe.

Finally, for a truly unique flavor combination, try pairing honey-glazed pork chops with tangy applesauce. To make this version, you'll want to first brush the pork chops with a mixture of honey, garlic, and butter before baking. Once they're cooked through, serve them up with some homemade applesauce made with cider vinegar and honey and you've got an unusually delicious version of the classic pork chop and applesauce dish.

No matter which version you choose, pork chops and applesauce will always be one of the most loved comfort foods around. So why not try out any of these twists on the classic recipe and see which one you like best?