Looking to mix things up at dinner or finding a unique Thanksgiving idea? Try Apple Cranberry Pork Chop with Stuffing and Mixed Vegetables! Savory pork chops, infused with a rich, wine-like flavor, paired perfectly with a medley of veggies. I personally enjoy this meal with red wine. The meal is perfect and having it with wine makes it even better. This satisfying meal is sure to hit the spot!
What is This Recipe
Apple Cranberry
Apple cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to pork chops. The apples provide natural sweetness, just to balance the savory flavor of the pork, while the cranberries offer a hint of tartness, cutting through the richness.
Cooked Stuffing
Cooked stuffing, also known as dressing, is a savory dish made with bread, vegetables, herbs and seasonings. It’s typically prepared inside a roasted bird or separately baked in a dish, resulting in a crunchy exterior and soft interior. You can find pre-made stuffing at most supermarkets.
Mixed Vegetables
You can easily make delicious stuffing from scratch! Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies, but classic combos include carrots, corn and peas. For convenience, I used pre-packed mixed veggies.
Ingredients
- Pork chops (3 pieces) are the centerpiece! Thick-cut ones work best for tender results. Season with salt and pepper first to bring out the flavor.
- Applesauce (16 oz.) adds sweetness, moisture and subtle apple flavor. Pick unsweetened to avoid overpowering the dish. It’s cooked with cranberries for a rich sauce.
- Fresh cranberries (1/2 cup) bring tartness, texture and flavor burst. They’re perfect with applesauce! Fresh ones work better than dried or frozen.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup) balances sweetness and depth. Dark brown sugar gives richer flavor.
- Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) adds warmth without overpowering. It enhances sweetness and complements apples and cranberries beautifully.
- Water (1 cup) simmers the sauce, tenderizing pork chops. Adjust levels during cooking for perfect consistency.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) enhance flavors. Season pork chops before cooking and adjust afterward.
- Butter (3 tablespoons) enriches flavors, tenderizes pork and prevents sticking. High-quality, salted butter tastes better.
- Cooking oil (2 tablespoons) prevents sticking and aids browning. Neutral-tasting oils like canola or vegetable work well.
- Cooked stuffing (3 cups) provides contrasting texture and savory flavor. Homemade or store-bought cornbread stuffing is for convenience! Adjust quantity based on serving needs.
- Mixed veggies (1 1/2 cups) add color, texture and nutrients. Pre-packaged mixes save time.
How to Cook Apple Cranberry Pork Chop with Stuffing and Mixed Vegetables
Preparing the Pan
First, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat, then add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. This dynamic duo prevents sticking and promotes beautiful browning.
Searing the Pork Chops
Next, pan-fry your 3 pork chops for 3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for locking in those juicy flavors. Make sure the oil-butter mix is nice and hot before adding your pork.
Simmering the Sauce
Now, pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Add 16 oz. of applesauce and 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries. Cover and cook on low heat for 35 minutes, adding water as needed.
Enhancing Flavors Through Sweetness
Stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cover and cook for 12 more minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid levels, adding water or applesauce if needed.
Serving
Finally, arrange your cooked stuffing and mixed veggies on a plate. Top with your mouthwatering apple cranberry pork chops. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your Apple Cranberry Pork Chop recipe hot! Enjoy!
Other Thanksgiving Recipes
- Star Anise and Cider Brined Roasted Turkey – You can’t go wrong with a classic turkey, elevated to perfection with star anise and cider!
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Turkey Bacon and Avocado – That is if you want some finger food on your table.
- Apple Glazed Pork Chop – Looking for something similar with Apple Cranberry Pork Chop? Try this -the apple-glazed way.
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Sure, the Apple Cranberry Pork Chop is mouth-watering, but are you craving for some chicken? Check this chicken casserole that would surely fill your table (and belly).
Apple Cranberry Pork Chop with Stuffing and Mixed Vegetables
Ingredients
- 3 pieces pork chops
- 16 oz. applesauce
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cups cooked stuffing of your choice
- 1 ½ cups mixed vegetables cooked in butter
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pan. Add the cooking oil.3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Once the oil and butter gets hot, pan-fry the pork chops for 3 minutes per side.3 pieces pork chops
- Pour the water in the pan. Let boil. Add the applesauce and cranberries. Cover and cook in low heat for 35 minutes. Add more water if needed.16 oz. applesauce, 1 cup water, ½ cup fresh cranberries
- Add the sugar and cinnamon. Cover and cook in low heat for 12 minutes. Make sure that there is enough liquid. Otherwise, add water and applesauce.¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Once the sauce reduces and gets thick, add salt and pepper to taste.Salt and pepper to taste
- Arrange the cooked stuffing and cooked mixed veggies in a plate and then add the apple cranberry pork chops.3 cups cooked stuffing of your choice, 1 ½ cups mixed vegetables cooked in butter
- Serve for dinner. Share and enjoy!
Notes
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For extra tender pork, marinate chops in your favorite seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
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