Effortless Fall Meal Inspiration
Cast Iron Apple Cider Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness
Instructions
1. Sear the Pork Chops:
Pat pork chops dry, season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high.
Sear chops 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Add butter to the skillet, then onions.
Reduce heat to medium and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until
golden.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in apple cider, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Scrape up the browned bits.
Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 5–7
minutes until fully cooked (145°F internal temp).
4. Finish:
Let rest 5 minutes, spooning sauce and onions over each chop before serving.
Side 1: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sage Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chopped fresh sage
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
4. Melt butter with sage in a small pan, drizzle over potatoes before serving.
Perfect flavor complement to the apple cider glaze — earthy and a little sweet.
Side 2: Warm Brussels Sprout & Apple Slaw
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet; sauté Brussels sprouts until lightly browned (5–6
minutes).
2. Stir in apple slices and cook 2–3 minutes more.
3. Add vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and serve warm.
Crisp, tangy, and balances the richness of the pork beautifully.
Serving Suggestion
Layer your Totem Axis like this for presentation:
- Top Tier: Brussels & Apple Slaw
- Middle Tier: Diced Sweet Potatoes
- Bottom Tier: Apple Cider Pork Chops
YUM!