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Is pork chops and applesauce a thing?


Pork chops and applesauce is a classic flavor combination that has been around for generations in American cuisine. The sweet tartness of applesauce perfectly complements the savory juiciness of pork chops. While it may sound unusual to some, pork chops with applesauce is a beloved and timeless dish in many households. But how did this seemingly unorthodox pairing become such a popular dinner staple? Let’s take a closer look at the history and appeal of pork chops and applesauce.

The History of Pork Chops and Applesauce

Pork chops and applesauce gained widespread popularity in the 1950s and 1960s in America. During this post-World War II era, pork shoulder chops became affordable and readily available. The pork industry advertised chops as a versatile, quick cooking meat. Recipes emphasized breading or pan-frying pork chops until golden brown to keep them moist and tender.

Applesauce also grew in prevalence as a canned food in the mid-20th century. Canning technology advanced, allowing applesauce to be inexpensive, consistent, and easily accessible year-round. Americans began using canned fruits and vegetables as regular side dishes and condiments. The sweet and smooth applesauce balanced the fattiness of fried pork chops perfectly.

The classic TV show “The Brady Bunch” featured pork chops and applesauce as a favorite family meal. nano_noI3N3 This cemented it as a quintessential American homecooked dish in the public imagination. While the pairing seems unusual at first glance, both ingredients were convenience foods in postwar America. Together they made a fast, budget-friendly, and tasty dinner.

Regional Differences in Preparing Pork Chops and Applesauce

Though pork chops and applesauce are served nationwide, regions put their own spin on how to prepare and serve this meal.

In the Midwest, thick bone-in pork chops are popular. They are dredged in flour, salt, and pepper and pan fried until a nice crust forms. Tart Granny Smith applesauce provides contrast.

The South favors buttermilk brined thin chops cooked in a cast iron skillet. Sweet applesauce with cinnamon is served alongside.

In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, boneless loin chops are preferred for their tenderness. They are baked or grilled instead of fried. Smooth, unsweetened sauce provides balance.

On the West Coast, chops are coated in dried herbs and roasted. Chunky, slow cooked applesauce lends natural sweetness.

While preparation varies, applesauce is always paired with pork chops to complement their richness. The tartness cuts through the meat’s fattiness and creates a more complex, interesting flavor.

Why Do Apples and Pork Go So Well Together?

There are a few reasons applesauce and pork chops pair so perfectly:

Acidity – Tart green apples provide acidity to balance fatty pork’s richness. The acid cuts through heavy flavor and leaves your mouth feeling clean.

Sweetness – Ripe red apples bring natural sweetness to complement salty, savory chops. This contrast makes both the fruit and meat taste even better.

Texture – Crisp, juicy applesauce cools the mouth after eating hot, greasy pork. The light fruit is refreshing compared to dense chops.

Moisture – Applesauce introduces moisture and juice. This helps soften dry pork and makes it more tender and easy to chew.

Tradition – We often like foods simply because we grew up eating them. Many Americans are accustomed to savoring pork chops with applesauce thanks to nostalgia.

Ultimately the two ingredients strike the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and sensations that American cuisine loves. The pork chop and applesauce duo simply tastes so right together.

Nutritional Benefits of Pork Chops and Applesauce

Beyond tasting delicious, pork chops and applesauce offer a few nutritional perks.

Pork provides high quality protein needed for cell repair and growth. Chops specifically are a leaner cut that gives protein without too much bad fat when properly prepared. Apples offer antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber for immunity and digestion.

By pairing chops with fruit instead of another starchy side, you take in fewer carbs and calories. The meal has a better balance of protein, produce, and complex carbs.

Applesauce also adds moisture to pork, so less total salt is needed when seasoning. Consuming less sodium improves heart health.

So while not necessarily a low calorie health food, pork chops and applesauce make for a wholesome, nutritious dinner. It gives you protein, antioxidants, and fiber over saturated fats and empty carbs.

How to Make the Best Pork Chops and Applesauce

While quick and simple, a few tips will take your pork chops and applesauce from boring to five star restaurant quality:

1. Go thick cut – Choose at least 1-inch bone-in or boneless chops for juicier meat. Thin chops overcook and dry out.

2. Brine first – Soak chops in a saltwater brine for 1-3 hours before cooking. This seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.

3. Sear the outside – Create a nice brown crust by searing chops over high heat. This adds color and richer flavor.

4. Cook to 145°F – Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F, then rest 3 minutes before serving. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

5. Opt for tart applesauce – Granny Smith or other tart apples work best. Sweet sauce overpowers pork’s flavor. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon, or honey for more complexity.

6. Add pan sauce – Deglaze the pork chop pan with apple cider or stock to make an easy, delicious sauce for serving.

7. Pair with a starch – Round out the meal with roasted potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the tasty pan juices.

With high quality ingredients and the right techniques, it’s easy to turn out incredible pork chops and applesauce worth bragging about.

Top Recipe Ideas for Pork Chops and Applesauce

Ready to cook up some sensational pork chops and applesauce meals? Here are a few favorite recipe ideas to try:

Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops – Breaded chops baked until crispy and served with cinnamon applesauce

Cider Glazed Pork with Apple Onion Relish – Chops braised with apple cider, onions, garlic, and thyme

Cranberry and Walnut Stuffed Pork Loin – Boneless loin roast filled with tart cranberry apple stuffing

Slow Cooker Apple Pulled Pork – Shredded Mexican style pulled pork with applesauce mixed in

Pork Schnitzel and Apple Slaw – Panko breaded cutlets served with sweet shredded apple slaw

Pork Chops with Bacon and Apple Greens – Seared chops topped with sauteed apples, bacon, and bitter greens

The balanced sweet and savory flavors pair so well, the possibilities are endless. With a little creativity you can invent your own signature pork chops and applesauce dishes.

Popular Apple Varieties for Applesauce

Not all apples are created equal when making the best applesauce. Certain varieties hold their shape and offer the right balance of sweetness and tartness. The top types of apples for applesauce include:

Granny Smith – Tart and crisp, ideal for unsweetened sauce

Honeycrisp – Pleasantly sweet with a soft texture when cooked

Fuji – Sweet and tangy, great for baking down into sauce

Jonagold – Holds shape well and offers bright notes

Pink Lady – Bold, berry-like flavor for complex sauce

Empire – Firm flesh that melts into smooth, full flavored sauce

Macoun – Distinctive wine-like taste often used for baking

Winesap – Classic heirloom apple that makes rich, spiced sauce

Stick to firm, tart apples if you like unsweetened sauce, or sweeter types if you prefer a sugary sauce. Mixing 2-3 varieties creates the most complex flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Pork Chops and Applesauce

Pork chops and applesauce are served in several classic ways:

On the plate – Chop and sauce placed side by side on dinner plate

Sauce on top – Chops stacked or fanned with sauce spooned over meat

On the side – Bowl of sauce for dipping bites of pork

Stuffed – Chops pounded thin, stuffed with applesauce filling, and rolled

Mixed together – Diced pork and shredded or pureed applesauce

As a sandwich – Chops and sauce between bread or in a roll

The most popular plating features the pork chop and applesauce visible separately to appreciate each component. But don’t be afraid to get creative and combine them new ways!

Tips for Reheating Leftover Pork Chops and Applesauce

Like many hearty meals, pork chops and applesauce taste just as good warmed up the next day. Here are some tips for reheating:

– Use the oven or toaster oven to warm chops at 300°F covered in foil or an oven safe dish until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This prevents drying out.

– Microwave applesauce in a bowl for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring halfway. Check that it’s not too hot before eating to avoid burning your mouth.

– Steam chopped pork and sauce together in a pan with a bit of water or broth until hot. The steam keeps everything moist.

– If chops were breaded or fried, bake in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy again.

– For pulled or shredded pork, mix with sauce and gently reheat in a saucepan until warmed through.

– Add a splash of apple juice or cider while reheating to refresh flavors.

With a little care, leftover pork chops and applesauce can taste amazing. The key is gently reheating without drying out the ingredients.

Substitutions and Variations

While classic applesauce has a place in the heart of many, feel free to put a spin on pork chops and applesauce:

– Instead of applesauce, use apple chutney or an apple onion relish

– Try pears, quince, cranberries, or other fruit sauces

– Swap out pork chops for chicken, turkey, ham, or sausage

– For pork-free, use eggplant, chickpeas, or tempeh chops

– Season applesauce with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice

– Mix in sweet or savory ingredients like vanilla, honey, basil, garlic, or cheese

– Make it spicy with jalapenos, cayenne, or pepper flakes

– Turn it into a complete meal with sides like salad, roasted veggies, or rice

The basic combination of fruit sauce and savory protein is endlessly adaptable. Feel free to riff on the classic to invent your own perfect pork or plant-based chops and apples pairing.

Where to Enjoy Pork Chops and Applesauce Out

While easy to make at home, some local restaurants also serve memorable pork chops and applesauce:

Diners – Classic American diners often have pork chops and applesauce on the menu, sometimes served open faced on toast.

Bistros – Farm-to-table bistros offer elegant plated presentations of pork chop entrees with housemade applesauce.

Barbecue Joints – Smoked pork chops and barbecue sauced applesauce are specialty items at barbecue restaurants.

Cafeterias – School, business, and other cafeteria-style eateries frequently serve the traditional pork chop and applesauce combination.

Food Trucks – Gourmet food trucks put creative twists on pork chops and sauce such as Korean bbq or banh mi styles.

High End Restaurants – Fine dining chefs reinvent pork chops and applesauce with modern techniques and exotic ingredients.

Keep an eye out on menus near you for inventive ways that restaurants are reimagining and elevating this classic home cooking staple.

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipes

Want to skip the storebought sauce and make your own from scratch? Here are a few easy homemade applesauce recipes:

Basic Slow Cooker Applesauce

Ingredients: Apples, Water, Sugar, Cinnamon

Directions: Peel, core, and chop apples. Add to slow cooker with water and sugar. Cook on high 2-3 hours until soft. Mash. Stir in cinnamon.

Microwave Easy Applesauce

Ingredients: Apples, Lemon Juice, Brown Sugar, Butter

Directions: Peel, core, and dice apples. Microwave covered 7 minutes until soft. Mash with lemon juice, sugar, and butter.

No-Sugar Added Applesauce

Ingredients: Apples, Water, Pumpkin Pie Spice

Directions: Peel, core, and chop apples. Simmer 20 minutes in water. Puree in blender. Season with pumpkin pie spice.

Slow Cooker Chunky Applesauce

Ingredients: Apples, Apple Cider, Maple Syrup, Vanilla

Directions: Chop apples with peel on. Stir into slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cook 3-4 hours on high. Mash slightly chunky.

With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can easily make fresh, nourishing applesauce at home to serve with your savory chops.

Common Questions about Pork Chops and Applesauce

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this beloved meal combo:

Why do pork chops go with applesauce?

The sweet and tart applesauce balances the salty, fatty flavors of pork. It cuts through grease for a clean, refreshing taste.

What kind of apples work best for applesauce?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp make the best unsweetened sauce. Sweeter types like Gala or Braeburn are good too.

Is pork chops and applesauce an American thing?

Yes, it became very popular as an easy weeknight dinner in the mid-20th century and is still beloved today as nostalgic comfort food.

What’s the best way to cook pork chops?

Pan frying, baking, or grilling helps keep chops juicy and tender. Cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F ensures safety and optimum flavor.

Should you put applesauce on pork chops?

It’s delicious either way! You can spoon sauce over the chop or serve it on the side for dipping.

What sides go well with pork chops and applesauce?

Buttery mashed potatoes, green veggies, bread stuffing, and pan gravy or drippings are perfect complements.

Is pork chops and applesauce healthy?

In moderation, it can be a nutritious pick. Pork provides protein while apples offer fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

How do you dress up pork chops and applesauce?

Add spice blends, chopped nuts, cranberries, or a sprinkle of cheese to the sauce. Bread, stuff, or pound the chops for more excitement.

Conclusion

For over half a century, pork chops and applesauce has been a beloved mealtime staple across America. The sweet and savory combo never seems to go out of style. While the dish has humbler origins, it offers fantastic balanced flavors, nutrition, and comfort. With so many ways to put creative spins on both components, cooks will continue reinventing pork chops and applesauce for generations to come. This classic pairing is sure to remain a cherished choice for everyday family dinners and special occasions alike.