Pumpkin Spice Porkchop Skillet
This Pumpkin Spice Porkchop Skillet recipe is a great choice for a quick, delicious weeknight meal that combines the convenience of one-pan cooking with the warm, comforting flavors of fall.
Pumpkin spice isn’t just for your lattes and desserts. It’s the perfect accent to the naturally sweet fall vegetables like squash as well as an ideal accent to succulent pork. When you combine them into one pan you have a dish that will beg for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Porkchop Skillet
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy to make and even easier to clean up. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Pork chops are often on sale, making this a cost-effective meal.
- Seasonal Flavors: The use of pumpkin spice and fall vegetables like butternut squash and apples brings a cozy, autumnal feel to your dinner table.
- Versatile: You can choose between bone-in or boneless pork chops and adjust the thickness to your liking.
Key Ingredients Needed
- Pork Chops: The main protein, choose your preferred cut and thickness.
- Dijon Mustard: Acts as a binder for seasonings and adds a savory touch.
- Butternut Squash & Apple: Adds sweetness and texture, complementing the pork and spices.
- Pumpkin Spice: Brings the quintessential fall flavor.
- Apple Cider & Broth: Used to cook the squash and apples, adding an acidic brightness to the dish.
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
With just a handful of ingredients this Pumpkin Spice Porkchop Skillet comes together in less than an hour. The combination of savory seared pork and butternut squash and apples makes for a comforting and cozy meal.
Each ingredient plays a complimentary role. Starting with the pork itself, you can pick bone in or boneless and also decide on how thick you want them. Pork chops seem to be one of those items you can always find on sale at the store so this is also a budget friendly meal!
Bringing tang to this dish while also helping your salt, pepper, and aromatic pumpkin spice cling to the meat is Dijon mustard. This makes for the perfect binder for your seasonings and is a savory compliment to the pork and sweet sauté.
When it comes to the butternut squash, you can either dice it up yourself, or you can take the help of the grocery store and buy already cubed butternut squash. Complimenting the sweetness of the butternut squash is a diced apple. Not only does this tie in well with the pumpkin spice, it’s a classic companion to pork.
Apple cider gives an acidic pop that brightens up the entire dish while either your favorite broth or apple cider helps soften the sauteed butternut squash and apples.
From Stove to Table with Pumpkin Spice Porkchop Skillet
Not only is this dinner delicious, it couldn’t be easier. With just a few tips you will be on your way to serving up the flavors of fall to your family.
- Pat your pork chops dry. This will make it easy to spread on the Dijon and help the seasonings stick, as well as help develop a nice crust.
- Check the date on your Pumpkin Spice! If you don’t remember when you used it last, or it was used a few Thanksgivings ago, it’s time to replace it. Spices loose their strength as they sit on the shelves and you want each ingredient to have maximum flavor.
- Fully heat your skillet and olive oil before adding your pork chops. This will help form that beatiful and tasty crust. If it’s not hot enough you will just steam the meat.
- The cooking time will depend upon the thickness of your porkchops. Give them approximately 5 minutes per side. They will go back into the pan to warm through so you’re developing the color and crust at this point.
- Sautee your butternut squash and apples for 5 minutes. Let them develop a little color before adding your salt and pepper, apple cider vinegar, and either broth or apple cider. Then cook until they are tender.
- Add your pork chops and any juices that have accumulated on the plate to your pan. Allow them to simmer with the sauce for 5 minutes. The recommended internal temperature for pork is 145.
For more easy weeknight inspirations, make sure you check out my recipe for Spinach and Mushroom Tortellini Soup.
Pumpkin Spice Porkchop Skillet
Equipment
- large skiller or cast iron pan
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup broth or apple cider
- fresh thyme
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry. Spread the Dijon on both sides and season with salt, pepper, and the pumpkin spice.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil.
- Place pork chops into the heated oil. Sear approximately 5 minutes per side, depending upon the thickness of your pork chops. You want them to form a golden brown crust.
- Take the pork chops out and add your butternut squash and apples. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add apple cider vinegar, thyme, and broth/apple cider. Cook until the squash and apples are tender.
- Add the porkchops back into the skillet along with any drippings on the plate. Allow to cook in the sauce for another 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
What Kind of Pork Chops Should I Use?
You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while boneless are easier to eat. The thickness can vary based on your preference.
Can I Substitute Butternut Squash?
Yes, you can substitute it with other squash varieties like acorn or delicata squash. Even sweet potatoes would work well as a substitute.
What Apple Varieties Are Best for This Dish?
Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious. Avoid overly soft varieties that might turn mushy.
Can I Make Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the pork chops and vegetables, then reheat them together in the skillet when ready to serve.
How Do I Know When the Pork Chops Are Done?
Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. They should be slightly pink in the middle.
