Description
How to make tender apple cider pork with mashed sweet potatoes using fall spices that creates the perfect cozy comfort meal for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Components
- 4 bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Apple Cider Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prep Potatoes: Start sweet potatoes in salted boiling water since they take longest. Cook 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain well to prevent watery mash.
- Season Pork: Pat pork chops completely dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let sit 10 minutes while potatoes cook for better flavor penetration.
- Sear Chops: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove to plate.
- Build Sauce: Add onions to same skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, then apple cider, vinegar, and mustard, scraping up browned bits.
- Finish Pork: Return pork to skillet, cover, and simmer 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove pork and whisk butter into sauce.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash drained sweet potatoes with cream, butter, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Serve Together: Plate mashed sweet potatoes alongside pork chops, spooning the glossy apple cider sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Pat pork completely dry before searing for proper browning and golden color.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days in airtight containers.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half in sweet potatoes for lighter version.
- Serve immediately while sauce is warm and glossy for best presentation.
- Use meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches safe 145°F internal temperature.
- Make sweet potatoes ahead and reheat with cream for easier entertaining.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g