This hearty dinner brings together succulent pork chops, a vibrant apple cranberry sauce, and two perfectly roasted sides—herbed potatoes and crisp asparagus. The sauce is made with fresh apple, dried cranberries, and a touch of cinnamon, creating a sweet-tart flavor that complements the savory pork beautifully.
With a medley of fruits and vegetables, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious. The potatoes are tossed with a warm autumn spice blend before roasting, while the asparagus roasts quickly to tender perfection. Everything comes together in about 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F with racks in the top and middle positions. Wash and dry all produce. Cut the potatoes into ½-inch-thick wedges. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus.
- On a baking sheet, toss the potato wedges with a drizzle of oil, half the Autumn Spice Blend (use all for 4 servings), salt, and pepper. On a second baking sheet, toss the asparagus with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the potatoes on the top rack and the asparagus on the middle rack until tender and lightly browned: 10–12 minutes for asparagus, about 30 minutes for potatoes.
- Meanwhile, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned and cooked through, 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to a plate and let rest.
- While the pork cooks, halve, core, and dice the apple into ½-inch cubes. Halve, peel, and dice the onion. Chop the parsley.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add a drizzle of oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add the onion and cook until lightly browned, 3–4 minutes. Add the diced apple and dried cranberries; cook until slightly softened, 2–3 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock concentrate, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (½ teaspoon for 4 servings), and ¼ cup water (⅓ cup for 4 servings). Cook, stirring, until the apple is tender but not mushy, about 4 minutes. (Add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.) Stir in any juices that have accumulated from the resting pork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the roasted potatoes, asparagus, and pork chops among plates. Spoon the apple cranberry sauce over the pork, making sure to include the apple and cranberries. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Useful Cookware
A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.
Baking Sheet
GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on Amazon
NutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on Amazon
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on AmazonLarge Skillet
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on Amazon
Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle -Aluminum, 6 Quart, BlueView on Amazon
Tramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on AmazonPaper Towels
Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on Amazon
Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on Amazon
Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on AmazonRecipe Tips
For extra-crispy potatoes, spread them in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet.
If the apple cranberry sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, boneless pork loin chops or pork tenderloin medallions work well. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
What can I substitute for the Autumn Spice Blend?
You can make your own blend with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of cloves. Use about 1/2 tablespoon total.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
You can chop the apple and onion up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated gently.



























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