Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops Recipe | Gluten Free with Dairy Free Option

These Gluten Free Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops are delicious made with sliced apples and cinnamon blended with brown sugar, nutmeg, rosemary, and paprika. Plus--it's actually pretty simple to prepare! 

The tart apples and sweet sauce make it a great dish for the whole family, and it will soon be a favorite gluten-free weeknight recipe.

If you like this gluten-free pork chops recipe, look for other apple recipes that you can make for your family like this slow cooker applesauce. New recipes are always fun to try out. 

The flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon with the apple slices give these juicy pork chops a 'gourmet-ized’ version of your typical pork chop meal, and they are ready in minutes. 

This blend of sweet apples and brown sugar with rich spices are a great way to make a gluten-free pork recipe more flavorful without relying on expensive specialty ingredients!

In fact, this cinnamon and apples recipe is one of my favorite ways to make chops, but pork chops are super versatile.  You can also make air fried pork chops that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients needed for apple cinnamon pork chops: 

This recipe for gluten free pork chops with apples uses simple ingredients making this an easy gluten-free recipe that your whole family will love. 

For this recipe you'll need:

• Boneless pork chops. You can use bone-in as well, but this will change the cooking time.
• Butter: Softened to room temperature and divided.
• Medium granny smith apples: Sliced thinly.
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Smoked paprika
• All spice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Are you looking for spices that you know are gluten-free? My favorite band is Badia. I love that they are labeled gluten-free for extra peace of mind, but aren't more expensive than other brands.

You might find Badia spices at your local grocery store, but they are also on Amazon here.

For exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Want to make Paleo cinnamon apple pork chops?

Simply sub ghee for the butter (or use a bit of coconut oil) and use coconut sugar instead of the brown sugar!

How to cook cinnamon apple pork chops from scratch?

First, Cook the pork chops: In a large skillet over medium heat and melt one tablespoon butter before adding pork. Give them a good sear before you cook for four to five minutes on each side or when a meat thermometer reads 145 degrees.

Next, make the brown sugar mixture: Meanwhile, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, all spice, and brown sugar in a small bowl.

Remove the chops: Then, remove meat from the pan and keep them warm in a baking dish lightly coated in olive oil and covered in aluminum foil. 

Cook apple mixture: After removing the chops, add the remaining butter, brown sugar mixture, apples, and rosemary sprigs. Cook over medium-high heat until apples are tender.

Serve: Lastly, remove and discard rosemary before serving with apple mixture on top or on the sides. You can also garnish with fresh rosemary. 

Recipe variations:

• Bone-in: You can use bone-in chops instead of boneless for this recipe, but you will need to increase the cooking time. 
• Marinate: You can definitely use a gluten-free marinade in this recipe. One options is to soak chops in apple cider vinegar or white wine overnight before cooking for tender and tangy meat.
• Different apples: Any type of apples will do but tart apples are best for this recipe.
• More cinnamon: Feel free to add one more teaspoon ground cinnamon to the mix for more flavor. 
• Dairy Free: To make gluten free dairy free cinnamon apple pork chops, you can use a gluten-free dairy free butter like one of these options.
• Creamy Pork Chops: Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a creamier apple cinnamon sauce.
• Lemon juice: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a tangy flavor. 
• Cooking methods: You can use other cooking methods such as baking, slow cooking, air frying, or making it in your instant pot as well.

How to serve these fall pork chops:

These apple cinnamon pork chops go great with any side dish, but I highly recommend pairing with a more complex carbohydrate source (such as these Roasted Mini Potatoes) and a vegetable for extra fiber.

Or try one of these ideas:

• Serve these cinnamon apples pork chops with sweet potatoes, winter squash, or green beans for a delicious and well rounded dinner. 
• Pork pairs well with just about anything you serve along with a glass of white wine. 
• Add sautéed red onion strips to the top of the meat before serving for an extra kick of flavor. 
• You could also serve the cinnamon apples as a side dish or dessert.
• Add other veggies like diced potatoes, carrots, or corn to the pan when cooking the apple mixture for a hearty meal. 
• This is a delicious dish when served with white gravy or whatever kind you prefer.

How to store leftover pork chops:

• Store: Wrap leftover chops in plastic wrap and put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.  
• Freeze: If you cannot eat them in a few days, put chops in a freezer bag and freeze them for up to three months.    
• Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge for best flavor. 
• Reheat: Reheat for one minute in the frying pan or about 45 to 90 seconds in the microwave.   

Recipe tips:

• You should always remove your meat from the fridge at least 15 minutes before preparing. They need to be at room temperature for best results. 
• Do not overcook. That is the leading cause of tough and dry chops. The internal temperature of the pork should be 145 degrees F with a meat thermometer. 
• Make sure to always rest your meat after cooking no matter what it is. Five minutes is the minimum.
• Organic pork is always better as the quality of your meat is very important.
• The pork should be a reddish pink to purple color for the freshest cuts. The darker it is, the fresher it is. 
• Using fresh apples gives a better flavor but to save time you can used canned. 
• The thickness of your pork chops really matters. Thick chops are more tender and juicier. 
• Cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat.

Frequently asked questions

If you're ready to try this delicious gluten free pork chops recipe, scroll down for the printable recipe! If you're looking for an easy tenderloin recipe, try this stove top pork tenderloin that's also gluten free.

Did you love this easy gluten free cinnamon apple pork chop recipe?

If so, be sure to share these fried apples with pork chops on social media or pin it to Pinterest using the social sharing buttons.

Other gluten free weeknight dinners you'll love:

• Stovetop Baked Potato Soup
• Potato & Black Bean Tostadas with Honey Lime Yogurt Sauce
• Easy Rasta Pasta
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
• Slow Cooker Barbacoa