This incredibly easy Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes comes together in about 30 minutes and is all made in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, or, if you’re feeling spontaneous, use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of some leftovers and odds and ends. Who doesn’t love a delicious, cozy meal after a long day?
Ingredient Breakdown
Pork Chops
Pork chops are my go-to protein for this recipe! They cook quickly and have a great balance of fat, which keeps them juicy. I prefer boneless pork chops for ease, but bone-in will work just as well. If you have other cuts like pork tenderloin or even chicken, go ahead and swap them out!
Apple Cider
Apple cider is the star player here, bringing in a delightful sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the pork. You can use a good quality fresh apple cider or the bottled kind from the store. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, apple juice works wonderfully too!
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness that enhances the flavors of the apple cider and gives the pork a lovely glaze. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste since they pack a bit more sweetness.
Garlic
Garlic is a must for this dish! It perfumes the air and adds tons of flavor. I like to use fresh garlic, but if you have garlic powder on hand, that works too just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove called for in the recipe.
Thyme
Fresh thyme brings an earthy, aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the sweet apple cider. I often prefer fresh for its flavor, but dried thyme will work fine in a pinch, just use about a third of the amount since it’s more concentrated.
Salt and Pepper
A couple of pinches of salt and pepper are crucial! They enhance the natural flavors of the pork and balance the sweetness of the apple cider. Feel free to adjust based on your family’s taste preferences.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are creamy and naturally sweet, making them the perfect companion for this delicious Apple Cider Pork. I prefer to use medium-sized sweet potatoes for this recipe, but use whatever you have on hand.
Butter
Butter is going to give you the best flavor and texture for your mashed sweet potatoes. I like to use unsalted butter so I can control the sodium level myself. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil or vegan butter will work well too!
Cream
A splash of cream adds richness to the sweet potatoes, making them incredibly creamy. You can also substitute half-and-half or even your favorite non-dairy milk to lighten it up.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the pork chops: Start by seasoning the pork chops with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Make sure to coat them well!
Sear the pork chops: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. Seriously, the smell of those searing pork chops is just incredible!
Add garlic and simmer: Once browned, toss in minced garlic (I use about 4 cloves, but hey, I’m obsessed with garlic, feel free to adjust!) and let it cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the apple cider, brown sugar, and fresh thyme. Stir everything together to combine.
Bring to a simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and deliciously glazed. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully together!
Prepare the sweet potatoes: While the pork is simmering, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until they’re tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash the sweet potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in butter and cream, then mash until creamy and smooth. You can also use a hand mixer for a super smooth texture just be careful not to overmix it!
Serve it up: Now for the fun part! Plate the mashed sweet potatoes, place the pork chops on top, and drizzle that heavenly apple cider glaze over everything. Seriously, you’ll want to get that glaze on every last bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes is my go-to recipe for a reason! It’s comfort food at its finest full of warm, nostalgic flavors that remind me of fall gatherings and family dinners. I’m a real sucker for anything that can be whipped up quickly and still feel like a warm hug on a plate! Plus, you can get creative with the ingredients based on what you have a total lifesaver on those busy weeknights.
If you loved this Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes, be sure to check out my Brazilian Coconut Chicken, my Japanese Pork Katsu Curry, or my Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This apple cider pork recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something delicious and hearty to serve your family!
One Pot Wonder
Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and more family time at the dinner table. Just imagine: less scrubbing and more savoring those sweet moments!
Budget-Friendly
The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible. You likely have most of them already in your pantry, which makes this a great choice for budget-conscious families. Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this meal is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The savory pork and creamy sweet potatoes give you that cozy feeling, a bit like being wrapped in a soft blanket on a cold evening.
Customizable
The best part is that this recipe is extremely forgiving! You can use whatever ingredients you have. Want to try it with chicken instead of pork? Go for it! Have leftover vegetables? Toss them in during cooking to amp up the nutrition.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tasty Apple Cider Pork with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Fresh bread or cornbread makes a great side too, soaking up all that yummy apple cider glaze!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let everything cool down before popping it in the fridge!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply microwave until hot, or warm it back up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cider if necessary to keep things moist.
Freezer Friendly
You can freeze the pork and sweet potatoes! Just portion them out into freezer-safe containers, and they’ll keep for about 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
So what’re you waiting for? Gather your family, whip this up, and dig into something that’s not just food, it’s a memory waiting to happen!
There you have it! A delicious, quick and easy Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy your cooking, and remember, every meal is another opportunity to create a memory around the table. Follow us on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration!
Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Season the pork chops with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, making sure to coat them well.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in apple cider, brown sugar, and fresh thyme, mixing everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until pork is cooked through.
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Drain sweet potatoes and return to the pot. Add butter and cream, then mash until creamy.
- Plate the mashed sweet potatoes, place pork chops on top, and drizzle with the apple cider glaze.