Marry This Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkraut Recipe is a tender and tangy recipe, which is made with sauerkraut and red apple. It’s a great choice for a hearty family dinner, ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkraut Recipe Ingredients
- 8 center cut pork chops
- 2 pounds sauerkraut, drained
- 1 large red apple, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkraut Recipe
- Preheat Oven and Brown Pork: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pork chops for about 5 minutes per side. Place the browned chops in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Sauerkraut Topping: In a large bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut, diced apple, chopped onion, brown sugar, and caraway seeds. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sauerkraut mixture evenly over the top of the pork chops in the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Recipe Tips
- How can I make the sauerkraut less sour? If you prefer a milder tang, you can rinse the sauerkraut with cold water and squeeze it dry before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- What’s the best way to avoid dry pork chops? Overcooking is the main cause of dry pork. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Pull the dish from the oven as soon as the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- What kind of apple should I use? For the best flavor contrast against the tangy sauerkraut and sweet brown sugar, use a firm, tart apple like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
What To Serve With Pork Chops And Sauerkraut
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with classic comfort food sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- A slice of dark rye bread
- Applesauce
How To Store Pork Chops And Sauerkraut
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and taste even better the next day. Freeze: You can freeze the baked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Pork Chops And Sauerkraut Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to brown the pork chops first?
While you can skip this step in a pinch, browning the pork chops first adds a significant amount of deep, savory flavor to the dish. It’s highly recommended for the best result.
I don’t have caraway seeds. What can I use instead?
Caraway seeds are traditional in this type of dish, but if you don’t have them, you can omit them. A pinch of fennel seeds could also work as a substitute.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the pork chops and place them in the slow cooker. Top with the sauerkraut mixture and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is tender.
Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkraut Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings30
minutes1
hour363
kcalA classic, nostalgic oven-baked dish featuring tender pork chops, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
8 center cut pork chops
2 pounds sauerkraut, drained
1 large red apple, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown pork chops in a skillet for 5 minutes per side and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the sauerkraut, apple, onion, brown sugar, and caraway seeds.
- Spread the sauerkraut mixture over the pork chops.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Notes
- Control the Tang: For a less sour flavor, rinse the sauerkraut with cold water before using it.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to a perfect 145°F and stay juicy.
- Best Apples: A tart apple like Granny Smith provides a wonderful flavor contrast to the sweet and savory elements.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
