Welcome to your new favorite autumn dinner! When the leaves start changing and there’s a chill in the air, nothing satisfies quite like the perfect pairing of juicy pork chops with butternut squash. This comforting yet impressive meal combines savory and sweet flavors that everyone at your table will love.
Why Pork Chops with Butternut Squash Deserves a Spot in Your Fall Recipe Collection
Fall cooking brings wonderful opportunities to create hearty, warming meals. Moreover, pork chops with butternut squash offers the perfect balance of protein and seasonal vegetables on one plate. As a result, you’ll get a complete meal that satisfies both nutrition needs and taste buds.
The combination works so well because the natural sweetness of butternut squash complements the savory richness of pork. In addition, this pairing creates a beautiful color contrast on your plate – the golden-brown sear of perfectly cooked pork chops alongside the vibrant orange of roasted butternut squash.
Selecting the Perfect Ingredients
Choosing Your Pork Chops
First of all, look for bone-in pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops typically have more flavor and stay juicier during cooking. Furthermore, thicker cuts give you more room for error when cooking, helping prevent the dreaded dry pork chop.
When possible, choose heritage breed pork or pork from small local farms. These options often deliver superior flavor and texture compared to mass-produced alternatives.
Picking the Perfect Butternut Squash
A good butternut squash should feel heavy for its size with a matte, tan skin free from cuts or soft spots. Additionally, the stem should be intact, dry, and firm.
Interestingly, smaller butternut squashes tend to be sweeter and more flavorful than larger ones. Therefore, choose medium-sized squashes when making pork chops with butternut squash for the best flavor profile.
The Perfect Pork Chops with Butternut Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Then, season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika.
3. Meanwhile, toss the butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and the remaining smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, turning halfway through.
4. While the squash roasts, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Next, sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
6. In the same pan, add the sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
7. After that, add the minced garlic and sage, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
8. Subsequently, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
9. Then, return the pork chops to the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. In the final step, stir in the maple syrup and butter. Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash, coating everything in the pan sauce.
11. Finally, serve hot, with the butternut squash and sauce spooned over the pork chops.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pork Chops with Butternut Squash
For the best results, remember these important tips:
- Always bring your pork chops to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
- Don’t rush the searing process. A good sear creates flavor through the Maillard reaction.
- Importantly, use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Pork is safe at 145°F but still juicy.
- If you prefer, you can substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes in this recipe.
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider to the sauce. This pairs wonderfully with both pork and butternut squash, and gives a nod to our delicious Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops recipe!
Serving Suggestions
Pork chops with butternut squash makes a complete meal on its own, but occasionally you might want to add a simple side dish. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works perfectly to balance the richness of this dish. Alternatively, some crusty bread is excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Make-Ahead Options
Surprisingly, this dish reheats quite well. Therefore, you can prepare it a day ahead and gently reheat in a covered pan with a splash of broth or in a 300°F oven until warm.
However, for the best texture, it’s preferable to cook the pork chops fresh and only make the butternut squash ahead of time if needed.
Seasonal Variations
While this pork chops with butternut squash recipe shines in fall, you can adapt it throughout the year:
- In winter, add some cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
- During spring, substitute the butternut squash with young carrots and peas.
- For summer, try using peaches instead of butternut squash for a delightful seasonal twist.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this pork chops with butternut squash recipe lies in its balance. The sweet, earthy butternut squash offsets the rich, savory pork perfectly. Furthermore, the maple and sage create a bridge between these flavors, harmonizing the entire dish.
Additionally, this recipe uses simple cooking techniques that build layers of flavor without requiring advanced culinary skills. Consequently, both beginner and experienced cooks can achieve impressive results.
Final Thoughts
Pork chops with butternut squash represents comfort food at its finest. Not only does it bring together wonderful seasonal ingredients, but also creates a memorable meal that feels special enough for company yet simple enough for weeknights.
Above all, cooking should bring joy and satisfaction. This recipe delivers both through its wonderful aromas, beautiful presentation, and delicious flavors. Therefore, I encourage you to try this pork chops with butternut squash recipe the next time you want a meal that celebrates the best of fall cooking.
Description
Welcome to the ultimate autumn comfort meal! Juicy pork chops paired with sweet, roasted butternut squash bring together cozy fall flavors, hearty nutrition, and a stunning seasonal presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika.
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Toss butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and remaining paprika. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
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Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
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Cook sliced onion in the same pan until softened.
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Add garlic and sage, cooking for 1 minute.
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Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
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Return pork chops to pan, reduce heat, cover and cook 5-7 minutes until pork reaches 145°F.
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Stir in maple syrup and butter. Fold in roasted butternut squash.
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Serve hot with sauce spooned over pork chops.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 29g58%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
