Pork Chops with Apples and Creamy Bacon Cheese Grits

A soul-satisfying Southern skillet feast with caramelized fruit and rich grains.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 16, 2025

A soul-satisfying Southern skillet feast with caramelized fruit and rich grains.

If ever there was a dish that captures the soul of Southern comfort cooking, it’s this glorious union of pork chops, caramelized apples, and ultra-creamy bacon cheese grits. The flavors dance together: savory, salty pork; the sweet, tart zing of apples in a maple glaze; and rich, spoonable grits studded with smoky bacon and melted cheese. The result is a meal brimming with flavor and satisfaction, perfect for any hearty dinner or special Sunday meal.

Ingredients
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Tips & Tricks for Success
Simple Variations & Substitutions
Serving Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions

Ingredients

This recipe yields a sumptuous meal for about six, and you may already have much of what you need in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need for both the pork chops and those irresistible bacon cheese grits:

The Pork Chops and Apple Sauce

6 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), cored and diced
1/2 cup dry white wine (or sub with chicken broth if desired)
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup real maple syrup
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

The Creamy Bacon Cheese Grits

4–6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cups stone-ground grits (avoid instant/quick varieties for best texture)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prepare the Creamy Bacon Cheese Grits

Timing Tip: Start with the grits so they have time to develop that ideal creamy texture. Stone-ground grits take longer to cook but reward you with superior flavor and richness.

Chop the bacon and onion. Add to a large saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until the bacon is browned and crisp and the onion is soft.
Add the grits to the pot, stirring so they’re coated with the rendered bacon fat and onion.
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring occasionally. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Let the grits cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is absorbed and the grits are thickened—about 20–30 minutes (check package instructions if using a different type).
Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and cook for 5–10 more minutes until perfectly creamy.
Remove from heat and add the shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep covered and warm, stirring occasionally, while you cook the pork.

2. Sear the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a large, heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel preferred) over medium-high. Pour in the olive oil and add the butter, swirling until melted and foaming.
Add the pork chops in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Sear each side for about 2 minutes or until deeply golden.
Remove the chops to a plate, tent with foil, and set aside. Keep those flavorful pan juices in the skillet!

3. Make the Apple-Maple Pan Sauce

Add the diced apples to the skillet. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from searing the pork.
After a minute, pour in the wine and apple cider vinegar. Increase the heat to a gentle boil; let bubble until liquid is reduced by half (about 2–3 minutes).
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the maple syrup and add a small pinch of salt. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 2 minutes. The aroma is amazing!
Return the seared pork chops and any accumulated juices to the pan. Nudge the apples around so that the pork is well nested and partially covered by the sauce.
Cover and simmer gently for 10–20 minutes, or until the pork is just cooked through (145°F internal temperature) and beautifully tender.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon a lavish heap of bacon cheese grits onto each serving plate.
Top each mound of grits with a pork chop.
Spoon plenty of apples and sauce over the top, letting it trickle into the grits.
Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs (optional).

Tips & Tricks for Success

Use high-quality pork chops—not too thick, not too thin. About 1-inch is the sweet spot for searing and braising.
Stone-ground grits offer the best texture and flavor. Avoid quick or instant types for this recipe. The patient simmer is worth it!
Save every drop of pork juices when resting the chops—these juices add incredible depth to the apple sauce.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the grits will be slightly less rich.
Real maple syrup makes a difference. While pancake syrup is sometimes used for a budget-friendly swap, nothing matches the subtle woody sweetness of the real thing.
If you don’t have wine, low-sodium chicken broth works in a pinch, though it changes the flavor profile slightly.

Simple Variations & Substitutions

Apple Choices: Try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for different sweet-tart balances.
Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for gouda, Monterey Jack, or a bit of goat cheese for a tangy note.
Extra Flavor: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh thyme into the apple sauce for a bolder palate.
No Bacon? Skip it entirely or use finely diced pancetta or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian grits base, omit bacon and use a tablespoon of butter.

Serving Suggestions

While the combination of pork chops, apple pan sauce, and creamy bacon cheese grits is mouthwatering on its own, it can be customized or served alongside numerous sides for added flair:

Pair with sautéed greens, such as collards or kale, for balance and color.
Roasted brussels sprouts or glazed carrots make excellent vegetable companions.
For a comforting winter meal, serve with a simple tangy salad for freshness.
The pork chops and sauce are also delicious served over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, especially if grits are unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best cut of pork for this dish?

Boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick, cook evenly and soak up the apple-maple sauce. Bone-in chops can also be used for added juiciness, but may require increased cooking time.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! The entire dish is naturally gluten-free, provided your grits and broth are labeled as such.

What can I substitute for wine?

Chicken broth is a good alcohol-free alternative, though wine contributes complexity to the sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead?

Parts of it, yes. The grits can be made an hour ahead and reheated gently with a splash of cream to restore creaminess. Pork chops and sauce also reheat well; just store separately and combine before serving.

What are the best apples for pork chops?

Gala, Honeycrisp, and Fuji provide lovely sweetness and texture, while Granny Smith brings a tart contrast. Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.

Basic Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	650–750 kcal
Protein	35–40 g
Carbohydrates	40–50 g
Fat	35–45 g
Sodium	1200–1400 mg

(Values vary with portion size, brand of ingredients, and substitutions.)

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Skillet Meal

For families, food lovers, and anyone who craves both adventure and nostalgia in the kitchen, this recipe delivers. Each element—from the tender seared pork to the luscious apple-maple glaze and the decadent grits—offers a distinct taste of home and heritage. It’s a meal to make memories around the table—rich, robust, and absolutely delicious.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete