2thick-cut pork chops(1-inch thick, 1.5-2.0 pound total weight)
1teaspoonsaltdivided
¼teaspoonblack pepper
¼teaspoongarlic powder
1poundbrussels sproutsrinsed and halved
1poundsweet potatoes(about 1 medium), peeled and cubed
2tablespoonsolive oil
2applescored and sliced
6sage leaves
1tablespoonbuttersliced thin
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Rub the pork chops with ½ teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside to dry brine while preparing and par-cooking the vegetables.
Place the brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and ¼teaspoon salt. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on the sheet pan and place in the oven for 10 minutes.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and toss the brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, then move them to one half of the pan to make room for the pork chops and apples. Place three sage leaves onto the sheet pan for each pork chop and put the chops on top of the leaves. Place a slice of butter on top of each pork chop. Add the apples to the remaining space on the pan.
Place back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Toss the vegetable and apples. Turn the pork chops over and add an additional slice of butter on top of each chop. Return to the oven for a final 10 minutes of cooking, or until the vegetables are tender and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Notes
To make your dish extra delicious, mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss the apples in the brown sugar mixture prior to baking.
It is easy to switch up this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Instead of brussels sprouts, you could use green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. They have a shorter cook time than asparagus, so add them along with the pork chops and apples.
Butternut squash or white potatoes can be substituted in place of the sweet potatoes, using the same cook times.
If desired, you can turn your oven to broil the pork for the last few minutes of cooking. Once the pork has reached 135°F (57°C) turn the broiler to high and cook until the pork chops are golden and the internal temperature has reached 145°F.
If the vegetables brown before the pork is ready then they can be covered with aluminum foil.