Description
Lamb chops with apples offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, creating an elegant yet comforting dish. Seared lamb pairs beautifully with caramelized apples, fresh herbs, and a touch of cinnamon, making it ideal for a special dinner or festive occasion.
Ingredients
- Lamb chops – 4, bone-in or boneless
- Apples – 2, firm and slightly tart (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady), sliced into wedges
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp (or substitute with more olive oil for dairy-free)
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh rosemary – 1 sprig
- Fresh thyme – 1 sprig (plus extra for garnish)
- Cinnamon – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- White wine or apple cider vinegar – ¼ cup (or balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor)
- Honey – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Pat the lamb chops dry and season with salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Slice apples into wedges, removing the core.
- Sear the Lamb Chops – Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Apples – In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add more butter if needed, then add apples, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Sauté until apples soften and caramelize.
- Deglaze the Pan – Pour in white wine or apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in honey for extra sweetness.
- Finish Cooking – Return lamb chops to the pan, nestling them among the apples. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the lamb reaches desired doneness.
- Serve & Enjoy – Plate the lamb chops with caramelized apples, drizzle with pan sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme.
Notes
- Herb Swap – Try sage or marjoram instead of rosemary and thyme.
- Fruit Variation – Substitute apples with pears for a different flavor.
- Add Heat – Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle spice.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use extra olive oil instead of butter.
- Oven Method – After searing, transfer to a baking dish and roast at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared,Sautéing
- Cuisine: European, Mediterranean
Keywords: Lamb chops, caramelized apples, sweet and savory, easy lamb recipe, holiday dinner