Pork Chop Sandwich

Pork chop sandwiches can take all forms, and this one is decidedly Southern: An apple butter-mustard spread and a tangy coleslaw lend a delightful sweet-pickled moment against a juicy pork chop.

"The coleslaw and apple butter sauce truly take this pork sandwich to the next level," said one Southern Living Test Kitchen pro. "I especially liked the sweet tanginess of the apple butter sauce."

Pork and apple are affinity flavors—and not just because The Brady Bunch said so—so having hints of that flavor pairing in each bite of this pork chop sandwich is fantastic.

Serve pork chop sandwiches with smashed potatoes, fried okra, or your favorite potato chips.

Ingredients for Pork Chop Sandwiches

The ingredients for these pork chop sandwiches are easy to find at the grocery store. If the meat section doesn't have the boneless pork chops, ask the butcher. They'll happily remove the bone from bone-in cuts.

• Hot dog relish: This pickled relish adds tang to the slaw that tops the pork chop.
• Apple cider vinegar: Along with the relish, apple cider vinegar adds tartness to the slaw without being too bitter.
• Mayonnaise: Mayo is used twice: in the slaw and in the apple butter spread.
• Kosher salt and pepper: These are just staples.
• Shredded coleslaw mix: Look for this shredded cabbage and carrot mixture beside the bagged salads. This recipe will make a little more coleslaw than you'll need on the sandwiches, so save it for a last-minute side to tomorrow's lunch.
• Apple butter: Unexpected but special, apple butter makes for a playful spread for this pork chop sandwich. It's a nod to pork chops and applesauce. You can find it in the aisle with jams and jellies.
• Spicy brown mustard: Liven up and balance out the sweetness of the apple butter for the sandwich spread.
• Canola oil: We like this neutral oil for cooking the pork chops. You'll want something with a high smoke point so it doesn't burn while the pork chops cook. Extra-virgin olive oil is not a good choice.
• Unsalted butter: Cooking the pork chops in a bit of melted butter adds loads of flavor, and the butter absorbs nicely in the light flour coating.
• Boneless rib-cut pork chops: Most grocery stores will have these pork chops already cut because they are quick-cooking options for weeknight dinners. But a butcher will quickly cut some if they're not in the cabinet already.
• All-purpose flour: The quick flour dredge on the pork chops helps lock in moisture while the meat cooks. It also nicely absorbs some of the butter's nutty, rich flavor.
• Hamburger buns: Classic buns will work, as will potato buns or brioche buns.

How To Make Pork Chop Sandwiches

The basics of this sandwich are simple. Here, we outline how to make these sandwiches. The full recipe is below.

• Step 1: Make the slaw. Combine the hot dog relish, apple cider vinegar, some of the mayonnaise, some of the salt, and the shredded coleslaw mix. Keep it chilled in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
• Step 2: Make the apple butter spread. Combine the apple butter, spicy brown mustard, and remaining mayonnaise. Set aside.
• Step 3: Coat the pork chops. Salt and pepper the pork chops. Then, place all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Flip the pork chops in the flour to coat them, and shake off any excess.
• Step 4: Cook the pork chops. In a medium skillet, melt and heat the butter and oil. Then, place the pork chops in the heated skillet. Cook until the center is 140°F, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Set aside the pork chops while you build the sandwiches.
• Step 5: Make the sandwiches. Spread the apple butter mixture on both sides of the hamburger buns. Place a pork chop on one half. Top with slaw, followed by the other bun half. Serve immediately.

Southern Living Test Kitchen Tips

Bone-in pork chops cook more evenly by staying flat in the pan, whereas boneless pork chops tend to warp. In order to mitigate the warping, press around the edges of the pork chop when searing to make sure all edges touch the pan.

You can make the apple butter spread and coleslaw mixture up to a day in advance. Just keep them chilled until you're ready to use.

How To Store and Reheat Pork Chop Sandwiches

If you have leftovers, keep the components of the sandwiches separate. This will avoid any soggy hamburger buns.

Reheat the pork chops in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until heated through. Leftovers will last up to five days.

We don't recommend freezing the coleslaw or apple butter mixture, but you can freeze the pork chops. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the microwave. Make the coleslaw and spread fresh for the best results.

More Southern Sandwiches

If you need more sandwich ideas, don't miss these favorites:

• Southern Tomato Sandwich
  
• Split-Top Mini Barbecue Sandwiches
• Fried Bologna Sandwiches
• Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches
• Fried Fish Sandwiches