Family and Flavor: Chef Paul Wahlberg’s Blue Bloods-Inspired Pork Chops Recipe with a Personal Twist
As the countdown to the Blue Bloods series finale heats up, Chef Paul Wahlberg, brother to Donnie Wahlberg (Detective Danny Reagan on the CBS show), has created a mouthwatering recipe inspired by the Reagan family’s iconic Sunday dinners. This special collaboration between Wahlburgers and Blue Bloods invites fans to bring a taste of family tradition to their own tables with pork chops and apple cider gravy — a dish that blends nostalgia with a contemporary flair.
A Dish Rooted in Family History
For Chef Paul, this recipe goes beyond a simple meal; it’s a reflection of his family’s heritage. Growing up in a household of nine siblings, including actor Mark Wahlberg and musician-turned-actor Donnie Wahlberg, food was a cornerstone of connection.
“As kids, pork was very inexpensive,” Chef Paul recalls. “My dad would buy a whole bone-in pork loin, bone it out, roast the bones, and make stock. That tradition taught us to appreciate the value of a good, home-cooked meal.”
Paul’s recipe builds on these humble beginnings, elevating the dish with French pork chops, apple cider gravy, and a modern approach that retains the essence of his family’s culinary roots.
The Blue Bloods Connection
Sunday dinners on Blue Bloods are more than just a family meal; they’re a symbol of unity and tradition. The Reagan family gathers each week to share food, discuss challenges, and uphold their shared values. Chef Paul’s pork chops recipe reflects this spirit, tying together the themes of family, love, and legacy that define the series.
“It’s more sophisticated than the way my family used to make it,” Paul says, “but it’s still about connection. Sharing this with my family now helps my son understand where we came from.”
A Perfect Meal for the Holiday Season
The inclusion of apple cider in the gravy makes this recipe especially fitting for fall and winter, bringing a seasonal warmth to the table. Paired with herb-roasted potatoes and vibrant vegetables, it’s an ideal centerpiece for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Chef Paul’s Pork Chops with Apple Cider Gravy
Ingredients:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 (8 oz) Frenched bone-in pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- For the Gravy:
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup finely diced Spanish onion
- ½ teaspoon diced garlic
- 3 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley (chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pat pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear the pork chops, two at a time, until browned on each side.
- Place the seared chops on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté on low heat for 1 minute.
- Pour in apple cider, increase heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce until nearly evaporated.
- Add chicken stock and Dijon mustard, simmer, and reduce by half.
- Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of cider vinegar.
- Finish Cooking:
- Transfer pork chops to the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (approximately 10-12 minutes).
- Let the pork chops rest for 4 minutes, reserving any juices. Add the juices to the gravy for extra flavor.
Herb-Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 1 teaspoon each of fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Rinse and dry the potatoes, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic halves.
- Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Toss the roasted potatoes with herbs and melted butter before serving.
Why This Recipe Matters
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family traditions and the cherished moments that Blue Bloods has shared with its audience for 14 seasons. Chef Paul’s personal twist on a childhood favorite captures the essence of both the Wahlberg family’s legacy and the Reagan family’s bond.
With Blue Bloods concluding on December 13, this recipe serves as a delicious way for fans to honor the series while creating their own traditions at home. Whether you’re a lifelong viewer or a newcomer to the show, this meal is a perfect reminder of the power of food to bring people together.
So gather your loved ones, set the table, and toast to family — the true heart of Blue Bloods.
