There’s something undeniably satisfying about serving up a dinner that feels both comforting and a little bit special. These Maple Glazed Pork Chops do exactly that, blending the rich, savory taste of bone-in pork chops with a sweet, tangy glaze that’ll have you sneaking tastes before the meal even hits the table. The exterior crisps up beautifully in a hot skillet, locking in juicy flavors, while the luscious maple glaze, infused with Dijon mustard and a hint of apple cider vinegar, creates a glossy coating that clings to every nook and cranny of the meat. Each bite is a delicious balance of salty, sweet, and subtly herbal notes, thanks to a touch of fresh thyme.
This recipe is a true weeknight superstar: it takes just 10 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook, and then a short 5-minute rest before you dig in. With a total calorie count of about 400 per chop, you’re getting a hearty entrée without overindulging. It’s classified as a Beginner difficulty recipe, so even if you’re just starting to spread your culinary wings, you’ll breeze through these steps and end up with a meal that feels restaurant-worthy. As a dinner course, it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, but it’s delicious enough to stand on its own. The blend of pure maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard transforms simple ingredients into a glaze that’s both approachable and downright crave-worthy.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MAPLE GLAZED PORK CHOPS
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s get acquainted with the essential players in this mouthwatering recipe. Each ingredient works in harmony to create that perfect sweet-and-salty balance, while adding layers of flavor and aroma that will have your family asking for seconds.
- Bone-in Pork Chops
These thick, meaty chops are the foundation of the dish. The bone imparts extra flavor during cooking and helps the meat stay juicy. A one-inch thickness ensures a tender interior with a beautiful sear on the outside.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
The simplest seasonings are often the most important. Salt enhances the natural pork flavor, while freshly ground black pepper provides a subtle heat and aromatic bite.
- Garlic Powder
This pantry staple adds depth and a mild savory undertone. It pairs beautifully with the pork and helps round out the sweetness of the glaze.
- Pure Maple Syrup
At the heart of our glaze, maple syrup contributes rich, caramel-like sweetness and a hint of woodsy complexity. It’s what makes this dish feel both comforting and a little luxurious.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
A splash of tangy vinegar balances the sweetness of the syrup. It brightens the glaze and prevents it from feeling cloying, giving every bite a refreshing lift.
- Dijon Mustard
A spoonful of mustard adds mild heat, creaminess, and a hint of vinegar flavor that deepens the overall profile of the glaze.
- Soy Sauce
This ingredient enhances the savory, umami character of the dish. Its salty richness complements the sweetness of the maple syrup and ties everything together.
- Olive Oil
Used for searing, olive oil helps achieve a golden-brown crust on the pork chops. It also adds a fruity note that subtly enhances the dish.
- Fresh Thyme (or Dried Thyme)
Whether you use vibrant fresh sprigs or a touch of dried thyme, this herb introduces a lovely earthy, slightly minty flavor that pairs wonderfully with both pork and maple.
HOW TO MAKE MAPLE GLAZED PORK CHOPS
Now that our ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s walk through the cooking process. From the initial sear to the final bake, each step is designed to maximize flavor and ensure tender, juicy chops with a glossy, irresistible glaze.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This setting ensures a consistent, moderate heat that will finish cooking the chops without drying them out, allowing the glaze to caramelize perfectly.
2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crisp sear. Then, season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavorful crust.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and thyme. Whisking helps emulsify the ingredients, creating a smooth glaze that will coat the pork evenly.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a deep golden-brown color, which indicates that the flavors are locked in and the exterior is beautifully caramelized.
5. Carefully pour the maple glaze over the seared pork chops, ensuring each piece is well coated. The glaze will begin to bubble and thicken as it hits the hot pan, creating that signature sticky finish.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which is the USDA-recommended safe temperature for pork that still leaves it tender and juicy.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MAPLE GLAZED PORK CHOPS
Serving these maple glazed pork chops is an opportunity to get creative with textures, colors, and complementary flavors. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a special occasion, these suggestions will help you elevate your plate into a truly memorable meal.
- Pair with Roasted Root Vegetables
Toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized. The natural sweetness of the vegetables harmonizes with the maple glaze, while the roasting process adds smoky, savory notes.
- Serve Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes provide the perfect canvas for soaking up extra glaze. Whip in a splash of heavy cream and a knob of butter for an ultra-luxurious side that balances the pork’s savory-sweet profile.
- Add a Crisp Green Salad
A simple salad of mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint. The acidity in the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a balanced bite.
- Top with Caramelized Onions and Apples
Sauté thinly sliced onions and apple wedges in a bit of butter until golden and soft. Spoon this mixture over the chops for a sweet-savory combo that amplifies the maple notes and adds a fruity dimension.
HOW TO STORE MAPLE GLAZED PORK CHOPS
If you find yourself with leftovers (or if you’re meal-prepping for the week), proper storage will help maintain the juicy texture and keep that signature glaze intact. With a few simple techniques, you can enjoy these chops again without sacrificing quality.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Allow the chops to cool to room temperature, then place them in a sealed container. This method prevents moisture loss and protects them from absorbing odors in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
- Separate Extra Glaze
If you have leftover glaze, store it in a small jar alongside the chops. Reheat gently in a saucepan and pour over reheated meat for that freshly glazed taste.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage
Wrap each cooled pork chop individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat Gently
To avoid drying out the meat, reheat in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave on medium power in short intervals. Add a drizzle of water or stock to maintain moisture.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re gifting a weeknight dinner with extra flair or treating guests to a comforting yet elegant meal, these Maple Glazed Pork Chops deliver on all fronts. We’ve explored each key ingredient, from the savory bone-in pork to the sweet complexity of pure maple syrup, and walked through a straightforward cooking process that even a beginner can follow. Along the way, we’ve highlighted how to achieve that perfect sear, build a luscious glaze, and finish the chops to a safe and juicy temperature. We also covered tips for storing leftovers, offering creative serving suggestions, and ensuring your meal stays fresh if you decide to meal-prep for busy days ahead.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your favorite recipe binder for quick reference. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your twists, or ask for troubleshooting tips. Your feedback not only helps me refine these recipes but also supports fellow home cooks embarking on their own culinary adventures. Enjoy the delicious journey of flavors that these maple glazed pork chops offer, and happy cooking!
Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Description
Tender bone-in pork chops are seared to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and tangy maple glaze, making every bite a delicious journey of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and thyme to create the glaze.
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Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
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Pour the maple glaze over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Note
- For a thicker glaze, simmer it on the stove to reduce before pouring over the pork chops.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by varying the amount of maple syrup according to preference.
- Consider using boneless pork chops for a quicker cooking time.
- Fresh thyme enhances the flavor but can be substituted with rosemary for a different taste.
