Maple glazed pork chops

 This recipe delivers the perfect sweet and savory combination, with a sticky maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully over juicy, pan-seared pork chops. It’s an incredibly easy, one-pan meal that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort for a truly impressive weeknight dinner.

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Maple Glaze:

• ½ cup pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Sear the Pork Chops
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.

2. Make the Glaze
While the pork chops sear, in a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.

3. Glaze and Bake
Pour the glaze over the pork chops in the skillet, turning them once to coat both sides. Spoon some of the glaze from the pan over the top.

Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

4. Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. For a glossier finish, spoon the reduced glaze from the skillet over the chops just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Comfort: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up the extra glaze.

• Fresh & Bright: A simple arugula salad or steamed green beans provide a refreshing contrast.

• Seasonal Favorite: Roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or baked apples complement the maple flavor perfectly.

Chef's Tips & Variations

• Don't Skip the Sear: Searing creates a flavorful crust and helps lock in the juices.

• Internal Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The pork is perfectly safe and juicy at 145°F.

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat.

• Herbaceous Twist: Stir 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the glaze before baking.

• Mustard Swap: Whole grain or spicy brown mustard can be used for a different texture and flavor profile.