This pork chop recipe is a delicious tribute to fall flavor! Savory bone-in pork chops are bathed in a maple syrup marinade, then baked to perfection in the oven. Maple and pork are always delicious together, and this recipe is no exception.
Best of all, it’s super easy to make, with just five ingredients. But in spite of their simplicity they’ll become part of an unforgettable autumn dinner that everyone will enjoy.
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What Are Maple Pork Chops?
Maple pork chops are bone-in pork chops that have been marinated in maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and mustard for a tangy-sweet flavor. They pair well with hearty, full-bodied sides making them the perfect main dish for a fall meal.
Pork chops are a popular cut of meat. They are sized for a single person’s consumption, and are cut from the loin of the animal, perpendicular to the spine. Pork chops tend to be tender and can be thought of as similar to a steak.
There are four types of pork chops, which are cut from different places on the loin.
- Shoulder chops are cut from the shoulder area and do best with slow cooking or braising.
- Rib chops are from the rib area, and the bone in them is actually a rib bone. These chops are tender and are great on the grill.
- Loin chops are from the hip area. They are fantastic in the broiler or on the grill, but can be overcooked easily.
- Boneless chops, or pork loin filets, are basically rib chops without the bone. They can be cooked in the same way as rib chops but have less of a tendency to be overcooked. They are milder in flavor than the other three types of chops.
Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks?
Yes!
- When you’re making the marinade, use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
- You can add a teaspoon of maple sugar to the marinade for a sweeter, more intense flavor.
- Try not to overlap chops in the pan for more even baking.
- Top the chops with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra punch of taste
- Instead of baking, grill the chops over medium heat for about 8 minutes.
Can I Make Substitutions?
Yes!
This marinade can be used with other meats, too. Try it with boneless pork chops or ham steaks. Chicken breasts are also delicious when marinated in the maple mixture. Or, for a mouthwatering side dish, mix with cooked sweet potatoes for a yummy accompaniment to any protein!
If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, you can make the pork cops keto friendly. Just substitute the maple syrup with keto maple syrup and you’ve got a tasty way to enjoy keto pork chops.
Directions
- First, make the marinade. Combine maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, coarse ground mustard, and salt in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Squish the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Add the pork chops to the bag. Lay the bag on a flat surface and carefully remove as much air as possible before sealing. Manipulate the chops so the marinade is evenly distributed. Marinate them in the refrigerator for two hours, turning them over after one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lay the pork chops in a baking dish, minimizing any overlapping. Discard the marinade.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 – 20 minutes, depending upon the thickness of your chops. Turn, then bake another 15 – 20 minutes. The pork chops are done when they have an internal temperature of 145 degrees in the thickest part (not touching the bone) and are white or slightly pink inside.
What Should I Serve with Maple Pork Chops?
- We love pairing these pork chops with Autumn’s Bounty Wild Rice
- Sides don’t get sweeter than Snickers Taffy Apple Salad
- Try The Very Best Thanksgiving Stuffing alongside these chops for a great meal!
Maple Pork Chops
Difficulty: Easy6
servings2
hours40
minutes2
hours40
minutesSavory bone-in pork chops are bathed in a maple syrup marinade, then baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon coarse ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 lbs bone-in pork chops
Directions
- Combine maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, coarse ground mustard, and salt in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Squish the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Add the pork chops to the bag. Lay the bag on a flat surface and carefully remove as much air as possible before sealing. Manipulate the chops so the marinade is evenly distributed. Marinate them in the refrigerator for two hours, turning them over after one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lay the pork chops in a baking dish, minimizing any overlapping. Discard the marinade.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the chops. Turn, then bake another 15 – 20 minutes. The pork chops are done when they have an internal temperature of 145 degrees in the thickest part (not touching the bone) and are white or slightly pink inside.
Notes
- These pork chops are also delicious on the grill. Grill over medium-low heat as the sugar from the marinade burns easily.
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