These Easy Baked Maple Pork Chops are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a golden, caramelized crust that locks in juicy tenderness. In just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless, ready to bake to perfection in 40 minutes.
The rich maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness, balanced by the savory depth of perfectly seasoned pork. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of crispy edges and succulent meat, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, delicious meal.
What You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1″ thick, for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup 100% maple syrup (pure maple syrup works best)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions (or substitute with 1 small fresh onion, finely chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar (apple cider vinegar can also be used)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sear the pork chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until slightly browned. This locks in the juices!
- Transfer the pork chops to a baking dish, arranging them so they’re touching and not too spread out.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, water, dried minced onions, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
These maple-glazed pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed sweet potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts for a cozy, autumnal meal. For a lighter touch, try serving them alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra glaze!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help retain moisture.
Recipe Variations to Spice It Up
For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, substitute brown sugar for half the maple syrup. For a tangier flavor, swap the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) instead of fresh onions to save prep time. If you’re short on oven space, cook the pork chops entirely in the skillet, covering them to steam after searing. This reduces cooking time to about 20 minutes.
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Results
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for searing the pork chops, as it provides an even, high heat for that perfect golden crust. When baking, use a glass or ceramic baking dish, which helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the glaze from burning.
Easy Baked Maple Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, 1″ thick
- 1/4 cup 100% maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until slightly browned.
- Transfer pork chops to a baking dish (make sure they’re touching and not too spread out).
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, water, minced onions, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Pour over pork chops.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.