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Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops
Cranberry glazed pork chops bring together the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that make every dinner memorable. This delicious recipe transforms ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-quality meal with a glossy, tangy-sweet cranberry glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. The combination of fresh cranberries, aromatic spices, and tender pork creates a dish that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and simple enough for weeknight dinners.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time with only 15 minutes of prep work needed
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that appeals to all taste preferences
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients you likely have in your pantry
- Creates an impressive presentation that looks like fine dining at home
- Versatile recipe that works for both casual family dinners and special occasions
Why This Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it combines proven cooking techniques with complementary flavors. Searing the pork chops first creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices, while the oven finishing ensures even cooking throughout.
The cranberry glaze works magic by using the natural tartness of fresh cranberries balanced with brown sugar’s molasses notes. The addition of chicken broth creates the perfect consistency, while garlic and warm spices add depth without overwhelming the fruit’s brightness.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops
These cranberry glazed pork chops deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The recipe requires no special skills or expensive ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
The visual appeal alone makes this dish special. The deep red glaze creates an appetizing contrast against the golden-brown pork, while the burst cranberries add texture and visual interest. Your family will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen when the actual hands-on time is surprisingly short.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in pork chops | 4 pieces (1 inch thick) | Main protein, bone adds flavor |
| Fresh cranberries | 1 cup | Creates the signature glaze |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | Sweetens and caramelizes |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1/2 cup | Thins glaze to proper consistency |
| Garlic cloves | 3 pieces, minced | Adds aromatic depth |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Warm spice complement |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon | Herbaceous flavor balance |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For searing the chops |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Basic seasoning |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large oven-safe skillet | Searing pork chops evenly |
| Medium saucepan | Making cranberry glaze |
| Baking dish | Oven finishing the chops |
| Meat thermometer | Ensuring proper doneness |
| Aluminum foil | Covering during baking |
How to Make Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray |
| 2. Season and Sear | Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat and sear chops 4 minutes per side until golden brown |
| 3. Make Glaze | In saucepan, combine cranberries, brown sugar, minced garlic, chicken broth, cinnamon, and thyme. Simmer until cranberries burst, about 5 minutes |
| 4. Bake | Place seared pork chops in baking dish and pour cranberry sauce over them. Cover with foil and bake 25-30 minutes |
| 5. Check and Rest | Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest 5 minutes before serving |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose pork chops of uniform thickness for even cooking throughout
- Don’t move the chops while searing to achieve the best golden crust
- Let the cranberries burst naturally for the best glaze texture
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure food safety
- Allow proper resting time for juices to redistribute evenly
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
Serve these cranberry glazed pork chops immediately while hot for the best experience. The glaze should be glossy and slightly thickened, coating the chops beautifully. Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
For an elegant presentation, spoon extra glaze around the plate and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. The dish pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple side salad. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip the searing step, as this creates essential flavor and texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing, which can cause steaming instead of proper browning. Never press down on the chops while cooking, as this releases valuable juices.
Temperature control is crucial – don’t rush the cooking process with high heat, which can burn the glaze. Always use a meat thermometer rather than guessing doneness. Overcooking will result in dry, tough pork chops that even the best glaze can’t save.
You Must Know
- Pork chops continue cooking while resting, so remove them at exactly 145°F
- Fresh cranberries work much better than dried ones for this glaze
- The glaze will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thin while hot
- Bone-in chops stay more moist than boneless varieties during cooking
Tips and Tricks for Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops
For extra flavor depth, brine the pork chops for 2-4 hours before cooking. This simple step ensures incredibly juicy results. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones work perfectly – just don’t thaw them first.
Make the glaze ahead of time and reheat when ready to use. This actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
Suggestions for Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops
Transform this recipe by experimenting with different fruit combinations. Try adding diced apples to the cranberry glaze for extra sweetness, or substitute orange juice for half the chicken broth for citrus brightness.
For a more sophisticated flavor profile, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the glaze. This recipe also works beautifully with herb-crusted variations or different spice combinations like rosemary and sage.
Consider these alternative cranberry pork chop recipes for inspiration, or try this grilled version with maple glaze for outdoor cooking.
FAQ for Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops
FAQs:
Yes, boneless pork chops work well, but reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes since they cook faster. Bone-in chops tend to stay more moist and flavorful during the cooking process.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The meat should be slightly pink in the center and juices should run clear when cut.
Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
If the glaze is too thick, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors until it coats the back of a spoon.
Yes, these freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
These cranberry glazed pork chops prove that impressive dinners don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With just a few simple steps and common pantry staples, you’ll create a meal that looks and tastes like it came from an upscale restaurant.
The combination of perfectly seared pork chops and glossy cranberry glaze creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds. Try this recipe tonight and discover why cranberry glazed pork chops deserve a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 145°f (63°c). let rest 5 minutes before serving 1x
Description
Tender, juicy pork chops seared to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. This elegant main dish combines savory herbs with the bright flavors of cranberries for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
- Season and Sear: Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat and sear chops 4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Make Glaze: In saucepan, combine cranberries, brown sugar, minced garlic, chicken broth, cinnamon, and thyme. Simmer until cranberries burst, about 5 minutes
- Bake: Place seared pork chops in baking dish and pour cranberry sauce over them. Cover with foil and bake 25-30 minutes
- Check and Rest: Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Notes
- Choose pork chops of uniform thickness for even cooking throughout
- Don’t move the chops while searing to achieve the best golden crust
- Let the cranberries burst naturally for the best glaze texture
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure food safety
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with glaze
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cranberry glazed pork chops, pork chops recipe, cranberry sauce, glazed pork, main course, dinner recipe
