Sweet and savory come together beautifully in these Oven-Baked Pineapple Pork Chops! Juicy pork chops are seared to perfection, baked with a caramelized pineapple glaze, and topped with sweet pineapple rings. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering bold flavors and tender texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Combo: Brown sugar and pineapple bring sweetness that perfectly balances the savory pork chops.
- Tender and Juicy: Baking ensures moist, flavorful pork every time.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort for a restaurant-quality dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite sides or adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 4 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Pineapple Glaze
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them.
- Top each pork chop with a pineapple ring.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze for some heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for a fragrant touch.
- Tropical Vibes: Mix in diced mango or papaya with the pineapple for a tropical spin.
- Boneless Option: Use boneless pork chops, but reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- Vegan Substitute: Replace pork with thick slices of cauliflower or tofu for a plant-based version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of pineapple juice, or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked pork chops with glaze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
Yes! Freshly squeezed pineapple juice enhances the flavor even more.
2. Can I grill the pork chops instead of baking?
Absolutely! Sear the pork chops on a grill, baste with the glaze, and grill until cooked through.
3. What’s the best way to keep the pork chops juicy?
Don’t overcook them! Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze and sear the pork chops ahead of time. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
6. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops work well. Just reduce the baking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking.
7. Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini make great additions to this dish.
8. How do I thicken the glaze more?
Let the glaze simmer longer or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce.
9. Can I use a cast-iron skillet?
Definitely! A cast-iron skillet is perfect for this recipe as it transitions easily from stovetop to oven.
10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavors make it appealing to kids. Adjust the seasoning and sweetness to their taste if needed.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Pineapple Pork Chops are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. With tender pork, a caramelized pineapple glaze, and juicy pineapple rings, this dish is both comforting and impressive. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Print
Oven-Baked Pineapple Pork Chops
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and savory come together in these Oven-Baked Pineapple Pork Chops! Seared to perfection and baked with a caramelized brown sugar pineapple glaze, this dish is topped with juicy pineapple rings for a mouthwatering finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Toppings:
- 4 pineapple rings
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear the pork chops:
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the glaze:
- In the same skillet, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble and bake:
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon the glaze over them, and top each chop with a pineapple ring. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and spoon additional glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use boneless pork chops if preferred, but adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.
- For extra caramelization, broil the pork chops for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-pork-chops-recipe/
