Baked Cranberry Pork Chops Recipe

Cranberry Pork Chops Recipe: How to Make It

Looking for a delicious and impressive main course for your next dinner party? Look no further than these Cranberry Pork Chops! This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the savory flavor of tender pork chops to create a dish that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s dive into the recipe and get started.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until browned.
5. Transfer the browned pork chops to a baking dish and pour the cranberry sauce mixture over them.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the cranberry sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
7. Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Prepare:

To prepare these Cranberry Pork Chops, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Next, season 4 boneless pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned.

Once the pork chops are browned, transfer them to a baking dish and pour the cranberry sauce mixture over them. Make sure the pork chops are evenly coated in the sauce. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the cranberry sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Remove the Cranberry Pork Chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful pork chops. Serve them hot and enjoy the combination of tangy cranberries and savory pork!

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for these Cranberry Pork Chops is relatively quick and easy. It should take you about 10 minutes to prepare the sauce and season the pork chops. Cooking time will be around 25 minutes, and a few additional minutes for resting the pork chops before serving. In total, you can expect to have this delicious dish on the table in about 40-45 minutes.

Servings:

This recipe will yield 4 servings of Cranberry Pork Chops. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more guests. These pork chops make a stunning centerpiece for a holiday feast or a special occasion dinner.

Nutrition Facts:

While these Cranberry Pork Chops are undoubtedly delicious, it’s important to keep in mind their nutritional value. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g

Tips:

Here are a few tips to ensure your Cranberry Pork Chops turn out perfectly every time:

• Use boneless pork chops for this recipe as they cook more quickly and evenly.
• Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce by adding more or less Dijon mustard.
• For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in the cranberry sauce mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking.
• Serve the pork chops with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Simply thaw them before making the sauce and adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.

Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: While bone-in pork chops will work, they will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prep the pork chops and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving to ensure the pork chops stay tender and the sauce is caramelized.

So why wait? Try this Cranberry Pork Chops recipe and delight your guests with a flavorful and impressive dish. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, these pork chops are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!