Savory Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

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If you’re looking for a meal that balances sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, these Savory Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce are the perfect answer. This dish marries tender pork chops with the richness of bacon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the tang of Dijon mustard. It’s an elegant yet comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend treat, this recipe will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Maple Bacon Glaze:
  • 6 strips of bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

  1. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Maple Bacon Glaze

  1. In the skillet with the remaining bacon fat, add the maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  2. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the bacon to the skillet and stir to coat.

Step 4: Finish the Pork Chops

  1. Lower the heat to medium and return the seared pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the maple bacon glaze over the chops.
  2. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
  3. Remove the pork chops and bacon glaze from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 5: Prepare the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

  1. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry.

Variations:

  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a hint of heat.
  • Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the cream sauce for an earthy depth.
  • Apple-Infused: Swap the chicken broth in the cream sauce for apple cider to complement the maple glaze.

Cooking Note:

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked perfectly. Overcooked pork can become dry and tough.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, grill the pork chops instead of searing them.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve these pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes to soak up the sauce.
  • Pair with sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
  • A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the leftover sauce.

Tips:

  • Choose thick-cut, bone-in pork chops for maximum juiciness and flavor.
  • Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
  • Pre-warm the serving plates to keep the pork chops hot while serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories: 460 per serving
  • Protein: 35g
  • Sodium: 780mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in? A: Yes, boneless pork chops work well, but they cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the glaze and sauce ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve.

Q: What other cuts of pork can I use? A: Pork tenderloin or pork medallions are great alternatives. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion:

Savory Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce is a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home. The combination of sweet maple, smoky bacon, and creamy mustard sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and elevate your dinner game to the next level!

 

 

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Savory Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40 min
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Maple Bacon Glaze:
  • 6 strips of bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

  1. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Maple Bacon Glaze

  1. In the skillet with the remaining bacon fat, add the maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  2. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the bacon to the skillet and stir to coat.

Step 4: Finish the Pork Chops

  1. Lower the heat to medium and return the seared pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the maple bacon glaze over the chops.
  2. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
  3. Remove the pork chops and bacon glaze from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 5: Prepare the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

  1. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked perfectly. Overcooked pork can become dry and tough.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, grill the pork chops instead of searing them.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min

Nutrition

  • Calories: 460
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Protein: 35 g

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