Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with Savory Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce. This dish elevates classic pork chops by blending the richness of crispy bacon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the tangy kick of Dijon mustard. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a hearty family meal, these pork chops are sure to impress. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops
- In the same skillet, add olive oil to the bacon drippings. Heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chops and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and capture all the browned bits.
- Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), maple syrup, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate.
- Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
- Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Variation:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbaceous Option: Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal flavor.
- Honey Swap: Substitute honey for maple syrup if preferred.
- Cream-Free Version: For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt.
Cooking Note:
- Ensure the pork chops are evenly thick to cook uniformly.
- Do not overcook the pork; use a meat thermometer for precision.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside roasted green beans, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli for a balanced plate.
- Add a warm crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful Dijon mustard cream sauce.
Tips:
- Use thick-cut bacon for added texture and flavor.
- Warm the maple syrup slightly before adding it to ensure it blends smoothly.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices.
- To save time, prepare the sauce ingredients in advance.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
-
Calories: 480
-
Protein: 32g
-
Sodium: 900mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
A: Yes, boneless pork chops work well, but adjust the cooking time as they tend to cook faster.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the Dijon mustard cream sauce up to a day in advance and reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have maple syrup?
A: You can substitute honey or brown sugar for maple syrup in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: While the pork chops freeze well, the cream sauce may separate upon reheating. Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2–3 days for best results.
Conclusion:
Savory Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tangy mustard creates a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with tender pork chops. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Try it today and treat yourself to a culinary masterpiece!
Savory Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops
- In the same skillet, add olive oil to the bacon drippings. Heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chops and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and capture all the browned bits.
- Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), maple syrup, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate.
- Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
- Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- Ensure the pork chops are evenly thick to cook uniformly.
- Do not overcook the pork; use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 32 g