Maple Pecan Crusted Pork Chops
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Maple Pecan Crusted Pork Chops – a delightful twist on a classic dish that's perfect for any occasion. Thick center-cut pork chops are generously coated in a flavorful honey mustard dressing, then crusted with a tantalizing mixture of crunchy pecans and seasoned bread crumbs. A quick sear in a skillet locks in the juices, followed by a bake that ensures tenderness and flavor perfection. Topped with a drizzle of high-quality maple syrup, this dish offers a sweet and savory symphony that will impress your family and guests alike. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, these pork chops promise to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
325
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thick center-cut pork chops
2 (Boneless or bone-in, as preferred.)
Honey mustard dressing
2 tablespoons (Use as a coating for the pork.)
Unsalted blanched pecans
1 cup (Chopped.)
Seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup (Use as part of the crust.)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Room temperature and cut into small pieces.)
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (For warming in skillet.)
Cooking oil spray
As needed (To spray the baking dish.)
Good quality maple syrup
2 tablespoons (For drizzling before serving.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor, combine the unsalted blanched pecans, seasoned bread crumbs, and room temperature butter. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and resembles wet sand.
3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring it doesn't scorch the pecans.
4
Brush each pork chop generously with honey mustard dressing, creating a sticky surface for the crust.
5
Evenly coat each pork chop with the pecan-bread crumb mixture, pressing it firmly onto the meat to ensure it adheres well.
6
Carefully place the coated pork chops in the heated skillet and brown them for about 2 minutes on each side.
7
Transfer the browned pork chops to a baking dish that you’ve sprayed with cooking oil.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
9
Once out of the oven, drizzle the pork chops with good quality maple syrup before serving. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
10
For smaller chops, adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking. To serve four, simply double the ingredient amounts.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
15g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maple Pecan Crusted Pork Chops?
They are thick center-cut pork chops coated in honey mustard, crusted with a mixture of pecans and seasoned bread crumbs, seared, baked, and finished with a maple syrup drizzle.
What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for thick center-cut pork chops, which can be either boneless or bone-in depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the pecan crust?
Combine unsalted blanched pecans, seasoned bread crumbs, and room temperature butter in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
What is the purpose of the honey mustard dressing?
The honey mustard dressing adds flavor and creates a sticky surface for the pecan-bread crumb crust to adhere to the pork.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I sear the pork chops in the skillet?
Sear the coated pork chops for approximately 2 minutes on each side to brown them before baking.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the pork?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat.
How long do the pork chops need to bake?
Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
When should I apply the maple syrup?
Drizzle the pork chops with high-quality maple syrup immediately after taking them out of the oven, just before serving.
Can I make this recipe for four people instead of two?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredient amounts to serve four people.
How many calories are in one serving of these pork chops?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This dish provides 24 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 21 grams of fat per serving.
What amount of carbohydrates does this dish contain?
This recipe contains 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to use a specific type of pecans?
The recipe recommends using one cup of unsalted blanched pecans.
What should the consistency of the crust mixture be?
The crust mixture should be finely chopped and resemble the texture of wet sand.
What kind of oil is used for searing?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil for warming in the skillet.
Is butter required for the crust?
Yes, one tablespoon of room temperature butter is used to help the pecan and bread crumb mixture bind.
What type of bread crumbs are best?
The recipe specifies using seasoned bread crumbs for the best flavor profile.
How do I prevent the pecans from scorching?
Heat the olive oil over medium heat and ensure it doesn't get too hot before adding the crusted chops.
Should I spray the baking dish?
Yes, use a cooking oil spray on the baking dish before transferring the browned pork chops into it.
What is the best way to apply the crust?
Press the pecan-bread crumb mixture firmly onto the honey-mustard coated meat to ensure it sticks well.
Can I use smaller pork chops?
Yes, but you should adjust the cooking time downward to prevent the smaller chops from overcooking.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a festive meal that is perfect for both cozy dinners and special gatherings.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a sweet and savory symphony featuring crunchy pecans, tangy mustard, and sweet maple syrup.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 8 total ingredients.
Do I need a food processor?
A food processor is recommended to pulse the pecans, crumbs, and butter into the correct consistency.
Can I use low-quality maple syrup?
The recipe suggests using good quality maple syrup for the best flavor results.
How many pork chops does the base recipe make?
The base recipe is designed for 2 thick center-cut pork chops.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and an easy dinner recipe.