Savory Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet Apple-Cranberry Glaze
Elevate your dinner table with these Savory Grilled Pork Chops glazed with a luscious apple-cranberry sauce. A perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, these juicy pork chops are brined to perfection, ensuring they are tender and flavorful. The glaze, made from a harmonious mix of apple cider, maple syrup, and cranberry sauce, adds a delightful burst of sweetness that complements the savory meat beautifully. Perfect for family gatherings or a special occasion, these pork chops promise to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (room temperature)
apple cider
2 cups (fresh, non-alcoholic)
kosher salt
2 1/2 tablespoons (for brining)
sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
cracked pepper
1 tablespoon (freshly cracked)
thyme leaves
1/2 tablespoon (dried)
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
allspice berries
6 (whole)
bay leaf
1/2 (dried)
spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
maple syrup
1/2 cup (pure)
cranberry sauce
1/2 cup (sweetened)
applesauce
1/2 cup (unsweetened)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet Apple-Cranberry Glaze recipe?
This recipe features juicy pork chops that are brined for tenderness and topped with a luscious glaze made from apple cider, maple syrup, cranberry sauce, and applesauce.
How is the pork kept tender in this recipe?
The pork chops are brined in a mixture of water, apple cider, kosher salt, sugar, and various spices to ensure they remain flavorful and moist during grilling.
What ingredients are used to make the brine?
The brine consists of water, fresh apple cider, kosher salt, sugar, cracked pepper, dried thyme, dried minced garlic, whole allspice berries, and a bay leaf.
What are the components of the apple-cranberry glaze?
The glaze is made by combining spicy brown mustard, pure maple syrup, sweetened cranberry sauce, and unsweetened applesauce.
What type of apple cider should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh, non-alcoholic apple cider for the best flavor profile.
How much kosher salt is needed for the brine?
You will need 2 1/2 tablespoons of kosher salt specifically for the brining process.
What kind of maple syrup is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup to achieve a natural sweetness in the glaze.
Is the cranberry sauce used in the glaze sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sweetened cranberry sauce.
What type of applesauce is used?
You should use 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce for the glaze mixture.
How many allspice berries are required?
The brine requires 6 whole allspice berries.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of dried?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of dried minced garlic, but fresh can be used if you adjust the quantity to taste.
What kind of mustard should be used in the glaze?
Two tablespoons of spicy brown mustard are used to add a tangy, savory kick to the sweet glaze.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions as it is designed to impress guests with its complex flavor profile.
How is the meat seasoned after brining?
After the brining process, the pork is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What type of pepper is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked pepper for the brine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients used across the brine, the glaze, and the seasoning.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, combining fruit flavors with salty brine and grilled meat.
How much water is used in the brine?
The recipe requires 2 cups of room temperature water for the brine base.
Is the thyme used fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of dried thyme leaves.
Can I use this recipe for a barbecue?
Absolutely, 'barbecue' and 'grilled' are key tags for this recipe, making it ideal for outdoor cooking.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe', suitable for home cooks looking for a flavorful yet manageable dinner.
What tags are associated with this dish?
The tags include pork, grilled, pork chops, apple glaze, cranberry sauce, maple syrup, savory, sweet and savory, barbecue, dinner, and easy recipe.
What amount of sugar is in the brine?
The brine uses 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
How much bay leaf is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a dried bay leaf in the brine.
Is the black pepper for the seasoning pre-ground?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground black pepper for the final seasoning.
Can I prepare the brine with cold water?
The recipe specifies room temperature water to help the salt and sugar dissolve properly.
What is the primary protein used?
The main protein is pork, specifically pork chops.
What is the purpose of the allspice berries?
The whole allspice berries add a warm, aromatic depth to the brine that complements the pork and apple flavors.
How is the glaze applied?
Though specific steps aren't listed, typically a glaze is brushed onto the pork chops during the final minutes of grilling.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This is primarily a dinner recipe centered around grilled meats.