Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops
A sweet and savory oven-baked dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals!
Ingredients:
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven time to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the pork chops.
2. Prepare the baking dish:
Lightly grease a baking dish just large enough to fit the pork chops in a single layer. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
3. Season the pork chops:
Place the pork chops in the dish in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. Sprinkle each chop with one tablespoon of brown sugar, pressing it lightly into the meat to help it stick.
4. Add butter and sauces:
Place one tablespoon of butter directly on top of each pork chop. Then, evenly drizzle the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce over the top. These ingredients create a delicious glaze as the pork bakes, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar with rich umami depth.
5. Bake covered:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake the pork chops for 40 minutes. This allows the meat to cook gently and stay juicy.
6. Bake uncovered for caramelization:
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 20 minutes, or until the pork chops are golden brown and the sauce has thickened slightly into a rich, flavorful glaze.
7. Let rest and serve:
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute through the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your brown sugar baked pork chops alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad for a well-balanced and hearty meal. The sweet and savory glaze is perfect for spooning over rice or even soaking into a slice of warm bread.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce before baking.
- This recipe also works well with bone-in pork chops—just adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
- To make it a one-pan meal, add sliced onions or baby carrots around the pork before baking.
Why You’ll Love It:
This recipe takes just minutes to prepare but delivers rich, comforting flavor every time. The brown sugar and butter create a delicious glaze, while the soy and Worcestershire add depth. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers for the next day, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
