Cranberry Pork Chops Recipe
This delightful Cranberry Pork Chops recipe brings together the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the rich flavor of pork in a dish that is not only simple to prepare but also a true crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms humble pork chops into an extraordinary meal, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you choose to use fresh or dried cranberries, the results are sure to impress.
Recipe Details
| Name | Cranberry Pork Chops |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
| Category | Pork |
| Description | A quick and easy preparation for pork chops with a fruity twist. Perfect for family dinners. |
| Rating | 4/5 (3 reviews) |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cranberries | 1/3 cup |
| Orange marmalade | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cloves | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Boneless pork chops | 2 pieces |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 407.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 124 mg |
| Sodium | 101.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 29.9 g |
| Protein | 40.1 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature allows the pork chops to cook evenly while melding the flavors of the other ingredients.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously grease a square baking dish measuring 9x9x2 inches. This ensures that the pork chops do not stick to the pan, allowing for easy serving and cleanup afterward.
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Mix the Cranberry Filling: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of cranberries, 2 tablespoons of orange marmalade, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the cranberries are well coated in the marmalade and the cloves are evenly distributed.
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Prepare the Pork Chops: To create pockets for the cranberry mixture, carefully cut each boneless pork chop toward the bone or to where you believe the bone would be if it were a bone-in chop. This step is crucial as it allows the filling to nestle inside the meat, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.
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Fill the Pork Chops: Using a spoon, fill each pocket of the pork chops with the cranberry mixture. Don’t be afraid to pack it in there for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Add Honey: Place the stuffed pork chops in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over each chop, which will caramelize beautifully during baking and add a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
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Bake: Bake the pork chops uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. To ensure they are fully cooked, the internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C).
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Serve: Once done, remove the pork chops from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps retain the juices, ensuring each chop is tender and flavorful.
Cooking Tips
- For a twist, consider substituting dried cranberries for fresh ones without chopping them, as the flavors will still develop beautifully during the cooking process.
- If you’re short on orange marmalade, feel free to experiment with apricot or peach preserves, as they work wonderfully in this dish as well.
Enjoy this savory and sweet dish alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. With its effortless preparation and rich flavors, this Cranberry Pork Chops recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
