Description
Juicy, caramelized pork chops with a sweet and smoky crust, baked to perfection in under 30 minutes for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, center-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture generously over both sides of the chops, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange chops on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Patting the chops dry is crucial for browning. Watch the sugar closely as it can burn; if edges get too dark, cover loosely with foil. Letting the meat rest ensures juiciness. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop per serv
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 30
Keywords: pork chops, brown sugar, baked pork, weeknight dinner, budget meals, easy recipes, family dinner, gluten-free