🍖 Crispy Brown Sugar–Garlic Baked Pork Chops

🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Pork:

• 6 bone-in pork chops (1–1.5 inches thick)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

For the Sweet Glaze:

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• 3 tbsp honey

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• Optional: pinch cayenne (for mild heat)

Optional Crispy Topping (like in image):

• ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan

• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Pork

1. Remove pork chops from fridge 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Pat completely dry with paper towels (this ensures a crispy surface).

3. Rub with olive oil.

4. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

5. Coat both sides of pork evenly with seasoning.

2️⃣ Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Brown sugar

• Honey

• Garlic

• Dijon

• Soy sauce

• Vinegar

• Melted butter

• Cayenne (if using)

Set aside.

3️⃣ Sear for Maximum Flavor (Highly Recommended)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high.

3. Sear pork chops 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Transfer to baking dish if not using oven-safe pan.

This step locks in juices and creates that deep color you see in the image.

4️⃣ Bake & Glaze

1. Brush each chop generously with glaze.

2. Spoon some glaze into the pan so it caramelizes around the meat.

3. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes (depending on thickness).

4. Internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).

5️⃣ Add Crispy Topping (Optional but Recommended)

1. Mix breadcrumbs + Parmesan + oil.

2. Sprinkle over chops during last 5 minutes.

3. Switch oven to broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze and crisp the top.

   • Watch carefully to avoid burning!

6️⃣ Rest

Remove from oven.
Let rest 5–10 minutes so juices redistribute.

🍽 What Makes It Look Like the Image

• Bone-in chops (more flavor)

• Brown sugar glaze caramelized under broiler

• Juices pooling in pan

• Slight breadcrumb crust

• High heat finish

🧠 Pro Tips

• Thicker chops = juicier results.

• Don’t skip resting time.

• For extra sticky glaze, reduce leftover glaze in a saucepan and spoon over before serving.

• If glaze gets too dark, tent lightly with foil.

🥔 Serve With:

• Roasted potatoes

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Green beans

• Buttery corn

• Coleslaw