Thank you so much for stopping by—it means the world to me! If you’re here, chances are you’re craving something hearty, flavor-packed, and comforting. Well, let me introduce you to a dish that’s all of that and more: Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops. This recipe is a weeknight wonder and a dinner-table favorite—juicy pork chops baked in a savory-sweet glaze of brown sugar, garlic, and spices that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit smoky, and a whole lot of delicious.
Right after the H1, let me say it again—Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops are the simple, satisfying dinner you’ve been searching for. Whether it’s your first time cooking chops or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe is a keeper.
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What Are Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops?
These pork chops are oven-baked to tender perfection, smothered in a glaze made from brown sugar, garlic, paprika, and a few pantry spices. The result is a sticky, golden crust that locks in the juices and gives each bite that sweet-savory balance we all love.
No need for marinating or stovetop searing—just mix, brush, and bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick prep – just 10 minutes of hands-on time
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One-pan magic – easy clean-up and no fuss
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Versatile – serve with rice, potatoes, veggies—you name it
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Flavor-packed – sweet, smoky, savory… every bite is bold
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Family-approved – even the picky eaters come back for seconds!
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine tender pork chops with caramelized edges and a glaze that’s garlicky, sweet, and a touch smoky from the paprika. The brown sugar melts into a syrupy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich without being heavy, and the balance of sweet and savory is absolute perfection.
Benefits of This Recipe
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Great for weeknights or Sunday dinners
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Uses simple pantry staples
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Budget-friendly and filling
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Can be scaled easily for a crowd or meal prep
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Perfect base for adding your own twist
Ingredients
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4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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3 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp onion powder
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Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Tools You’ll Need
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Baking dish or sheet pan
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Small mixing bowl
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Basting brush or spoon
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Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
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Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
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Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor (add 5–10 minutes bake time)
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Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup if desired
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Add Dijon mustard or soy sauce for extra depth
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Top with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a pop of color
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Use smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick
How to Make Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or pan with foil for easy clean-up.
Step 2: Mix the glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder to form a thick paste.
Step 3: Season the pork chops
Place the pork chops in your prepared baking dish. Brush or spoon the brown sugar glaze over each chop, coating both sides generously.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you want more caramelization, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning!
Step 5: Rest and serve
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops
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Roasted green beans, carrots, or broccoli
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Cornbread or warm dinner rolls
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Fresh apple slaw or a simple side salad
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Baked sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory combo
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
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Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out.
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Thicker chops = juicier result – aim for at least 1-inch thick.
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Let them rest before serving – this helps retain juices.
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Customize your glaze – a touch of mustard, soy, or hot sauce can add fun flavor twists.
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Broil for 2–3 minutes for that gorgeous golden top!
Storage Instructions
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
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Freeze: Freeze cooked chops (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
General Info
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chops?
Yes! Just increase the bake time by about 5–10 minutes depending on thickness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep the glaze and coat the chops ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use pork tenderloin instead?
You can! Just adjust the bake time depending on the size—tenderloin cooks quickly.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness, or mix white sugar with a little molasses.
Conclusion
Simple, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying—Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops are a sweet-and-savory weeknight hero. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you’ll have a comforting, flavorful dish on the table in no time. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this is one of those recipes that feels like home.
So grab your baking dish, preheat the oven, and let’s make dinner something to really look forward to tonight.
More Savory Comfort Recipes
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Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs
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Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Let’s Keep Cooking Together!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review below, pin your photos to Pinterest, and tag me on Instagram @mmmrecipesblog so I can see your delicious creations.
Nutritional Information (per pork chop, approx.)
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Calories: 320
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Fat: 15g
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Carbs: 12g
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Sugar: 10g
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Protein: 30g
Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Baked Pork Chops are the simple, satisfying dinner you’ve been searching for. Juicy chops baked in a savory-sweet glaze that caramelizes to perfection—this recipe is a keeper for weeknights and comfort cravings alike.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or pan with foil for easy clean-up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder to form a thick paste.
- Place the pork chops in your prepared baking dish. Brush or spoon the brown sugar glaze over each chop, coating both sides generously.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Broil the last 2–3 minutes if desired for more caramelization.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Broil briefly at the end for a golden finish. Try bone-in chops for extra flavor—just bake a bit longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: pork chops, brown sugar, baked, weeknight dinner, comfort food