These Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops are incredibly simple to prepare and make for a truly delicious dinner, perfect for a busy weeknight family meal or for impressing guests. With only about 10 minutes of prep time, these juicy, flavorful pork chops pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, promising a memorable meal every time.
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For pork lovers, it simply doesn’t get much better than the combination of savory bacon and tender pork chops. These delectable maple bacon wrapped pork chops are poised to become your new go-to weeknight dinner, offering a dish that looks sophisticated but requires minimal effort. The sweet and smoky flavors combine to create a truly irresistible meal that everyone at your table will adore.
If you’re a fan of pork, be sure to explore some of our other favorite pork dinner recipes, including: Ground Pork Tacos, Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin, and Pulled Pork Nachos. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile and delicious meat.
Why You’ll Adore This Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops Recipe
These Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops aren’t just another dinner recipe; they’re a culinary delight that simplifies mealtime without compromising on flavor or presentation. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation in Just 10 Minutes: Despite their impressive appearance, these bacon-wrapped pork chops demand very little of your time. The hands-on prep work, including seasoning the chops, pre-cooking the bacon, and wrapping, takes a mere 10 minutes. This makes them an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want a homemade, satisfying meal without the fuss. The straightforward steps ensure a stress-free cooking experience, even for novice cooks.
- Minimal, Wholesome Ingredients for Maximum Flavor: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create an extraordinary meal. This recipe relies on a handful of simple, readily available ingredients: juicy pork chops, crispy bacon, rich maple syrup, pungent garlic, and a hint of ground mustard. Each component plays a crucial role, working in harmony to deliver a burst of flavor that’s both savory and subtly sweet. These carefully selected ingredients come together to form the perfect dinner recipe – tender, crispy, and utterly delicious.
- Incredibly Versatile, Pairing with Countless Sides: One of the greatest advantages of these maple bacon wrapped pork chops is their adaptability. They serve as a fantastic main course that complements an extensive range of side dishes, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables and comforting starches. Whether you’re craving something light or hearty, these chops fit the bill. We particularly enjoy serving them with creamy Gruyere Cheddar Mac and Cheese for ultimate indulgence, or a refreshing Roasted Pear Salad for a lighter touch. Other delightful pairings include savory Parmesan Roasted Green Beans and warm, fluffy Simple Honey Biscuits, which frequently make an appearance alongside this incredible dinner.
- A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The combination of smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup creates a flavor profile that is truly irresistible. The ground mustard and garlic add a depth of savory spice that perfectly balances the sweetness, resulting in a complex yet harmonious taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Impressive Presentation for Guests: While easy to make, these bacon-wrapped pork chops have a gourmet look that is sure to impress any dinner guest. The golden-brown bacon wrapped around a perfectly cooked chop, glistening with maple glaze, makes for a beautiful plate that suggests hours of effort, without the reality.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pork Chops
Crafting these sensational maple bacon wrapped pork chops begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Pork Chops: For this recipe, I highly recommend using boneless pork chops. They offer several advantages: they cook more evenly and quickly, and they contain more meat than bone-in varieties, making them easier to manage and more satisfying to eat. Aim for chops that are approximately 3/4 to 1 inch in thickness. This size is ideal for ensuring they cook through without drying out, while also allowing the bacon to crisp up perfectly. Thicker chops will require an adjusted cooking time, while thinner ones might overcook. The uniform shape of boneless chops also makes them perfectly suited for tightly wrapping with bacon.
- Bacon: The key to crispy bacon that adheres well to the chops is choosing the right cut. Opt for a thin or standard-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon, while delicious, tends to render fat and crisp up much slower, which can lead to it not being fully cooked by the time your pork chops are perfectly done. A thinner slice will cook in sync with the pork, delivering that desirable crispy exterior.
- Ground Mustard: This often-overlooked spice is a secret weapon in this recipe. Ground mustard provides a subtle tang and a slight peppery warmth that beautifully complements the sweetness of the maple syrup and the richness of the pork and bacon. It adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish, so I strongly advise against skipping this ingredient.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor. Its pungent notes infuse the pork with an essential savory base. If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can substitute with garlic powder, using about 1/4 teaspoon of powder for every clove of fresh garlic.
- Maple Syrup: This is where the magic happens! It’s crucial to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup or artificial maple-flavored products. Pure maple syrup offers a rich, complex sweetness with caramel undertones that artificial versions simply cannot replicate. The genuine article will yield a far superior flavor and a beautiful glaze. For an even deeper, stickier sweetness, you can sprinkle a touch of brown sugar over the chops along with the maple.
- Salt and Pepper: A foundational seasoning duo. Use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to generously season the pork chops before they are wrapped in bacon. This ensures that the pork itself is well-seasoned from the inside out. Adjust the amounts to your personal preference, keeping in mind that the bacon will also contribute some salinity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
Creating these delightful Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for tender, juicy pork wrapped in perfectly crispy, maple-glazed bacon.
- Pre-Cook the Bacon for Optimal Crispiness: For truly crispy bacon, a crucial first step is to give it a head start. Arrange the bacon strips on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave them for about 1-2 minutes. The goal is to partially cook the bacon, rendering some of its fat, without making it fully crisp. This pre-cooking ensures the bacon will reach its ideal crispiness by the time the pork chops are perfectly cooked in the oven.
- Season the Pork Chops: Generously season all sides of your pork chops with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and freshly minced garlic. Ensure an even coating to infuse every bite with flavor.
- Wrap Each Pork Chop with Bacon: Take two slices of your partially cooked bacon and tightly wrap them around each seasoned pork chop. Try to tuck the ends of the bacon underneath the pork chop as much as possible. This helps to secure the bacon during cooking and ensures it crisps up evenly. If the ends don’t quite meet, a gentle press will usually help them stay in place.
- Prepare for Baking and Glaze with Maple Syrup: Place the bacon-wrapped pork chops in a baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with oil. For an even crispier bacon on both sides and to allow excess grease to drip away, consider using a sheet pan fitted with a wire cooking rack. This setup helps prevent the bottom bacon from becoming soggy. Generously brush pure maple syrup over all sides of each pork chop, ensuring an even coating that will caramelize beautifully as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pork chops for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. While you can flip them halfway through, I often skip this step to allow the top bacon to get exceptionally crispy.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness and Rest: For an ultimate crispy finish on the bacon, carefully broil the pork chops for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this step to prevent burning. Once removed from the oven, let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful chop.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Cooked Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
- Achieving the Ideal Internal Temperature for Pork: For the juiciest and safest pork, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) – 160°F (71°C). The USDA updated its recommendations, and cooking pork to 145°F with a 3-minute rest provides a tender, slightly pink center that is incredibly flavorful. Always use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone, for the most accurate reading.
- Managing Bacon Grease for Crispy Results: As the bacon cooks, it will release fat, which can accumulate in the baking dish and make the bacon on the bottom of the pork chops less crispy. To counteract this, consider baking your pork chops on a wire rack set over a foil-lined sheet pan. This setup allows the grease to drip away, promoting crispiness on all sides. The aluminum foil beneath makes for effortless cleanup.
- Experiment with Maple Syrup Varieties: While pure maple syrup is essential, don’t hesitate to explore different types for subtle flavor variations. A darker, more robust maple syrup will offer a deeper caramel note. I recently saw a Bourbon Maple Syrup that sounds intriguing and would certainly be a hit with my husband, adding a sophisticated twist to this already fantastic dish!
- Monitor Cooking Closely to Prevent Overcooking: Pork chops can transition from perfectly tender to tough and dry remarkably quickly, especially when wrapped in bacon that also needs to cook. Keep a vigilant eye on your chops during the latter half of the baking process. When the internal temperature is just approaching 145°F (63°C), you can switch to the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the bacon. Be very careful during broiling, as sugars from the maple syrup can burn quickly. Remove the chops promptly once the bacon is golden and crispy, and allow them to rest.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Period: After removing the pork chops from the oven, let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb their juices, resulting in a significantly more tender and moist chop. Cutting into the meat too soon will cause the flavorful juices to run out, leaving you with drier pork.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Having leftovers of these delicious maple bacon wrapped pork chops is always a treat! Proper storage and reheating will ensure they taste just as good the next day.
Storage: Allow any leftover pork chops to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. These pork chops also freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For the best results, especially if you want to restore that irresistible bacon crispiness, reheating in an air fryer is highly recommended. Air fry the chops at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the bacon has regained its crisp texture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or gently warm them in the microwave, though the microwave may result in softer bacon.
Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Pork Chops
These savory-sweet bacon-wrapped pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some of our top picks to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Hearty Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic and comforting companion to pork chops. We highly recommend our crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges for a textural contrast, or for something creamier, our rich and garlicky Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes are always a hit.
- Fresh and Vibrant Salads: A simple, crisp salad can beautifully cut through the richness of the pork chops. A refreshing Spinach Salad with Mandarins adds a sweet and tangy element. For something more unique, our hearty Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad offers a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- Flavorful Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and add essential nutrients. Try our Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic Glaze and Pecans, which echo the maple notes of the pork. Classic Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are always a crowd-pleaser, or for a super simple and crispy option, my personal favorite, Air Fryer Broccoli, is quick and delicious.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, you can’t go wrong with mac and cheese. Our speedy Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a convenient choice, or indulge in the luxurious flavors of Gruyere Mac and Cheese for a truly decadent meal.
Explore More Easy Dinner Recipes:
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these pork chops, you’ll certainly enjoy these other quick and easy dinner ideas:
- One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
- Simple Baked Cashew Chicken
- Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
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Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
By:
Lorie Yarro
Lorie Yarro
Don’t be fooled, these Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops are so simple to whip up and are a juicy, delicious dinner to make for a weeknight dinner for the family or to wow your guests. Simple to prep and pair well with a number of dinner sides!
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Print
Prep Time:
10
10
Cook Time:
25
25
Total Time:
40
40
Servings:
4
4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb pork chops (3-4, boneless, 3/4 to 1 inch thick)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 T pure maple syrup
- 6-8 bacon strips, uncooked, thin or standard cut
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
For best results and crispy bacon, microwave the bacon strips for about 1-2 minutes on a paper towel-lined plate. This gives the bacon a head start if you want it extra crispy. (Note: In a 1000-watt microwave, about 7 minutes would make bacon fully crispy, so adjust accordingly to just partially cook for this recipe.)
-
Season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and minced garlic. Wrap two pieces of bacon tightly around each pork chop. Try to tuck the ends of the bacon on the underside of each pork chop if possible. If not, give it an extra press to keep it in place.
-
Place pork chops in a baking dish sprayed with oil, or for extra crispy bacon on both sides, use a wire rack on a foil-lined sheet pan. Brush the maple syrup along each of the pork chops to cover evenly. Turn the pork chops over to get both sides. Re-set the pork chops evenly and place in the oven.
-
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). (145°F – 160°F is ideal for pork.) You can flip halfway through if desired, but I often don’t to allow the top bacon to get really crispy.
-
Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness on the bacon. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Remove from oven and allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) – 160°F (71°C). This is an update from previous suggestions. Please allow your pork chops to cook to your desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- As the pork chops cook, bacon grease will be released. This can make the bacon on the bottom of the pork chops a bit soft. To avoid this, cook the pork chops on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow the grease to drip away. If using a wire rack, lining the baking sheet below with aluminum foil will make cleanup much easier!
- You can vary your maple syrup to enhance the flavor of these pork chops. Experiment with different grades of pure maple syrup, or even flavored varieties. A Bourbon Maple Syrup, for instance, would add a wonderful depth and complexity.
- Keep a close eye on your pork chops in the second half of cooking. You do not want to overcook these bacon-wrapped chops, as pork can go from perfectly cooked to dry and tough quite quickly. Monitor the internal temperature, and when the meat is just at 145°F (63°C), consider switching to broil to crisp the bacon, but don’t over-broil.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 432 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 41g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 136mg
Sodium: 301mg
Potassium: 722mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 26mg
Iron: 1mg
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