Grilled Apple Cider Pork Chops Recipe

Transform your ordinary pork chops into a gourmet feast with our Grilled Apple Cider Pork Chops recipe. Tender, marinated pork is grilled to perfection and then adorned with a luscious apple cider glaze, while caramelized apple slices add a sweet, fruity twist that elevates this dish to a new level of culinary delight.

Grilled Apple Cider Pork Chops Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grilled Apples:
- 2 apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into rings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork Chops:
- In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, combine the apple cider, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pork chops to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to let the flavors meld.

2. Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze thickens. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Grill the Pork Chops:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even grilling.
- Place the pork chops on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chops.

4. Grill the Apples:
- While the pork chops are grilling, brush the apple slices with olive oil and sprinkle them with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Grill the apple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly caramelized and have grill marks.

5. Glaze the Pork Chops:
- Brush the cooked pork chops generously with the apple cider glaze during the last 2 minutes of grilling, turning them once and applying more glaze.

6. Serve:
- Remove the pork chops and grilled apple slices from the grill.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
- Serve the grilled apple cider pork chops with the caramelized apple slices on top and drizzle with any remaining glaze.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Apple Cider Pork Chops! Serve them with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, for a complete meal.