Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A Sweet and Savory Comfort Meal

These Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and indulgent comfort food. Juicy, seared pork chops are smothered in a rich, sticky glaze made from maple syrup and bourbon, while creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide the ultimate cozy side. This recipe is ideal for a special family dinner or an impressive yet easy-to-make meal for guests.

Ingredients:

For the Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• ½ cup whole milk (warm)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the garlic mashed potatoes:
   • In a large pot, add cubed potatoes and garlic cloves, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
   • Drain and return potatoes and garlic to the pot.
   • Add warm milk and butter; mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
2. Cook the pork chops:
   • Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the maple bourbon glaze:
   • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
   • Carefully add bourbon (it may flame slightly), and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off.
   • Stir in maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Finish the pork chops:
   • Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon glaze over the top, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Serve:
   • Plate the pork chops with a generous drizzle of glaze, alongside the garlic mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh thyme and chives or parsley if desired.

Preparation Time:
15 minutes

Cooking Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Serving Size:
1 pork chop with mashed potatoes per person

Yield:
4 servings

Cuisine:
American

Course:
Main Course

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 610
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 38g