Zesty Maple Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Maple-glazed pork chops create a delightful symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your plate.

Tender cuts of meat nestle perfectly alongside caramelized butternut squash for a comforting autumn meal.

Seasonal ingredients blend beautifully in this straightforward recipe that feels both elegant and rustic.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components transform into something extraordinary through careful preparation.

Warm spices complement the natural sweetness of maple, making each bite a memorable experience.

Bold yet balanced, this dish promises to become a fast favorite at your dinner table.

Jump in and savor every delicious moment of culinary creativity waiting to unfold.

Top Reasons To Love Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash

• Create Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet maple glaze with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a remarkable taste journey that dances across your palate.
• Master One-Pan Cooking: Streamline meal preparation by roasting squash and cooking pork chops simultaneously, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing efficiency for busy home cooks.
• Celebrate Nutritious Comfort: Blend protein-rich pork with vitamin-packed butternut squash, crafting a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients for wellness.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that impresses family and guests without requiring advanced culinary skills or complicated techniques.

What’s Inside Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that provides a delightful autumnal base for the dish.
• Pork Chops: Tender, juicy meat that serves as the protein centerpiece of the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that enhance the natural flavors of the pork and squash.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the roasted butternut squash.

• Maple Syrup, Dijon Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar, Soy Sauce: A combination that creates a tangy, sweet, and umami-rich glaze for the pork chops.
• Olive Oil, Minced Garlic: Ingredients that provide moisture, flavor, and help with caramelization.

• Fresh Parsley, Chopped Pecans: Bright herb and crunchy nuts that add freshness and texture to the final dish.

Making Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash At Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 425°F to create the perfect roasting environment for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Chop The Squash

Slice the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes, making sure each piece is roughly the same size for even cooking magic.

Step 3: Season The Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Black pepper

Coat every single cube so they’re bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Spread And Roast

Lay out the seasoned squash on a baking sheet, giving each piece some breathing room to get those crispy, golden edges.

Step 5: Roast To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Give the squash a quick stir halfway through to ensure an even golden-brown tan.

Step 6: Prep The Pork Chops

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Make sure they’re well-coated and ready to sizzle.

Step 7: Whip Up The Glaze

• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic

Stir until you’ve got a tangy, sweet sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 8: Sear The Pork Chops

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 9: Glaze It Up

Brush the pork chops with half the prepared glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. Watch those sugars caramelize and create a mouthwatering coating.

Step 10: Finish In The Oven

Transfer the seared pork chops to the oven alongside the squash. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature hits 145°F.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Pull everything out of the oven. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes to lock in all those delicious juices.

Step 12: Final Touches

Drizzle the remaining glaze over the pork chops. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a handful of chopped pecans if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 13: Serve And Enjoy

Plate up the pork chops next to the roasted butternut squash. Dive into a meal that’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible.

Tips To Make Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash Better

• Slice Squash Uniformly: Cut butternut squash into equal-sized cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization on every piece.
• Layer Baking Sheet Strategically: Spread squash cubes with enough space between them, preventing steaming and ensuring crispy, golden-brown edges.
• Control Meat Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check pork chops reach exactly 145°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy tenderness.
• Balance Glaze Application: Brush glaze gradually during cooking to create a beautiful caramelized exterior without burning the sugars.
• Rest Meat Properly: Allow pork chops to rest 5 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute and ensuring a more flavorful, succulent bite.

Tasty Styles Of Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash

• Vegan Veggie Swap: Replace pork chops with marinated tofu steaks, using the same glaze and roasting method for a plant-based alternative that delivers rich, caramelized flavors.
• Herb-Crusted Variation: Coat pork chops with a mixture of dried thyme, rosemary, and breadcrumbs before searing and roasting to add a crispy, herbal dimension to the dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute butternut squash with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne to the glaze and seasoning for a bold, southwestern-inspired flavor profile that brings heat and depth.

Best Sides For Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash

• Pair Maple-Glazed Harmony: Crisp apple cider complements the sweet and tangy maple glaze, cutting through the richness of the pork chops.
• Enhance Flavor Symphony: Aged chardonnay balances the dish's caramelized notes, with its buttery undertones matching the roasted butternut squash's creamy texture.
• Create Rustic Comfort: Serve with a wild rice pilaf to absorb the flavorful glaze and provide a hearty, nutty counterpoint to the tender pork and caramelized squash.
• Elevate Herbal Freshness: Add a simple arugula salad with toasted pecans and light champagne vinaigrette, offering a peppery and bright contrast to the warm, sweet main course.

How To Store Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash Right

• Store cooled pork chops and butternut squash in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn; will last up to 3 months.
• Warm gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, for 10-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Revive roasted butternut squash in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to restore crispy edges and prevent burning.

Questions People Ask About Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash

• What makes the maple glaze special?

The glaze combines maple syrup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or delicata squash. These alternatives have similar textures and will roast beautifully with the same spices.

• How do I know when the pork chops are perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork chops are done when they reach 145°F, which ensures they’re juicy and safe to eat without being overdone.

Maple Glazed Pork Chops With Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple-glazed pork chops create a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your plate. Roasted butternut squash provides a hearty companion, delivering warmth and richness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Pork Chops:

• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Roasted Butternut Squash:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the butternut squash and preparing for the pork chops.
2. Cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking and caramelization.
3. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, coating each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Spread seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer, allowing space between pieces to promote crispy edges and even roasting.
5. Place squash in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure golden-brown caramelization.
6. While squash roasts, season pork chops generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
7. Whisk together maple syrup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
8. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
9. Brush pork chops with half the prepared glaze during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the sugars to caramelize.
10. Transfer seared pork chops to the oven alongside the squash, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
11. Remove both pork chops and squash from the oven, letting pork rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
12. Drizzle remaining glaze over pork chops and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and optional chopped pecans.
13. Serve pork chops alongside the roasted butternut squash, creating a harmonious plate of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.

Notes

• Perfectly balance the sweet maple glaze by adjusting its thickness with a splash of water if it becomes too sticky during cooking.
• Swap pork chops with chicken breasts or tofu for a versatile protein option that maintains the same delicious glazing technique.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches the exact 145°F for juicy, perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
• Enhance the roasted squash’s flavor by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle heat kick that complements the sweet glaze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg