Smoked Maple Pork Chops

Name: Smoked Maple Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chops bone-in pork chops (1.5 inch thick); 4 cups water; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 3 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black peppercorns; 3 garlic cloves (crushed); 2 bay leaves; 3 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tbsp butter

110 min 4 servings easy

All Recipes

Smoked Maple Pork Chops

Thick-cut pork chops, brined in maple, smoked until juicy, and finished with a caramelized maple glaze.

Prep

15 min

Cook

90 min

Total

110 min

Servings

Difficulty

easy

These pork chops spend time in a maple brine that keeps them impossibly juicy through the smoking process. The final glaze adds a sweet, sticky crust that shatters with each bite.

Ingredients

Servings

Pork Chops

Maple Brine

Rub & Glaze

Instructions

Brine the chops

Combine brine ingredients, stirring until salt dissolves. Submerge pork chops and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.

Season

Remove chops from brine, pat dry thoroughly. Season with paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.

Smoke

Smoke at 225°F with maple or apple wood for 60-75 minutes until internal temperature reaches 135°F.

Glaze and sear

Mix maple syrup and melted butter. Brush chops and sear over direct high heat for 2 minutes per side until internal temp hits 145°F and glaze is caramelized.

Rest and serve

Rest for 5 minutes. The juices will redistribute for a perfectly moist chop.

Serving Suggestions

Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The brine ensures they stay juicy even if slightly overcooked — perfect for beginners.