Southern Pork Chops

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Southern

Southern Pork Chops feature tender pork cooked with a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for hearty family dinners and comforting Southern flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 6 pork chops
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the pork chops in a skillet.
  2. Blend together sugar, salt, pepper, melted butter, chopped onions, ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the sauce.
  3. Arrange the browned chops in a baking dish and cover with the blended sauce.
  4. Cover the dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, marinate the pork chops in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper flavor, or use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a fruitier taste. This dish also pairs well with classic Southern sides like Field Peas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Southern pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed greens or a fresh salad provides a nice balance to the meal. For a festive touch, consider pairing with Chutney-Bacon Brie as an appetizer to complement the rich flavors of the pork.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Pork Chops contains roughly 232 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1307mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

232 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 10.6g 14% DV
Carbs 29.3g 11% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 20.2g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1307.3mg 57% DV
Potassium 311.4mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 31.8mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 10.2mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 46.6mg 4% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used for added flavor and moisture. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as bone-in chops can require a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve with Southern pork chops?

Southern pork chops pair wonderfully with classic sides like collard greens or cornbread. You can also serve them with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Don't forget a refreshing drink like sweet tea to round out the Southern experience.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it, and consider warming it slightly to enhance the flavors before pouring it over the pork chops.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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