Balsamic Pork Chops

Some recipes just earn their place in the regular rotation—and these Balsamic Pork Chops are one of them.

Homemade Balsamic Pork Chops: A Simple, Flavorful Favorite

They’re a true family favorite around here: just six ingredients, one trusty cast iron skillet, and a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table with eager forks.

We raise our own pork on the homestead, so I’m always looking for ways to highlight its natural flavor. This recipe does just that, with a quick sear and a balsamic-honey glaze that clings to each chop like magic. Whether you’re feeding your crew on a busy Tuesday or hosting friends on the weekend, these Balsamic Pork Chops are a go-to you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

By the way, I usually double this recipe in order to have plenty for my family of five, plus a bit leftover.  

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bone-in pork chops – Pasture-raised is best, and if you’ve got access to local pork, even better. Bone-in adds flavor and helps keep the chops juicy.
• Oil or fat of choice – I reach for avocado oil most days, but coconut oil works well too. You want something that can handle high heat.
• Salt and pepper – The basics, but don’t underestimate them. They lay the foundation for flavor.
• Italian Seasoning – Adds a savory, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the balsamic glaze.
• Balsamic vinegar – The star of the glaze. Go for a good-quality vinegar with depth and richness.
• Honey – Raw and local is best. It balances the tang of the vinegar and helps the glaze thicken just right.

How to Make Balsamic Pork Chops

Start by letting your pork chops air dry a bit—this helps them sear better. Season one side with salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning. Heat your cast iron skillet over high heat and add your oil or fat. Once it’s good and hot, place the chops seasoned side down in the skillet. While that side cooks, season the other side.

Let them cook a few minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and smell amazing. Transfer the chops to a dish and cover loosely with foil or a towel to keep warm.

Now for the glaze: add balsamic vinegar and honey to the hot skillet. Let it bubble and reduce slightly—just a few minutes. Then return the pork chops to the pan and cook briefly on each side, letting them soak up that delicious glaze.

Serve hot, with your favorite veggie sides. See ideas below.  I especially love pairing these with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Red Onions in the fall. The sweetness and warmth of that combo plays so well with the tangy glaze on the Balsamic Pork Chops.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or welcoming guests to your table, these Balsamic Pork Chops bring comfort, flavor, and just the right touch of homestead charm. Let me know how they turn out for you—and what sides you love to serve alongside them.

Side Dish Ideas

A few favorites, pictured above, from left to right:

1. Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad
2. Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cornbread
3. Home-Canned Green Beans
4. Savory Oven Roasted Potato Wedges
5. Creamy Paleo Broccoli Slaw
6. Charred Broccoli with Garlic
7. Creamy Gluten Free Pasta Salad with Veggies
8. Perfect Baked Potatoes
9. Paleo Classic Potato Salad
10. Maple Glazed Kale with Red Onion
11. Honey-Sweetened Apple Slaw
12. Coconut Oil Roasted Sweet Potatoes
13. Potato Zucchini Skillet Hash (not pictured)

Balsamic Pork Chops

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• Author: Kathleen | Roots & Boots
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Balsamic Pork Chops are a homestead favorite—quick to make, full of flavor, and finished with a tangy-sweet glaze. Just six ingredients and a cast iron skillet turn simple pork chops into a weeknight dinner that’s also guest-worthy.  I always double the recipe for my family of 5 in order to have a few chops leftover.

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Ingredients

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• 4 pork chops, bone-in
• cooking oil or fat of choice
• unrefined sea salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• Italian Seasoning, to taste
• 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

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Instructions

1. Start by letting your pork chops air dry a bit, or pat dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear better.
2. Season one side with salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning.
3. Heat your cast iron skillet over high heat and add your oil or fat. Once it’s good and hot, place the chops seasoned side down in the skillet. While that side cooks, season the other side.
4. Let them cook a few minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and smell amazing.
5. Transfer the chops to a dish and cover loosely with foil or a towel to keep warm.
6. Add balsamic vinegar and honey to the hot skillet. Let it bubble and reduce slightly—just a few minutes.
7. Then return the pork chops to the pan and cook briefly on each side, letting them soak up that delicious glaze.
8. Serve hot, with your favorite veggie sides.  (I recommend Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Red Onion.) Be sure to drizzle extra glaze over the plated pork chops!

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Notes

Use code KEEPITREAL for 15% off your order of my favorite unrefined sea salt, including this tasty organic season salt, and no-junk electrolytes.