Baked Pineapple Pork Chops with Sweet & Savory Glaze

These Baked Pineapple Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and covered in a delicious sweet-and-savory glaze. Tangy pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic come together to create a flavorful dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops, about ¾–1 inch thick
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings or chunks, drained
• ½ cup pineapple juice, reserved from the can
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Chopped parsley or green onions, optional

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with paprika and black pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the pork chops for approximately 2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned.

Transfer them to the prepared baking dish if you’re not using the skillet for baking.

3. Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground ginger

Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble

Arrange the pineapple rings or chunks around and on top of the pork chops.

Pour the glaze evenly over the pork.

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.

5. Bake

Bake for approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork chops.

Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes so the glaze can caramelize.

Cook until the thickest part of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).

6. Thicken the Glaze

For a thicker, glossy sauce, carefully pour the pan juices into a small saucepan.

Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.

Whisk it into the simmering juices and cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened.

Drizzle the sauce over the pork chops.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the pork chops rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

What to Serve With It

These pineapple pork chops pair perfectly with:

• Steamed white rice
• Coconut rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Simple garden salad

Tips for Juicy Pork Chops

Don’t overbake: Pork chops can become dry if cooked far beyond 145°F.

Use thicker chops: They tend to stay juicier during baking.

Reserve the pineapple juice: It adds natural sweetness and acidity to the glaze.

Don’t add too much salt: Soy sauce already provides plenty of seasoning.

Let them rest: A short resting period helps the juices redistribute.

Easy Variations

Spicy Pineapple Pork

Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the glaze.

Honey Pineapple

Replace half of the brown sugar with honey.

Teriyaki Style

Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil and a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.

Extra Caramelized

Brush additional glaze over the pork during the final 5 minutes and broil briefly until bubbling and golden.

Juicy pork chops, caramelized pineapple, and a glossy sweet-and-savory glaze make this an easy family dinner that’s bursting with tropical flavor.