Honey Mustard Pretzel Pork Chops Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 3 cups honey mustard pretzels, such as Dots Honey Mustard pretzels
• 4 center-cut, bone-in pork chops
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and set it aside.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce.
3. Crush the pretzels in a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them. Transfer the crushed pretzels to another shallow dish.
4. Season the pork chops evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
5. Coat each pork chop in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then coat them generously with the pretzel crumbs.
6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork chops in batches (2 at a time) until they are golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the browned pork chops to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the center is no longer pink. An instant-read thermometer should read 145F (63C) when inserted into the center.
9. While the pork chops are baking, combine the mustard, mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, and the remaining salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
10. Microwave the mustard sauce for 15 seconds, stir, and then serve with the baked pork chops.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	358
Total Fat	17g (22%)
Saturated Fat	4g (18%)
Cholesterol	127mg (42%)
Sodium	927mg (40%)
Total Carbohydrate	34g (13%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (5%)
Total Sugars	9g
Protein	17g (33%)
Vitamin C	1mg (2%)
Calcium	39mg (3%)
Iron	2mg (13%)
Potassium	272mg (6%)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. The actual amount of breading consumed may vary, as the nutrition data includes the full amount of breading ingredients.

History and Origin of Honey Mustard Pretzel Pork Chops

The combination of honey, mustard, and pork has long been a staple in American kitchens, tracing back to early 20th-century recipes that sought to balance sweet and tangy flavors with savory meats. Pretzels as a coating are a more modern twist, popularized in the late 1990s in the United States, especially in regions where snack culture influenced home cooking. This particular dish represents a fusion of traditional pork preparation with inventive, crunchy textures inspired by snack foods.

Regional Characteristics

Honey Mustard Pretzel Pork Chops are most closely associated with Midwestern and Southern American cuisine, where hearty pork dishes are prevalent. In these regions, incorporating sweet and savory glazes, often including honey or brown sugar, is common. The use of pretzels as a crust adds a distinctly Midwestern touch, reflecting the popularity of pretzels in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. Variations can include different pretzel flavors or localized honey, giving each version a unique regional identity.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic breaded pork chops, which typically use breadcrumbs or panko, the pretzel crust introduces a slightly sweet and salty crunch. Traditional honey mustard pork chops usually involve a glaze or sauce but rarely feature a baked crust. This dish stands out because the pretzel coating creates a contrast of texturescrispy exterior with tender, juicy meat insidewhile the honey mustard sauce enhances both sweetness and acidity, elevating the flavor profile beyond standard pork chop recipes.

Common Serving Occasions

Honey Mustard Pretzel Pork Chops are frequently served as a main course for family dinners, casual gatherings, or weekend meals. They pair well with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Some restaurants and gastropubs also feature them as part of a comfort food menu, highlighting the dishs balance of innovative presentation and approachable flavors.

Interesting Facts

• The pretzel coating not only adds flavor but also helps retain moisture in the pork chops during baking.
• The honey mustard sauce can be customized with various mustards, such as Dijon or whole grain, to achieve different levels of tanginess.
• This recipe is particularly kid-friendly because the crunchy crust makes eating pork chops fun and interactive.
• The dish reflects a broader trend of using snack foods creatively in home cooking, turning everyday ingredients into gourmet-style meals.
• While pork is the star, this technique has been successfully adapted to chicken and even fish, demonstrating its versatility.

FAQ about Honey Mustard Pretzel Pork Chops Recipe

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