Grilled Pork Chops with Maple-Cranberry Glaze
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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These grilled pork chops with maple-cranberry glaze offer a sophisticated balance of smoky heat and bright fruitiness. The dish begins with a complex dry rub featuring smoked paprika and chipotle, which creates a savoury crust on the meat. This is beautifully offset by a glossy, vibrant glaze made from pure maple syrup, tart cranberry, and a hint of orange liqueur. It is a fantastic choice for those seeking a dairy-free main course that does not compromise on bold, festive flavours.
Perfect for weekend entertaining or an elevated midweek meal, this recipe works equally well on an outdoor barbecue or a cast-iron griddle pan. The pork rib chops remain tender and juicy under the caramelised coating, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Serve these chops alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp seasonal salad for a complete, balanced dinner that feels truly special.
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Ingredients for Grilled Pork Chops with Maple-Cranberry Glaze
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon hot smoked paprika (Pimentón de la Vera)*
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
2 teaspoons celery salt
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground chipotle chilli powder or ancho chilli powder
180ml jellied cranberry sauce (about half of one 450g can)
120ml pure maple syrup
60ml cran-raspberry juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon triple sec or other orange liqueur
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
8 3/4-inch-thick centre-cut pork rib chops
How to make Grilled Pork Chops with Maple-Cranberry Glaze
Mix all ingredients in small bowl.
Mix first 8 ingredients in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, whisking until smooth. Cool to room temperature.
Do ahead: Spice rub and glaze can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and store spice rub at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate glaze. Rewarm glaze just until pourable before using.
Spray grill rack with nonstick spray and prepare barbecue (medium heat). Sprinkle spice rub generously over both sides of pork chops (about 1/2 tablespoons per side), pressing to adhere. Place pork chops on grill, cover, and cook 5 minutes per side. Brush generously with glaze. Move to cooler part of grill and continue to grill, uncovered, until cooked through, brushing frequently with glaze, about 3 minutes longer per side.
*Available at specialty foods stores and from tienda.com.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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