Traeger Brown Sugar Pork Chops combine sweet and smoky flavors in a single, satisfying dish. Bone-in pork chops are seasoned, seared, and finished with a glossy brown sugar sauce made with butter, garlic, cream, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Cooking on a pellet grill adds a subtle wood-fired smoke that lifts the sauce and enhances the meat’s natural flavor.
Brown Sugar Pork Chops
This brown sugar pork chop recipe elevates a classic cut with a caramelized, savory-sweet sauce. The sauce, built from brown sugar, garlic, butter, heavy cream, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, balances richness and brightness. Simple seasoning—seasoned salt and black pepper—lets the pork shine while the sauce adds depth.
You don’t need a pellet grill to enjoy these chops. If you don’t have a smoker, you can sear the chops in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stovetop and finish them in the oven. Follow the same approximate temperatures and watch the internal temperature for best results.
Note: Always cook to internal temperature rather than relying solely on time. Times below are estimates; use an instant-read thermometer for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Savory meets sweet: The brown sugar sauce caramelizes and complements the pork without overwhelming it.
- Smoky undertones: A pellet grill adds subtle smoke that deepens flavor; stovetop and oven alternatives are also excellent.
- Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners, family meals, or a simple impressive dish for guests.
- Easy to prepare: Few ingredients and a straightforward technique deliver gourmet results.
Explore more Traeger recipes and grilling ideas in the recipe card below and in the recipe index on this site.
Recipe Shopping List
Below are the ingredients you’ll want on hand. Exact amounts are shown in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Pork chops (bone-in)
- Seasoned salt
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Crushed garlic
- Heavy cream
- Apple cider vinegar
- Black pepper
- Chopped green onion
How To Make This Recipe
Here’s a concise overview of the cooking process. For complete ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 375°F. Lightly brush the pork chops with olive oil and season with seasoned salt and black pepper.
- Initial sear: Place the chops directly on the grill grates and sear about 5 minutes per side to develop a nice crust.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in brown sugar, crushed garlic, heavy cream, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Simmer briefly until sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
- Finish with sauce: Transfer seared chops to a grill-safe skillet, pour the brown sugar sauce over them, then lower the grill temperature to 300°F. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F.
- Rest and serve: Let the chops rest 8–10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe FAQ
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes. Reheat gently in a low oven, air fryer, or on the stovetop over low heat to retain moisture. Avoid high heat that will overcook the meat.
You can season the chops and make the sauce ahead of time, but for best texture and flavor, sear and finish the chops just before serving.
Serve This With
- Green salad with a bright vinaigrette
- Grilled asparagus or other seasonal vegetables
- Buttery grilled garlic bread
- Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
More Pork Chop Recipes
- Blackstone-style pork chops
- Grilled marinated pork chops
- Stuffed pork chops (Traeger-style)
- Bacon-wrapped pork chops with rosemary
- Breaded pork chops
- Smoked pork chops
- Pork chops with Dijon cream sauce
- Blackened pork chops
- Simple Traeger grilled pork chops
Traeger Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Sweet and savory pork chops cooked on the Traeger and finished in a skillet with a luscious brown sugar sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in pork chops
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the pork chops with olive oil and season both sides with seasoned salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chops directly on the grill grates for about 5 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
- While the chops sear, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the brown sugar, crushed garlic, heavy cream, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
- Place the seared pork chops into a cast-iron pan or other grill-safe skillet in a single layer and pour the brown sugar sauce evenly over them.
- Reduce the grill temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue cooking the chops in the skillet for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C).
- Remove from the grill and let the chops rest for 8–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onion.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 366 • Total Fat: 23g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Trans Fat: 0.4g • Unsaturated Fat: 11g • Cholesterol: 130mg • Sodium: 330mg • Carbohydrates: 5g • Fiber: 0.1g • Sugar: 4g • Protein: 33g