Cider Brined Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe

Name: Cider Brined Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 bone-in, or boneless pork chops, about 2 pounds total; 4 cups apple cider; 2 cups oatmeal stout or other dark beer; 1/2 cup kosher salt; 1/2 cup raw sugar; 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder; 2 cups apple cider; 1 1/2 apples (Pink Lady, Honey Crisps, or Cameo) cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick, grilled, about 1 minute each side, and diced; 1 tablespoon mesquite honey; 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 pound white cane sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 pound whole pecans; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon red chili powder

Try this homemade Cider Brined Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops recipe the whole family will love. Made with pork chops, apple cider, stout and kosher salt. E…

This Cider Brined Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as apple cider, kosher salt, raw sugar and chipotle chili powder. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 1513 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Meat & Poultry

Servings: persons

3 bone-in, or boneless pork chops, about 2 pounds total
4 cups apple cider
2 cups oatmeal stout or other dark beer
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup raw sugar
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
2 cups apple cider
1 1/2 apples (Pink Lady, Honey Crisps, or Cameo) cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick, grilled, about 1 minute each side, and diced
1 tablespoon mesquite honey
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 pound white cane sugar
1/4 cup water
1 pound whole pecans
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon red chili powder

1
Red Chili Caramelized Pecans, recipe follows
2
For the brine:
3
Combine all ingredients in a large container with a tight fitting lid.
4
Take the pork chops and insert a fillet knife into the side of each pork chop.
5
Create a 2-inch slice along the side moving your knife along the inside of the chop creating a pocket.
6
Be careful not to pierce the outer sides of the chop.
7
Place the pork chops in the brine for anywhere from 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
8
For the reduction:
9
Add the cider to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
10
Cook the cider, skimming off any scum that comes to the surface, until is becomes syrupy and is reduced to about 1/4 cup.
11
For the stuffing:
12
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
13
Preheat grill to high.
14
Remove the pork chops from the brine, rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
15
Stuff the cavity with the apples and grill for about 10 minutes on each side.
16
Remove from grill to a serving platter and let rest for about 10 minutes.
17
Brush with the cider reduction, sprinkle with the chopped caramelized pecans and enjoy!
18
A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe.
19
The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.
20
Red Chili Caramelized Pecans:
21
In a heavy-bottomed pot, cook the sugar and water until the temperature reaches 275 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
22
Add the pecans and stir to coat with the sugar.
23
Once the sugar begins to caramelize add the vanilla extract and stir gently but constantly until fully caramelized.
24
Pour onto a silpat lined baking sheet to let cool, then sprinkle with the red chili powder.
25
* Cook's Note: Working with cooked sugar is dangerous and should be approached with extreme caution.

1513

kcal

Calories

Fat

158

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 bone-in, or boneless pork chops, about 2 pounds total, 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups oatmeal stout or other dark beer, 1/2 cup kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Cider Brined Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Quick Info

Servings
4 servings
Calories
1513 kcal
Category
Meat & Poultry

Eats Now Editorial Team

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