Grilled Norse-Spiced Pork Chops with Apple-Cranberry Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pork chops marinated with Nordic-inspired spices, grilled to perfection, and finished with a tangy apple-cranberry glaze evoking flavors from the Norse realms. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs (1 inch thick) bone-in pork chops, ground allspice, ground juniper berries for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground juniper berries, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick).
  2. Step 2: Brush the pork chops with 2 tbsp olive oil and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup cranberry sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 2 tbsp water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork chops from the grill and brush generously with the warm apple-cranberry glaze before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Norse-Spiced Pork Chops with Apple-Cranberry Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Norse-Spiced Pork Chops with Apple-Cranberry Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground allspice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Norse-Spiced Pork Chops with Apple-Cranberry Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Norse-Spiced Pork Chops with Apple-Cranberry Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Norse-Spiced Pork Chops with Apple-Cranberry Glaze?

Mediterranean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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