Smoked Pork Chop with Heirloom Tomato Relish

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

Juicy house-smoked pork chops glazed with a tangy heirloom tomato relish, served over a bed of sautéed local greens. This southern comfort-inspired quick meals ready in about 60 minutes pairs pork chops, heirloom tomatoes, red onion 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Southern Comfort cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp thyme. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a separate pan, sauté garlic and onion for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and remaining herbs. Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Pour relish over pork chops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until pork is tender and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Pork Chop with Heirloom Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Smoked Pork Chop with Heirloom Tomato Relish?

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 pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Pork Chop with Heirloom Tomato Relish?

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 Smoked Pork Chop with Heirloom Tomato Relish 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 Smoked Pork Chop with Heirloom Tomato Relish?

Southern Comfort quick meals 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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