This exquisite recipe features La Maison Maille’s Limited Edition Rosemary Honey Mustard, a product graciously provided for sampling. All culinary opinions expressed are authentically my own.

Savoring Summer: Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops with Bing Cherry Sauce

Perfectly grilled pork chops with a vibrant cherry sauce, ready for your summer table.

As the long days of summer unfold, signaling opportunities for outdoor gatherings and relaxed meals, my thoughts invariably turn to the grill. There’s an undeniable charm in preparing food over an open flame – the inviting aromas, the satisfying sizzle, and the simple joy of sharing delicious dishes with loved ones under the sun. Reflecting on the multitude of recipes I’ve shared on Striped Spatula over the years, one ingredient consistently stands out as a true kitchen hero, especially when crafting vibrant summer fare: Dijon mustard.

This versatile condiment is a staple I reach for almost instinctively. Whether it’s lending a zesty kick to a fresh vinaigrette, deepening the flavor of a savory spread, forming the rich base for a tenderloin sauce, or providing a robust foundation for braised chicken, Dijon mustard is far more than just a spread. It’s a culinary cornerstone, consistently elevating dishes with its unique character and depth.

The Enduring Allure of Dijon Mustard

What gives Dijon mustard its remarkable power in the kitchen? Its enduring appeal lies in its sophisticated complexity. Unlike many other mustards that can be intensely acidic or lack nuance, a high-quality Dijon delivers a profoundly robust “mustard” flavor that is both pungent and elegantly smooth. This distinctive profile often comes from its traditional preparation with white wine instead of vinegar, which mellows its tanginess and allows its intricate, peppery notes to truly shine. This exceptional balance makes Dijon incredibly adaptable, capable of transforming a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience or adding an unparalleled richness to a complex sauce.

For me, La Maison Maille represents the pinnacle of mustard craftsmanship. I’ve been a loyal customer for years, consistently stocking my pantry with their exquisite mustards and crisp cornichons. Their dedication to centuries-old traditions, combined with a forward-thinking approach to flavor innovation, ensures that every jar is a testament to quality. Maille’s products aren’t just ingredients; they are an invitation to explore a rich heritage of flavor. I recently learned about their two boutiques in New York – one in Flatiron and another in Lincoln Square – where mustards are dispensed from porcelain taps, inviting customers to sample their luxurious offerings. I’m eager to visit soon and experience this unique culinary destination firsthand!

Introducing Maille’s Limited Edition Rosemary Honey Mustard

A true highlight of my recent culinary explorations was receiving a sample of Maille’s Limited Edition Rosemary Honey Mustard, a special blend designed to capture the essence of summer. This exceptional mustard boasts an impressive origin story: it’s crafted in the picturesque French Pyrénées Mountains, where bees pollinate fragrant rosemary plants to produce honey with a distinctive herbaceous character. This unique honey is then expertly blended with mustard seeds, resulting in a condiment that is wonderfully sweet, deeply aromatic, and perfectly spiced, all underscored by a subtle, elegant hint of rosemary.

This refreshing mustard proved to be an instant favorite, especially for warm-weather cooking. Its delicate herbaceous notes and balanced sweetness made it an ideal companion for a variety of dishes, but it truly found its calling in my recipe for Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops with Cherry Sauce. The weekend it arrived, I wasted no time putting it to the test, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. My friends enthusiastically devoured the tender chops, marveling at how the mustard’s unique flavor profile harmonized so beautifully with the rich pork and the vibrant sweetness of fresh Bing cherries in the accompanying sauce. It was a testament to how a single, high-quality ingredient can elevate an entire meal.

Mastering Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops

While grilling pork chops might seem like a straightforward task, perfecting that elusive balance of a wonderfully charred exterior and a succulent, juicy interior requires attention to detail. The common pitfall is overcooking, which quickly leads to dry, unappetizing results – a culinary mishap I’ve certainly encountered in my own kitchen! With a few key techniques, however, you can consistently achieve impeccably tender and flavorful grilled pork chops.

Choosing and Preparing Your Chops for Optimal Results

• Select the Right Cut: For grilling, I strongly advocate for thick-cut, bone-in pork chops. The bone acts as a natural heat conductor, ensuring more even cooking and imparting additional flavor to the meat. The thickness, ideally 1 to 1.5 inches, provides a crucial buffer against overcooking, allowing you to develop a beautiful crust without drying out the center.
• The Elegance of “Frenched” Chops: Opting for “frenched” chops – where the meat and fat are trimmed cleanly from the end of the bone – not only adds a touch of culinary elegance to your presentation but also promotes more uniform cooking, particularly around the bone area.
• Achieve Room Temperature: Before they hit the grill, it’s essential to let your pork chops rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. This vital step ensures that the meat cooks more evenly from edge to center, preventing the exterior from charring prematurely while the inside remains undercooked.

Grilling Techniques for Unrivaled Juiciness and Flavor

1. The Mustard’s Dual Role: Our honey mustard mixture is more than just a flavor booster; it also acts as a natural tenderizer and helps create a magnificent, caramelized crust. Liberally brush about half of the whisked mustard mixture over all sides of the chops.
2. The Art of the High-Heat Sear: Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high flame, aiming for an approximate temperature of 350°F (175°C), and ensure the grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking. Place the pork chops directly over the flame to sear for about 3-4 minutes per side. This initial high-heat exposure is crucial for developing that desirable deep brown crust and locking in precious juices.
3. Finishing with Indirect Heat: After searing, move the chops away from direct heat to an indirect cooking zone. Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145-150°F (63-65°C). This typically takes an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chops. During the final 5 minutes of this cooking phase, baste the chops with the remaining mustard mixture to build layers of flavor and a beautiful, glossy glaze.
4. The Indispensable Rest: Once the chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill, tent them loosely with aluminum foil, and allow them to rest for at least 10 minutes. This critical resting period permits the internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and moist chops. Rushing this step is a common mistake that can lead to surprisingly dry meat.

Applying the flavorful honey mustard glaze to pork chops.

The Exquisite Bing Cherry Sauce: A Sweet and Savory Masterpiece

While the honey mustard-brushed pork chops are undeniably delicious on their own, the accompanying Bing Cherry Sauce elevates this dish into a truly memorable culinary experience. Its vibrant color, delightful sweet-tart profile, and subtle savory undertones create an elegant contrast that makes every bite intriguing. What’s even better? This sophisticated sauce is remarkably easy to prepare, making it a perfect complement for both casual weeknight dinners and more festive gatherings.

A Symphony of Complementary Flavors

• Bing Cherries: These dark, sweet, and juicy cherries are the star of the sauce, offering a burst of natural sweetness and a delicate tartness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the pork.
• Fruity Red Wine: A splash of a fruity red wine adds complexity and depth, creating a sophisticated backdrop that enhances both the cherries and the mustard notes. Choose a wine you genuinely enjoy drinking, as its character will infuse the sauce.
• Shallots and Fresh Rosemary: Finely chopped shallots contribute a delicate, sweet oniony flavor that is milder than regular onions, while a sprig of fresh rosemary infuses the sauce with an aromatic, earthy essence, echoing the rosemary notes in Maille’s special mustard blend.
• Honey Mustard: The inclusion of honey mustard in the sauce directly ties into the flavor profile of the grilled chops, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious dining experience that truly sings.

Effortless Preparation for Stunning Results

Crafting this luscious cherry sauce is a straightforward process. Begin by melting one tablespoon of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it gently foams. Add the chopped shallots and sauté them until they are softened and fragrant, typically about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the pitted Bing cherries, red wine, honey, honey mustard, and the sprig of fresh rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow the sauce to cook slowly, uncovered, for approximately 30 minutes, or until it has reduced significantly and achieved a rich, thick consistency that generously coats the back of a spoon. Before serving, carefully remove and discard the rosemary sprig. Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter for an extra touch of richness and a velvety smooth finish. Finally, season the sauce to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Keep the sauce warm and spoon it generously over the perfectly grilled pork chops just before serving.

The vibrant, reduced Bing Cherry-Mustard Sauce.

The finished dish, elegantly plated and ready to impress.

An Effortlessly Elegant Meal for Any Occasion

The harmonious blend of the tangy-sweet rosemary honey mustard, the luscious and vibrant cherry sauce, and the flawlessly grilled, juicy pork chops culminates in a dish that is undeniably gourmet. This recipe has a magical quality: it allows you to present a truly impressive meal that tastes as if you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it’s a wonderfully efficient process that frees up more time for you to relax and enjoy the company of your guests. And rest assured, your secret is safe with me!

This recipe truly captures the essence of sophisticated summer entertaining – it’s elegant yet approachable, fresh yet deeply satisfying. To complete this memorable meal, consider serving these glorious pork chops with complementary sides such as roasted asparagus, a light and refreshing quinoa salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. For beverage pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would beautifully complement the sweet and savory notes of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Discover More Dijon-Inspired Delights

If, like me, you find yourself continually drawn to the distinctive and versatile character of Dijon mustard, I invite you to explore some of my other cherished recipes where this exceptional condiment plays a starring role. You’ll find it adds a unique flair to everything from hearty entrees to delicate side dishes:

• Beef Tenderloin with Cognac Cream Sauce
• Bacon Peach Jam
• French Potato Salad with Baby Arugula
• Roasted Radishes with Tarragon Vinaigrette
• Roux Crab Cakes
• Hard Cider Braised Chicken