Around the Campfire
Garlic herb pork chops are a straightforward camp dinner that feels more complete than the effort suggests. They pair with potatoes, green beans, peppers, or a simple salad.
Why This Recipe Works
Medium griddle heat browns the chops without drying them out before the center is done. Garlic butter goes on at the end for flavor.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium
- Best for: Simple dinners, protein mains, cooler evenings
- Teaches: Resting whole proteins
Shopping List
- Pork chops
- Garlic
- Butter
- Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper
Home Prep
Season chops before the trip or pack seasoning in a small container.
Cooler Packing
Keep pork cold and below ready-to-eat foods.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
Heat Zones
Use medium for the pork, then rest it on a cooler zone before slicing.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick (6–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium.
- Season pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Place pork chops on the griddle and cook for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until deeply browned.
- Check doneness with thermometer; cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F, then rest for 3–5 minutes.
- While chops are resting, melt butter on the griddle and stir in the minced garlic for 30–60 seconds. Spoon garlic herb butter over the chops and serve.
Doneness
Pork should reach 145°F and rest before serving.
Common Mistakes
- Cooking over high heat.
- Skipping the rest.
- Adding garlic butter too early.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, or salad.
Variations
- Add lemon.
- Use Cajun seasoning.
- Slice leftovers for wraps.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: As written if seasonings are verified.
- Dairy-free: Use oil instead of butter.
Scaling
Cook in batches and rest chops together before serving.
Weather Notes
Wind can extend cook time. Use a thermometer instead of guessing.
Leftovers
Slice leftovers for wraps, bowls, or breakfast hash.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can help set sides and sprinkle herbs after cooking.
Dragonfly Tip
Let pork rest. A few minutes makes the chop noticeably better.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one chop with garlic butter and one with lemon. Pick the camp favorite.