This Pork Chop and Stuffing recipe combines juicy, perfectly seasoned pork chops with a savory, herb-infused stuffing that takes comfort food to a whole new level. The succulent pork is seared to golden perfection, while the stuffing, bursting with flavors from aromatic herbs and spices, complements the meat beautifully. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this recipe for several reasons. First, the flavor profile is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that create a delightful eating experience. The ease of cooking is another highlight; with simple steps and readily available ingredients, even novice cooks can whip up this meal effortlessly. Moreover, this dish fits perfectly into a comforting family meal or a festive gathering, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your Pork Chop and Stuffing experience, consider these tips:
- Marinate the Pork: For added flavor, marinate the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least an hour before cooking.
- Use Day-Old Bread: For stuffing, using slightly stale bread helps achieve the perfect texture, allowing it to absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- Sauté Vegetables First: Sautéing the onions and celery before adding them to the stuffing enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the Pork: Pork chops can dry out if cooked too long. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Skipping Seasoning: Don’t be shy with your spices! Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in both the pork and stuffing.
- Not Letting the Stuffing Rest: Allow the stuffing to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Make Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before adding it to the pork chops. You can also marinate the pork chops the night before, allowing them to absorb the flavors fully. Cooked pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe:
- Stuffing Variations: Swap traditional bread for cornbread or add fruits like cranberries or apples for a sweet twist.
- Different Proteins: While pork chops are delightful, this stuffing can also be used with chicken breasts or even turkey.
- Cooking Methods: For a healthier version, try grilling the pork chops instead of pan-searing them.
How to Serve
When it’s time to serve, plate the pork chops alongside a generous scoop of stuffing. Drizzle a bit of gravy over the top for added flavor, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Enhance your dining experience with these pairings:
- Wine: A medium-bodied Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Cocktails: A classic whiskey sour adds a refreshing contrast.
- Sides: Consider serving with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a cranberry sauce.
- Dessert: Finish with a warm apple pie or a slice of pumpkin cheesecake.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooked pork chops and stuffing separately. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need:
- A heavy skillet or cast iron pan for searing the pork chops.
- A mixing bowl for preparing the stuffing.
- A baking dish if you choose to bake the pork chops and stuffing together.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any heavy-bottomed pan will work just fine.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe more inclusive:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the stuffing.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, like almond milk and dairy-free butter.
- Vegan: Use seitan or tofu instead of pork chops and replace the broth with vegetable broth in the stuffing.
Seasonal Adaptations
Seasonal ingredients can add a fresh twist to your dish:
- Fall: Incorporate butternut squash or pumpkin into the stuffing.
- Summer: Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten up your stuffing.
- Winter: Add hearty root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to the stuffing mix.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for this dish is around $15.00 for four servings, making it roughly $3.75 per serving. To keep it budget-friendly, consider buying pork chops on sale or using leftover bread for the stuffing.
Kitchen Hacks
Here are a few kitchen hacks to simplify the process:
- Use kitchen shears to easily chop herbs and greens.
- To peel garlic quickly, crush the cloves slightly with the flat side of a knife — the skin will come off effortlessly.
- If you need to chop onions without tears, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops will provide more flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
What can I substitute for stuffing?
You can use quinoa or rice as a base if you prefer a gluten-free or lighter option.
How long should I cook the pork chops?
Cooking time can vary based on thickness. Generally, about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat should suffice for boneless chops.
Pork Chop And Stuffing
This Pork Chop and Stuffing recipe combines juicy, perfectly seasoned pork chops with a savory, herb-infused stuffing that takes comfort food to a whole new level. The succulent pork is seared to golden perfection, while the stuffing, bursting with flavors from aromatic herbs and spices, complements the meat beautifully.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 4 cups bread cubes (stale or toasted)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and mix until everything is well combined. Set aside.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add a bit more butter or oil if necessary, and sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a baking dish, place the seared pork chops and top each with a generous portion of stuffing.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 490Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 119mgSodium 682mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 41g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Chop and Stuffing recipe is a comforting classic that never fails to impress. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this meal is sure to create memorable moments. So grab your apron and get ready to create a delightful dinner that everyone will rave about!
