Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops are a comforting and elegant dish that combines tender, juicy pork with a flavorful, savory stuffing baked right inside. This recipe offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes—the pork chop’s natural richness enhanced by a mouthwatering blend of herbs, bread crumbs, cheese, and vegetables stuffed within. It’s an impressive yet approachable meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this stuffed pork chop recipe because it delivers a deliciously hearty meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The stuffing keeps the pork moist and infuses it with layers of flavor, from aromatic herbs to the subtle creaminess of cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder that doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Additionally, it fits well into a balanced diet by providing a good source of protein paired with vegetables in the stuffing. The dish looks impressive on the plate, making it perfect for entertaining, yet is comforting enough for a cozy family dinner.
Tips and Tricks
- Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and moisture retention.
- Don’t overstuff the chops; leave enough room to close the pocket securely.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
- Sear the chops first in a hot skillet to get a golden crust, then finish baking for perfectly cooked meat.
- Let the chops rest after baking to redistribute juices and keep them tender.
- If you want extra crispy edges, broil the chops for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for the stuffing to boost aroma and flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare the stuffing mixture up to 1 day in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- You can stuff the chops and secure them a few hours before cooking; keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Pre-seared and stuffed pork chops can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, then baked fresh to save time on the day of serving.
- Avoid stuffing and freezing raw pork chops together; instead, freeze pork chops and stuffing separately and combine when ready to cook.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the classic breadcrumb stuffing for a wild rice or quinoa stuffing with nuts and dried cranberries for a gluten-free option.
- Use different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar to vary the stuffing flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions to the stuffing for more vegetable goodness.
- Replace pork chops with boneless chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for a leaner alternative.
- Try grilling the stuffed pork chops instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
How to Serve
Serve stuffed pork chops hot, plated with a drizzle of pan juices or a simple gravy. Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh aroma. For presentation, slice the chop to reveal the stuffing cross-section and plate with complementary colors and textures for an inviting look.
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel complements the pork’s richness and herbaceous stuffing.
- Cocktails: A classic Old Fashioned or whiskey sour pairs well.
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or a herbal iced tea balances the savory flavors.
- Side dishes: Roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy polenta, or garlic butter green beans.
- Dessert: A light fruit tart or apple crisp to continue the comforting theme.
How to Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze stuffed pork chops wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil; they keep well up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out; microwave reheating is possible but may toughen the meat.
- When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming through.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp chef’s knife for cutting the pocket in the pork chops.
- Cutting board.
- Mixing bowl for the stuffing.
- Skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) for searing.
- Baking dish or ovenproof skillet for finishing in the oven.
- Meat thermometer for checking doneness.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the stuffed chops.
Dietary Adaptations
- For dairy-free: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute in the stuffing.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Nut-free: Avoid adding nuts to the stuffing or toppings.
- Vegan: Substitute pork chops with large portobello mushrooms or thick slices of eggplant and use vegan cheese and bread crumbs.
- Low-carb/Keto: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of bread crumbs.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Spring/Summer: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil and parsley, and add chopped zucchini or fresh tomatoes to the stuffing.
- Fall/Winter: Use heartier additions such as sautéed mushrooms, kale, or roasted butternut squash in the stuffing.
- Use seasonal fruits like apples or pears diced into the stuffing for a sweet contrast in colder months.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
A: Yes, boneless chops work, but bone-in chops tend to retain more moisture and flavor.
Q: How long should I bake stuffed pork chops?
A: Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature hits 145°F.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, stuff and secure the chops up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until cooking.
Q: What if the stuffing falls out while cooking?
A: Ensure the pocket is properly cut and secured with toothpicks or twine, and avoid overstuffing.
Q: How do I keep pork chops moist?
A: Sear before baking, don’t overcook, and let rest after cooking.
Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chop
Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops are a comforting and elegant dish that combines tender, juicy pork with a flavorful, savory stuffing baked right inside.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing chops
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each pork chop, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, bread crumbs, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
- Stuff each pork chop pocket generously with the stuffing mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed pork chop for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chops to a baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 618Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 153mgSodium 815mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 52g
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
Making these stuffing stuffed pork chops is a rewarding culinary experience that yields a flavorful and visually stunning dish. The combination of juicy pork and aromatic, cheesy stuffing is sure to impress family and guests alike. With some simple preparation and attention to cooking techniques, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Don’t forget to experiment with seasonings and side dishes to make this recipe your own. Enjoy the process and savor every delicious bite!
