Stuffed pork chops sound fancy, but they’re super easy and budget-friendly . I’ll show you how to keep the pork chops moist and stuffed with gooey, cheesy deliciousness !
A Reader’s Review
WOW! This was such a hit for dinner last night that they all wanted more and that rarely ever happens in our family lol! The simplicity and ease making this was so good, time matters when you have to rush home from work and get a meal cooked in a half hour. The cook instructions for this recipe was 100% on the money!! The pork chops were so juicy and not a minute over done which is always tricky with a lean center cut chop…
Why You Need These Game-Changing Pork Chops
- Break Out of the Dinner Rut: Tired of the same chicken and beef rotation? These pork chops are a flavorful change that your whole family will love!
- Fancy Without The Fuss: These stuffed pork chops look impressive but come together fast, are affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights!
- No More Dry Pork: I’ve figured out how to make pork chops juicy and tender every time! I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Another way is through the crockpot to lock in all that moisture.
Ingredients Needed
- You can use bone-in pork chops if you prefer. They are often juicier. Use thick bone-in chops, slice a deep pocket without cutting through. They may need a few extra minutes to cook, but still aim for 145°F internal temp.
How to Make Stuffed Pork Chops
These pork chops only take 35 minutes from start to finish, and that includes baking time! People will think that you spent all day cooking in the kitchen, they are so delicious!
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 325° Fahrenheit. Prepare the 4 boneless pork chops by patting them dry with a paper towel. Use a sharp knife to slice a 3-inch pocket into each pork chop. Don’t cut them all the way through.
- Make Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Italian Bread Crumbs, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Stuff: Stuff the pork chops by spooning about ¼-⅓ cup of the stuffing mixture into the pocket of each pork chop.
- Season: Season both sides of the pork chops with Italian Seasoning , salt, and pepper to taste.
- Sear: Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, place the stuffed pork chops in the skillet, and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Bake and Let Rest: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Use an instant read thermometer to test. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. The final temperature should read 145°F before serving.
How do you keep pork chops from drying out?
- Sear the meat: Searing these baked stuffed pork chops in a skillet before you bake them will help keep the moisture in.
- Do NOT overcook! Overcooked pork chops will be dry. Mine were 1 inch thick and reached temperature in 10 minutes, so watch them closely and check frequently.
- Take them Out Of the Oven Early: Taking the pork chops out of the oven a little before they reach 145°F and letting them rest will ensure the pork chops don’t get over-cooked.
- Let them rest after cooking. Don’t cut into them! All of those tasty juices need time to settle back into the meat!
How To Store Leftovers
- In the Refrigerator: Once your stuffed pork chops have cooled, place them in an airtight container and put them in your fridge. They will last up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze cooked pork chops for up to 3 months! Just store them in an airtight container and label it with the date. Let them thaw in your fridge overnight.
- To Reheat : I like to warm up my pork chops in the oven! Set the oven to 350 degrees and let them get warm throughout.
What to Serve With Stuffed Pork Chops
Don’t like pork, make this stuffed chicken recipe instead. All the cheesy goodness, different protein. Either way you make it, these sides are going to be absolutely divine!
Side Dishes
Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
40 minutes
Side Dishes
Rice Pilaf
40 minutes
Salads
Broccoli Apple Salad
20 minutes
Pin this now to find it later
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 4 boneless pork chops 1 inch thick
- ▢ ⅓ cup pesto sauce
- ▢ ⅔ cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- ▢ ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ▢ salt and pepper to taste
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325° Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the 4 boneless pork chops by patting them dry with a paper towel. Slice a 3-inch pocket into each pork chop. Don’t cut them all the way through.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ⅓ cup pesto sauce , ⅔ cup Italian Bread Crumbs , and ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese . Stir until well mixed.
- Stuff the pork chops by spooning about ¼-⅓ cup of the stuffing mixture into the pocket of each pork chop.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning and salt and pepper to taste .
- Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, place the stuffed pork chops in the skillet, and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until it temps out to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes, The final temperature should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
- *Taking the pork chops out of the oven a little before they temp out and letting them rest will ensure the pork chops don’t get over-cooked.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops 1 inch thick
- ⅓ cup pesto sauce
- ⅔ cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325° Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the 4 boneless pork chops by patting them dry with a paper towel. Slice a 3-inch pocket into each pork chop. Don’t cut them all the way through.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ⅓ cup pesto sauce , ⅔ cup Italian Bread Crumbs , and ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese . Stir until well mixed.
- Stuff the pork chops by spooning about ¼-⅓ cup of the stuffing mixture into the pocket of each pork chop.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning and salt and pepper to taste .
- Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, place the stuffed pork chops in the skillet, and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until it temps out to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes, The final temperature should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
- *Taking the pork chops out of the oven a little before they temp out and letting them rest will ensure the pork chops don’t get over-cooked.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
QR code
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.
Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe https://therecipecritic.com/stuffed-pork-chops/
