Stuffed pork chops are a tasty dish that combines juicy pork with a flavorful stuffing inside. You can fill them with ingredients like breadcrumbs, herbs, and veggies, making every bite delicious!
I love how easy they are to make and how impressive they look on the plate. Perfect for a family dinner! Plus, who doesn’t love that moment when you cut the chop open and see all the goodies inside? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for added flavor and moisture, but you can use boneless chops if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out!
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture to the stuffing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese works well too, or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re vegan.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. If you’re not a fan, try spinach or even a mix of bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
White Wine: It enhances the sauce’s flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with more chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
How Do You Ensure the Pork Chops Are Cooked Perfectly?
The secret to perfectly cooked pork chops is monitoring the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check. They’re done at 145°F (63°C). Remember, they’ll keep cooking a bit after you take them out, so let them rest for about 5 minutes for juicy results.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the skillet to get a nice sear – this adds flavor!
- Keep an eye on the time when baking; don’t overcook!
Stuffed Pork Chops with Creamy Cheese and Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1.5 inches thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s special enough for company!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Chops:
First, get your oven heating up to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a sharp knife and cut a deep pocket into each pork chop—take your time and be careful not to slice all the way through. This pocket is where your delicious stuffing will go!
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella or fontina (whichever you prefer!), chopped parsley, and fresh thyme. Stir until everything is blended well. This creamy mixture is going to taste amazing inside your chops!
3. Stuff the Pork Chops:
Take that tasty cheese mixture and carefully stuff each pork chop pocket. Press gently to fill them up nicely but don’t overstuff! Now, sprinkle both sides of the chops generously with salt and pepper to season them well.
4. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. This step helps lock in all those juices and flavor!
5. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:
Now, remove the chops from the pan and set them aside while you whip up the sauce. In the same skillet, add the butter and toss in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté everything until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant—about 3 minutes. Yum!
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Add the white wine (if using) and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and reduce a bit.
7. Bake in the Oven:
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of that luscious sauce over them. Carefully transfer the skillet to your oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the cheese is all melty and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the juices settle. Serve the pork chops on plates, generously topped with the mushroom sauce, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for that extra touch!
Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Pork Chops—tender, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for the Stuffing?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese or mozzarella, you can try using goat cheese, ricotta, or even a sharp cheddar. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well for that creamy filling.
Can I Make Stuffed Pork Chops in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare stuffed pork chops ahead of time! Just stuff and sear them, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help keep them moist.
Can I Use Other Vegetables in the Stuffing?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your stuffing. Spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes would all make excellent additions. Just finely chop them and mix them into the cheese stuffing for extra flavor and nutrients!
