Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
Description
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops are prepared by slicing a pocket into each pork chop and stuffing it with a mix of pesto sauce, Italian bread crumbs, and shredded mozzarella. The edges of the pork chops can be sealed with toothpicks to secure the filling. After seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, the chops are seared over medium-high heat in an oven-safe skillet to develop a browned exterior.
Following searing, the skillet is transferred to an oven preheated to 325°F to finish cooking for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe level. This method keeps the pork chops moist and allows the filling to meld through gentle baking. The combination of herbaceous pesto and melted mozzarella inside the savory pork adds flavor and texture contrasts.
The recipe notes that pork is safe to eat at 145°F, and the searing plus baking technique ensures proper doneness. Using a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet lets the dish proceed seamlessly from stovetop to oven.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops center cut, boneless
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce
- 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper kosher salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325° Fahrenheit.
- To prepare the pork chops, pat dry with a paper towel. Slice a 3-inch pocket into each of the pork chops. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Italian bread crumbs, and shredded cheese. Stir until incorporated.
- To stuff the pork chops, spoon about 1/4 cup of the stuffing mixture into the pocket of each pork chop.
- Tip: Feel free to seal the edges of each pork chop with a toothpick to help keep the filling in while it cooks.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the olive oil to a large, oven-safe skillet (cast-iron works great) over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 135° Fahrenheit. Pork is safe to eat at 145° Fahrenheit, but the temperature will rise as the pork rests. Be careful NOT to overcook or your chops will be dry. Mine reached the temperature at 10 minutes, so watch it closely, and check frequently.
- Let the pork chops sit for 5 minutes before serving. Visit my website for great side options to pair with this meal!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 469 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 469kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 690mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 574mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 616IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 198mg | 20% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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