Stuffed Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Let Rest
5 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
492 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Stuffed Pork Chops
Description
The Stuffed Pork Chops recipe uses thick, boneless center-cut pork chops filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, thyme, and oregano. After gently creating pockets in the chops, the filling is packed inside and secured with toothpicks. They are seasoned on the outside and seared in a hot cast iron skillet with olive oil to develop a browned crust before finishing in a preheated oven until perfectly cooked through to 145°F.
The interplay of the creamy cheese filling and the tender pork creates a satisfying texture contrast. The spinach and herbs bring fresh and aromatic notes, balancing the richness of the cheeses. Resting the chops after cooking helps the juices redistribute for a juicy bite.
This dish works well served warm as a hearty entree, paired with simple sides such as roasted vegetables or a light salad. It can be made confidently with guidance on the internal temperature and careful cooking to prevent filling leakage.
Using an instant-read meat thermometer ensures safe doneness without overcooking. The instructions emphasize close attention during cooking due to softened cream cheese potentially oozing out. Securing the chops with toothpicks keeps the filling contained and intact throughout the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chop thick cut, boneless center cut
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Gently cut a pocket into the the pork chops lengthwise to the fat line for the filling.
- Mix together the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, thyme and oregano in a small bowl. The mixture will be thick.
- Stuff each of the pork chops evenly with the cream cheese mixture and close the edges of the pork chops with 2 toothpicks on each pork chop. The season the outside of the pork chops with the salt and pepper.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
- Heat the olive oil in the cast iron skillet. Place the pork chops directly on the cast iron pan. Cook for 2 minutes per side. Then move the pork chops to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The cook time will vary based on the thickness of the pork chops.
- Remove the pork to a plate, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Then serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Monitor the pork chops while cooking to prevent cream cheese filling from leaking out.
- Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat (not filling) to confirm pork reaches 145°F.
- Secure the pork chops with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during searing and baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 492 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 492kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 156mg | 52% |
| Sodium | 1030mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 649mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1599IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 239mg | 24% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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