Oven-Baked Stuffed Pork Chops: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Oven-baked stuffed pork chops are a culinary delight – a perfect marriage of succulent pork and flavorful stuffing, all cooked to tender perfection in the oven. This recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering. The beauty of stuffed pork chops lies in their versatility; you can customize the stuffing to your liking, experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from selecting the right pork chops to creating a mouthwatering stuffing and baking them to golden-brown perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** Stuffed pork chops offer a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. The juicy pork combined with the savory stuffing creates a satisfying and comforting meal.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite their impressive presentation, stuffed pork chops are surprisingly easy to prepare. The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
* **Customizable:** The stuffing is where you can get creative! Use this recipe as a base and experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature stuffed pork chops. Think of adding apples, cranberries, walnuts, or even different types of cheeses.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, stuffed pork chops are a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the pork chops ahead of time, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pork Chops:** 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless chops cook more evenly and are easier to eat.
* **Olive Oil:** For searing the pork chops and sautéing the vegetables.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Adds a savory base to the stuffing.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped. Provides a subtle crunch and flavor to the stuffing.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1 cup of bread crumbs (panko or Italian-seasoned). Panko bread crumbs provide a lighter and crispier texture, while Italian-seasoned bread crumbs add extra flavor.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, lightly beaten. Helps bind the stuffing ingredients together.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs, chopped (such as parsley, thyme, or sage). Adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to the stuffing. You can also use dried herbs, but reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional). Adds a savory and cheesy flavor to the stuffing.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the pork chops and the stuffing generously.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional). Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
* **Other Optional Add-ins for the Stuffing:** Cooked sausage, apples, cranberries, walnuts, mushrooms, spinach, different types of cheeses (like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyere).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For searing the pork chops and sautéing the vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the stuffing.
* **Baking Dish:** For baking the stuffed pork chops.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Sharp Knife:** For creating a pocket in the pork chops for the stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Pork Chops:**

* Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better during searing.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each pork chop. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a deep pocket that can hold the stuffing.
* Season the outside of the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Don’t forget to season the inside of the pocket as well.

**2. Make the Stuffing:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the vegetables cool slightly.
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion, celery, and garlic with the bread crumbs, egg, chicken broth, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
* Season the stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.

**3. Stuff the Pork Chops:**

* Spoon the stuffing into the pockets of the pork chops, packing it in firmly. Don’t overstuff the chops, or the stuffing may spill out during baking.
* If desired, you can secure the opening of the pocket with toothpicks to prevent the stuffing from falling out. This is especially helpful if you’ve overstuffed the chops.

**4. Sear the Pork Chops (Optional but Recommended):**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
* Sear the stuffed pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing the pork chops helps to lock in the juices and adds flavor. This step is optional, but it is highly recommended for a better final result.

**5. Bake the Pork Chops:**

* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the seared (or unseared) stuffed pork chops in a baking dish.
* If you have any leftover stuffing, you can sprinkle it around the pork chops in the baking dish.
* Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops and the accuracy of your oven.
* Let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pork Chops

* **Choose the Right Pork Chops:** Look for pork chops that are about 1-inch thick and have good marbling (flecks of fat) for flavor and tenderness. Bone-in chops are generally more flavorful, but boneless chops cook more evenly.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Pork chops can become dry and tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Sear for Extra Flavor:** Searing the pork chops before baking helps to lock in the juices and adds a delicious crust.
* **Don’t Overstuff:** Overstuffing the pork chops can cause the stuffing to spill out during baking and may also prevent the pork from cooking evenly.
* **Let Rest Before Serving:** Allowing the pork chops to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork.
* **Get Creative with the Stuffing:** The stuffing is where you can really customize this recipe. Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature stuffed pork chops.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your pork chops are cooked to the correct internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, avoiding the bone.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the pork chops ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if the pork chops are cold.

Variations and Add-ins

* **Sausage Stuffing:** Add cooked and crumbled sausage to the stuffing for a heartier and more flavorful meal. Italian sausage, chorizo, or breakfast sausage would all work well.
* **Apple and Cranberry Stuffing:** Add diced apples and dried cranberries to the stuffing for a sweet and tart flavor combination that is perfect for fall.
* **Mushroom and Spinach Stuffing:** Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the stuffing for a more nutritious and flavorful option.
* **Cheese Stuffing:** Add different types of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyere, to the stuffing for a cheesy and decadent meal.
* **Spicy Stuffing:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with stuffed pork chops.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the stuffed pork chops with rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
* **Salad:** A simple salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the stuffed pork chops.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sautéed green beans are a quick and easy side dish that adds a touch of freshness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover stuffed pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stuffed pork chops in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly dry.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on the ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

Oven-baked stuffed pork chops are a delicious, versatile, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a flavorful and memorable meal.

Enjoy your culinary creation!