Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Pork Chops
center cut
- 1/3 cup Pesto Sauce
- 3/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dry Italian Seasoning
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 325° Fahrenheit.
- 2
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.
- 3
In a medium bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Italian bread crumbs, and shredded cheese. Stir until incorporated.
- 4
To stuff the pork chops, spoon about ¼ cup of the stuffing mixture into the pocket of each pork chop.
- 5
Tip: Feel free to seal the edges of each pork chop with a toothpick to help keep the filling in while it cooks.
- 6
Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- 7
Add the olive oil to a large, oven-safe skillet (cast-iron works great) over medium-high heat.
- 8
Sear the pork chops in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
- 9
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.
- 10
Let the pork chops sit for 5 minutes before serving. Visit my website for great side options to pair with this meal!
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
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About this Recipe
Craving a truly special dinner that looks fancy but comes together with surprising ease? These Baked Stuffed Pork Chops deliver an elegant, satisfying meal perfect for any night you want to impress without the fuss.
What makes these pork chops truly stand out is the irresistible combination of tender, juicy pork enveloping a flavorful, cheesy stuffing. Baking them ensures an even cook and locks in all those delicious juices, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and refined.
Expect a delightful explosion of savory flavors with every bite. The rich pesto and Italian breadcrumbs create a wonderfully seasoned core, perfectly complemented by the gooey, melted mozzarella. The pork chops themselves remain juicy and tender, offering a beautiful contrast to the flavorful filling. This dish feels substantial and utterly satisfying, promising a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
These Baked Stuffed Pork Chops offer versatility for your palate. You could experiment with different types of cheese like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer stuffing. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture, or swap out the Italian seasoning for dried oregano or basil for a slightly different aromatic profile. While the recipe shines as is, these small tweaks can make it uniquely yours.
These stuffed pork chops are ideal for a cozy family dinner or when hosting friends. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes, making for a complete and memorable meal.