Stuffed Pork Chops are the epitome of comfort meets sophistication. Thick, bone-in or boneless pork chops are sliced to form a pocket, then filled with a rich stuffing—commonly a mixture of spinach, garlic, herbs, and melty cheese. Pan-seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven, they’re juicy, bursting with flavor, and perfect for entertaining or elevating a weeknight dinner.
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Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit in each pork chop to form a deep pocket (don’t cut all the way through).
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Season both sides and inside the pocket with salt, pepper, and thyme.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
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Season to taste and let cool slightly before stuffing.
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Spoon the filling into the pockets of each pork chop.
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Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Sear pork chops 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Spoon any pan juices over the top.
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Serve with roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, or apple fennel slaw
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Pair with a medium-bodied white wine (Chardonnay) or a light red (Pinot Noir)
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Make ahead: Prepare and stuff in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
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Try other fillings like apple & sage, sun-dried tomato & feta, or mushroom & gruyère.
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Want a saucy finish? Deglaze the pan with white wine or apple cider, reduce, and swirl in butter for a quick pan sauce.
Ingredients
Directions
-
Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit in each pork chop to form a deep pocket (don’t cut all the way through).
-
Season both sides and inside the pocket with salt, pepper, and thyme.
-
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
-
Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
-
Season to taste and let cool slightly before stuffing.
-
Spoon the filling into the pockets of each pork chop.
-
Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
-
Sear pork chops 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
-
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
-
Spoon any pan juices over the top.
-
Serve with roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, or apple fennel slaw
-
Pair with a medium-bodied white wine (Chardonnay) or a light red (Pinot Noir)
-
Make ahead: Prepare and stuff in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
-
Try other fillings like apple & sage, sun-dried tomato & feta, or mushroom & gruyère.
-
Want a saucy finish? Deglaze the pan with white wine or apple cider, reduce, and swirl in butter for a quick pan sauce.