Vernice's Stuffed Pork Chops
Stuffed pork chops are a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pork with a savory filling of breadcrumbs, spinach, and cheese. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. You'll learn how to butterfly the chops, pack them with delicious stuffing, and cook them to golden perfection. A creamy pan sauce takes the flavors to the next level, making this dish a satisfying and memorable centerpiece for any meal.
Equipment
- cutting board
- knife
- meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing)
- toothpicks or kitchen twine
- mixing bowl
- large skillet (oven-safe if possible)
- spatula or tongs
- oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1.5–2 inches thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- tbsp Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
STEP 1: PREP THE CHOPS
- Butterfly the Chops:
- Lay a pork chop flat on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chop, stopping about 1/2 inch from the edges. Do not cut all the way through.
Season the Meat:
- Rub both sides of the chops with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. *Really you can use whatever seasoning you like because salt and pepper is just boring to me.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE FILLING
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Mix Well:
- Use a spoon or your hands to mix until fully combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly sticky.
STEP 3: STUFF THE PORK CHOPS
- Fill the Pockets:
- Carefully spoon the filling into each pork chop’s pocket, pressing gently to pack it in. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
STEP 4: SEAR THE PORK CHOPS
- Heat the Skillet:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sear the Chops:
- Place the stuffed chops in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Be gentle when flipping to avoid spilling the filling.
STEP 5: BAKE THE PORK CHOPS
- Transfer to Oven:
- If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. Otherwise, move the chops to a baking dish.
- Bake Until Cooked Through:
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (use a meat thermometer to check).
STEP 6: MAKE THE SAUCE (OPTIONAL)
Deglaze the Pan:
- While the chops are baking, return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, butter, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
- Pour the sauce over the stuffed pork chops just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Notes
Cost Breakdown
- Pork chops (4): ~$12
- Seasonings & olive oil: ~$3
- Filling ingredients: ~$8
- Sauce ingredients: ~$5
- Total: ~$28