These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops are a yummy treat! Juicy pork chops are filled with creamy cheese and healthy spinach, making every bite flavorful and fun.
Who would’ve thought stuffing pork chops could be this easy? I love serving them with a side of mashed potatoes. It’s a great way to impress family and friends at dinner! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops work best for easy stuffing, but bone-in chops add more flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try chicken breasts or thinly pounded turkey cutlets.
Spinach: Use fresh spinach for the best taste and texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach is a great substitute, just ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Cheese: The combo of cream cheese and mozzarella gives a nice creaminess. If you want a stronger flavor, try substituting feta or goat cheese for the cream cheese. For extra kick, add some blue cheese!
Seasoning: Italian seasoning brings warmth to the dish. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs like thyme or basil, or add a splash of lemon juice for brightness!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Stuffed Pork Chops?
Stuffing pork chops is a delicious way to enhance flavors, but it requires a little technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by cutting a neat pocket in each pork chop — make sure it’s deep enough to hold the filling but don’t cut all the way through.
- Mix your filling until fully combined; this ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Stuff the pork chops generously, but don’t overfill them. You want to avoid a mess when cooking!
- Searing before baking locks in juices and adds a lovely crust. Use medium-high heat for a good sear, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; 145°F is the magic number for juicy, safe pork chops.
Taking these steps will ensure your stuffed pork chops are savory and satisfying. Happy cooking!
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, drained)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and 30-40 minutes to cook, including searing and baking. Just a little time for a delicious, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, get your oven warming up by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure your pork chops cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nice and creamy.
3. Create a Pocket in the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and carefully slice a pocket into the thickest side. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through so the filling won’t spill out.
4. Stuff the Chops:
Generously fill each pork chop pocket with your creamy spinach and cheese mixture. The more, the merrier!
5. Season the Chops:
Sprinkle salt and black pepper on the outside of the pork chops to enhance their flavor.
6. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step helps lock in the juices.
7. Bake the Chops:
Transfer the skillet with the pork chops to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if they’ve reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Let Them Rest:
Once done, remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle.
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a lovely finishing touch, garnish the stuffed pork chops with fresh rosemary sprigs if you’d like, then serve them warm. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This recipe will surely impress your family and friends while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and drain off any excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This helps prevent the filling from becoming watery.
How to Store Leftover Stuffed Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or gently microwave them.
What Can I Serve with Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops?
These stuffed pork chops pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. A light salad can also offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
How Can I Tell When the Pork Chops Are Done?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Letting them rest for a few minutes after cooking will ensure juiciness!