These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops are a tasty delight! Juicy pork chops are filled with creamy cheese and fresh spinach, making each bite a flavor explosion.
I love how easy it is to impress my friends with this dish. It looks fancy, but it’s super simple to make. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are my go-to for this recipe since they are juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use boneless chops, but keep a close eye on cooking times!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a lovely texture, but frozen spinach works fine, too. Just be sure to squeeze out the extra water after thawing it to avoid a soggy filling.
Cheeses: Cream cheese forms the base of the filling, lending creaminess. For mozzarella, feel free to swap it with provolone or even feta for a tangier flavor! Parmesan can be replaced with pecorino for a different twist.
Herbs & Spices: Italian herbs add a great flavor punch. If you don’t have these, use fresh basil or thyme. You can skip the crushed red pepper flakes if you want a milder taste.
How Do I Stuff the Pork Chops Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing pork chops can seem tricky, but with a bit of care, it can be easy! Here’s how:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully make a deep pocket in each chop, avoiding the sides.
- When stuffing, use a spoon or small spatula to press the filling in gently but firmly.
- Secure the stuffing with toothpicks or twine, as this helps keep everything neatly inside while cooking. Remember to remove these before serving!
Take your time with the stuffing process, and don’t worry about a little spilling; it all tastes delicious! Enjoy cooking!
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried oregano
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for sealing the pork chops
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven, so you’re looking at about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven ready now will help the pork chops cook evenly later on!
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and carefully slice a deep pocket into the side of each chop. Make sure to cut deep enough to hold the filling but be careful not to cut all the way through. This will be the perfect pocket for your cheese and spinach goodness!
3. Sauté the Spinach and Garlic:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in your spinach and cook until it wilts if fresh (about 2-3 minutes). If you’re using frozen spinach, just warm it through. Once done, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the sautéed spinach, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
5. Stuff the Pork Chops:
Now for the fun part! Take your spinach and cheese mixture and generously stuff each pork chop pocket. Make sure to fill them well, then secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep all that tasty filling inside!
6. Season and Sear:
Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the outside of each stuffed pork chop. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step adds extra flavor!
7. Bake the Pork Chops:
Transfer the seared pork chops to a baking dish. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). They’ll be juicy and delicious!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done, take the pork chops out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in! Remember to remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes! Bon appétit! 😊
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that they may cook faster, so check the internal temperature a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Thaw Frozen Spinach Quickly?
The best way to thaw frozen spinach is to place it in a colander and run cold water over it until thawed. Drain it well and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
What If I Don’t Have Toothpicks or Twine?
If you don’t have toothpicks or twine, try using a small piece of foil to cover the openings, or simply pack the filling tightly and sear the chops first to help seal them. Most of the filling will stay inside while cooking!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops with the stuffing and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results.