Apricots-Stuffed Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops stuffed with a sweet and tangy apricot and apple filling, perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion with warm, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced dried apricots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 rib pork chops (cut 1-inch thick) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 3 cups toasted 1/4-inch white bread cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled, cored and diced tart apples
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon leaf thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Combine dried apricots, boiling water, and sugar; set aside.
- Trim pork chops and coat with flour, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Heat shortening in a skillet and brown the pork chops on both sides.
- Mix apricot mixture, toasted bread cubes, diced apples, chopped onion, thyme, and marjoram; season with salt and pepper.
- Place the fruit stuffing in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Arrange the browned pork chops on top of the stuffing.
- Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours or until chops are well done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for added crunch. If dried apricots are unavailable, dried peaches or figs can be a tasty substitute. Ensure to sear the pork chops well for a deeper flavor before baking. If you're looking for an even quicker meal, try using pre-prepared stuffing mixes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apricots-stuffed pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. A light, tangy apple sauce can enhance the flavors, complementing the sweetness of the stuffing. This dish pairs beautifully with Polynesian Sweet And Sour Baked Beans for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pork chops and stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through. This method helps maintain the moisture of the pork chops.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricots-Stuffed Pork Chops contains roughly 1536 calories, with 49g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead. Assemble the mixture and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply layer it in the casserole dish and add the seared pork chops before baking. This saves time on the day of serving.
What can I use instead of pork chops?
If you prefer a different protein, chicken breasts or turkey cutlets work well as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time, as poultry may require less baking time than pork. Ensure they reach the proper internal temperature for safety.
How can I tell when the pork chops are done?
The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a three-minute rest. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The meat should be tender and juices should run clear, ensuring a juicy result.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).