Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
Juicy stuffed pork chops filled with a flavorful apple, onion, and celery mixture, baked to perfection—ideal for hearty family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Trim pork chops well and cut a deep slash in the meaty side of each chop.
- Chop apples with peel, onion, and celery very fine.
- Mix chopped apples, onion, celery with parsley, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme.
- Spoon as much stuffing as possible into each pork chop pocket; do not tie or skewer.
- Place the stuffed pork chops in a buttered baking dish with a cover or cover with foil.
- Sprinkle the chops with salt, pepper, and sage.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes).
- Remove cover and bake for another 20 minutes or until the chops are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins to the apple stuffing for added sweetness. If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well too. Ensure the pork chops are well-trimmed to avoid excess fat. For a more savory flavor, you can substitute sage with Italian seasoning. Pairing this dish with a fresh salad, like Bee'S Broccoli Salad, can balance the richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked stuffed pork chops alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A light salad, such as Joann'S Cheese Potatoes, can add a refreshing contrast. For a complete dinner experience, consider pairing with a glass of apple cider to complement the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftover stuffed pork chops to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Stuffed Pork Chops contains roughly 116 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g 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 use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but they may require less baking time. Keep an eye on them as they cook to avoid drying out. Ensure they are thick enough to hold the stuffing without breaking apart.
What other vegetables can I add to the stuffing?
You can add finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Mushrooms also work well and can enhance the umami profile of the stuffing. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the other ingredients.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to stuff the pork chops right before baking to maintain moisture and flavor. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the dish.
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).