Braised Stuffed Pork Chops
Juicy stuffed pork chops with a flavorful apple and raisin stuffing, braised to tender perfection—ideal for a hearty family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 double-thick loin pork chops (about 6 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 small tart apple peeled, cored, and diced ⓘ
- 1 small onion finely chopped (1/4 cup)
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. powdered sage ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- all-purpose flour for dredging ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut pockets in each pork chop.
- Set aside.
- Saute the peeled, cored, and diced apple and the finely chopped onion in margarine in a medium skillet until soft, about 4 minutes.
- Mix in the bread crumbs, chopped raisins, salt, powdered sage, and pepper.
- Spoon the stuffing into the pockets of the pork chops.
- Close the openings with toothpicks.
- Dredge the chops in all-purpose flour.
- Brown the chops on both sides in vegetable oil.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes or until the chops are tender.
- Remove the toothpicks.
- Garnish with apple slices and parsley, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade bread crumbs from stale bread. You can substitute the apple with a pear for a different sweetness or use dried cranberries instead of raisins. If you prefer a lighter option, use olive oil instead of margarine. For a more robust flavor, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the stuffing mix. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these braised stuffed pork chops alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They also pair well with roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots. For a comforting side, consider serving them with Charlene'S Egg Noodles. Garnish with apple slices and parsley for an elegant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Stuffed Pork Chops contains roughly 480 calories, with 7g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1868mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
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 other meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts or turkey cutlets. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken and turkey may cook faster than pork. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I do if I don’t have margarine?
If you don't have margarine, you can use unsalted butter or olive oil as a substitute. Both will work well for sautéing the apple and onion, providing a rich flavor to the stuffing.
How can I enhance the flavor of the stuffing?
To enhance the stuffing's flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or incorporate a splash of apple cider for acidity. You can also mix in some grated cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, which adds creaminess and depth to 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).