Cheese, Pepper And Herb-Stuffed Pork Chops
Cheese, pepper, and herb-stuffed pork chops offer a flavorful combination of melted cheese, vibrant red bell peppers, and fragrant herbs, perfect for a hearty yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 4 pork loin chops, 3/4 to 1 inch thick, trimmed ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- To cut pockets in chops, place on a cutting board and with a sharp knife, cut horizontally through each chop nearly to the bone.
- Stir together cheese, red bell pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Divide mixture into 4 portions, stuffing 1 portion into each pocket.
- Close pockets with small skewers or wooden picks.
- Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat source for 14 to 18 minutes, turning once. Alternatively, grill by placing on a grid over medium coals.
- Grill 16 to 18 minutes, turning once, until pork is cooked through but still slightly pink.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the stuffing mixture. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, feel free to substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for some heat. Make sure to let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices for a more tender bite.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed pork chops pair beautifully with Candied Green Beans or Hometown Baked Beans for a hearty meal. Consider serving them alongside a fresh Dole Pineapple Spinach Salad for a refreshing contrast. A side of roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes would also complement the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain their juiciness and prevent them from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese, Pepper And Herb-Stuffed Pork Chops contains roughly 118 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), iron (101% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% 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 types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as gouda, fontina, or even feta for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well to achieve a gooey texture inside the pork chops.
What should the internal temperature of the pork be?
The internal temperature of cooked pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chop for best results. Letting it rest afterwards will help maintain moisture.
Can I grill these pork chops instead of broiling?
Absolutely! Grilling these stuffed pork chops adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Just grill them over medium coals for about 16 to 18 minutes, turning once, until they are cooked through but still slightly pink in the center.
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).