Iowa Stuffed Pork Chops with Sweet Apple Dressing
Experience the hearty flavors of the Midwest with these Iowa Stuffed Pork Chops with Sweet Apple Dressing—an elegant yet comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Thick-cut, bone-in pork chops are generously filled with a mouthwatering stuffing made from buttery sautéed onions, celery, and Granny Smith apple, perfectly seasoned with fresh sage, thyme, and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet-savory balance. The chops are seared to golden perfection, locking in the juices, and then baked to tender, succulent doneness. This recipe highlights the art of combining seasonal ingredients and classic flavors, delivering an effortless blend of sweetness and earthiness. Pair these stuffed pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes or caramelized Brussels sprouts for a meal to remember. With straightforward preparation and a decadent outcome, this dish is a true celebration of comfort food. Perfect for keyword searches like “stuffed pork chop recipes,” “Midwest-inspired recipes,” and “pork and apple dinners.”
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bone-in pork chops (thick-cut, at least 1.5 inches)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Celery (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Apple (peeled, cored, and diced, preferably Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh sage (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Day-old bread (cubed)
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and black pepper. Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each pork chop by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced apple, garlic, sage, thyme, and brown sugar to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the apple begins to soften and the flavors meld together.
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the cubed bread and chicken broth. Mix until the bread is evenly moistened. Set the stuffing aside to cool slightly.
Stuff each pork chop with the apple stuffing mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the seared pork chops to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Carefully remove toothpicks, if used.
Serve the Iowa Stuffed Pork Chops hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.0 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.1 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 214 mg | 71% | |
| Sodium | 1057 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.2 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.9 g | ||
| Protein | 65.3 g | 131% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 121 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 1126 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
