Pocket Pork Chops
Elevate your dinner game with these irresistibly juicy Pocket Pork Chops, stuffed with a rich, cheesy filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Thick-cut, bone-in pork chops are seasoned to perfection with a blend of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then carefully sliced to create pockets brimming with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and minced garlic. A quick sear locks in flavor, while a finish in the oven ensures tender, perfectly cooked chops. Topped with a touch of paprika and perfect alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, this easy yet impressive recipe is ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Discover the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite of these stuffed pork chops!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (thick cut, about 1-inch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
With a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each pork chop, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
Season the pork chops inside and out with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, prepare the filling by mixing the chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and panko breadcrumbs until well combined.
Stuff each pork chop pocket generously with the prepared filling, pressing it in carefully. Toothpicks can be used to secure the edges if needed.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the stuffed pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet with the pork chops to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes, and sprinkle with paprika for garnish, if desired.
Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
613 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.2 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.2 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 140 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 1139 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.3 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 43.2 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 455 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 561 mg | 12% | |
*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.
