These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops are a yummy way to enjoy a hearty meal! Juicy pork chops are filled with creamy cheese and fresh spinach, making each bite super tasty.
Who knew pork chops could be this exciting? I love how easy it is to whip them up, and the cheese makes them feel fancy without the fuss. Perfect for family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using boneless pork chops for easier stuffing. If you prefer bone-in, just account for extra cooking time. Also, choose thick cuts (1-1½ inches) to hold the filling well. For a leaner option, consider using chicken breasts instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a lovely taste and texture, but frozen works great too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. If you’re not a fan of spinach, try using kale or even sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor.
Cheese: Cream cheese makes the filling creamy, while mozzarella gives it gooeyness. For a healthier option, use ricotta instead of cream cheese, or try a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version. Parmesan adds a nice salty kick; feel free to swap it with Pecorino Romano!
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds a lovely taste, but you can customize it. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley can be used, or even just garlic and a pinch of salt if you prefer a simpler flavor.
How Do I Stuff and Cook Pork Chops Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing pork chops can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get it just right. First, be gentle when cutting the pocket in the sides of the chops; do this slowly to avoid cutting through. Here are some steps:
- Use a sharp knife to make a deep pocket, keeping about an inch uncut at the bottom.
- Generously fill the pocket with your spinach and cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or your fingers to help stuff it in nice and snug.
- Use toothpicks to seal the opening if needed, ensuring the filling stays put during cooking.
- When searing, make sure your skillet is hot! It locks in flavors and gives a nice brown crust.
- Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 145°F for safety and perfect juiciness.
Following these steps will make stuffing and cooking your pork chops a breeze! Enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Make Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 to 1½ inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spinach and Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
Optional for Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 20-25 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 40 minutes to enjoy these tasty stuffed pork chops. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the oven a chance to warm up while you prepare the pork chops.
2. Prepare the Spinach and Cheese Filling:
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, toss in the spinach. If you’re using fresh spinach, cook until it wilts. If you’re using frozen, just warm it through. Once done, remove the pan from the heat.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir this all together until it’s creamy and well combined. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Next, take each pork chop and cut a deep pocket into the side, making sure not to cut all the way through. This pocket is where all that delicious filling will go!
5. Season the Pork Chops:
Season the insides and outsides of the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper. This will help to flavor the meat wonderfully.
6. Stuff the Pork Chops:
Using a spoon (or your fingers), fill each pork chop pocket generously with the spinach and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy! Pack it in so each bite will be flavorful.
7. Sear the Pork Chops:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the stuffed pork chops to the pan and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown.
8. Bake the Pork Chops:
Once they are nicely browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Rest the Chops:
When the pork chops are done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the stuffed pork chops with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, then serve hot. Enjoy every juicy, cheesy bite!
Now you’re ready to impress your family or guests with this delicious meal full of flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain the frozen spinach before mixing it into the filling. Excess moisture can make the filling watery, so squeezing out any liquid is key!
What Should I Do if I Can’t Find Boneless Pork Chops?
If you can’t find boneless chops, bone-in pork chops work too. Just adjust the cooking time to allow for the bone, as they may take a bit longer to cook through. A meat thermometer will help you ensure they’re safe to eat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach and cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply stuff it into the pork chops and proceed with the recipe as normal!
