These juicy pork chops are stuffed with creamy cheese and healthy spinach, bringing a tasty twist to your dinner. They’re simple to make and are sure to impress everyone at the table!
Honestly, the melted cheese with the spinach filling is a match made in heaven! I love serving these with some mashed potatoes on the side—it’s a perfect combo for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for keeping the meat juicy during cooking. If you prefer, boneless chops work too. Just keep an eye on cook time!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant flavor, but frozen spinach can be a good alternative. Be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the filling!
Cheese: Cream cheese is excellent for creaminess, but you might try ricotta or goat cheese if you’re looking for a different taste. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar can also work nicely.
Garlic: Fresh garlic has a unique flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can sub in—just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
How Can I Ensure My Pork Chops Stay Juicy?
Keeping your pork chops juicy can be a challenge, but here’s how to do it:
- Choose pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick; they hold moisture better.
- Always let the pork chops rest after cooking—they’ll retain juices, making every bite tender.
- Searing them in a hot skillet before baking seals in the juices, creating a lovely crust.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure you pull them from the oven at 145°F (63°C). Too long in the oven can lead to dryness!
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Spinach and Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 25-30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes before you’re enjoying these delicious stuffed pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it warmed up while you prepare the pork chops. This helps them cook evenly!
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Take a sharp knife and carefully cut a deep pocket horizontally into each pork chop. Be gentle, and don’t cut all the way through—just enough to create a space for your delicious filling!
3. Season the Chops:
Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of each pork chop to add flavor. This is an important step to ensure your meat is tasty!
4. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the fresh or thawed spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
5. Stuff the Pork Chops:
Now it’s time to stuff! Take the filling mix and generously spoon it into each pocket of the pork chops. Press the filling firmly inside to ensure it stays put during cooking.
6. Sear the Chops:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully place the stuffed pork chops in the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a lovely crust!
7. Add Extra Flavor:
Just before transferring to the oven, add the butter to the skillet. Spoon some of the melted butter over the pork chops for an extra dose of flavor!
8. Bake the Pork Chops:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature—it should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
9. Let Them Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping your chops tender and juicy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the stuffed pork chops with chopped fresh parsley before serving. They’re delicious served with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful pork chops with creamy spinach and cheese stuffing oozing out!
Can I Use Bone-In or Boneless Pork Chops?
You can use either, but bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier and are more flavorful due to the bone. If you choose boneless, just be mindful of the cooking time as they may cook a bit faster!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, ricotta cheese is a great option for a lighter filling, or you might use goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cream cheese alternatives like Neufchâtel also work well!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the pork chops just before cooking. Store them wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just adjust your cooking time if they’re coming from the fridge cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or microwave, being careful not to dry them out!
