Apple stuffed pork chops bring together juicy meat and sweet apples, making a perfect meal. With a touch of cinnamon, these chops are tasty and comforting!
When my friends come over and I serve these, they think I’m a gourmet chef! Honestly, it’s easy to pop them in the oven and enjoy that sweet aroma filling the house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are ideal because they’re tender and easy to stuff. If you prefer bone-in, just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness that balances the savory flavors. Gala or Honeycrisp can work too if you like a sweeter taste. Any apple variety will do as long as it’s firm.
Onions: Yellow onions are my go-to for sweetness. However, if you like a stronger flavor, red onions are a great alternative that adds color too!
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and richness. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the stuffing together. You can use regular, panko, or even crushed crackers if that’s what you have on hand. Gluten-free options are available if needed!
How Do I Properly Stuff Pork Chops?
Stuffing pork chops can seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! The key is to make a solid pocket and fill it generously without over-stuffing.
- Use a sharp knife to slice a pocket into each pork chop, being careful not to cut through the other side. The pocket should be deep enough to hold the filling but not too wide.
- Once the apple mixture cools slightly, use a spoon to fill each stuffed chop evenly, using your fingers to press the mixture snugly inside.
- Be sure to secure the opening with toothpicks if needed, preventing any filling from spilling out during cooking.
This method ensures every bite contains that delightful flavor without the mess! Enjoy your cooking!
Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 1/2 inches thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium apple (such as Gala or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or apple cider
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes a total of around 45 minutes, including 15 minutes for prep and about 20-25 minutes for cooking. You’ll fill those pork chops with a sweet apple mixture and have a delightful meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pork Chops:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, take a sharp knife and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each pork chop. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through. Season each chop generously inside and out with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Apple Mixture:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. Once the onions are ready, toss in the diced apples, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes until the apples are tender.
3. Mix the Stuffing:
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the breadcrumbs and chopped nuts, if using. Let this mixture cool down a bit before stuffing it into the pork chops. This ensures you won’t burn yourself when you fill the pockets!
4. Stuff the Pork Chops:
Carefully stuff each pork chop pocket with the apple mixture, pressing gently but evenly to avoid overstuffing. It’s okay if some filling spills out; it adds to the deliciousness!
5. Sear the Chops:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the stuffed pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. That beautiful golden color means flavor!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pour the chicken broth or apple cider into the skillet with the pork chops and transfer everything to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier. Finally, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve the pork chops with the apple chunks from the pan scooped right on top.
Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with each tender, juicy pork chop!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, you can use any firm apple you like, such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each variety will give a slightly different flavor profile to the stuffing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Both will work just fine to bind the filling!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pecans or Walnuts?
No problem! You can skip the nuts entirely or swap them for sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch. Alternatively, you could use oats for texture without introducing allergens.
Can I Make These Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed pork chops a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just season them and fill with the stuffing, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear and bake as directed.