Apple-Stuffed Pork Chops

If you’re stuck on what to make with the beautiful pork chops you just picked up at the grocery store, do not fear, because we have the perfect recipe for you. These apple-stuffed pork chops are as tasty as they are hearty, and they bake right in the oven—no grill necessary!

Ingredients for Apple-Stuffed Pork Chops

• Onion: The onion works as the aromatic for the stuffing inside the pork chops. Choose a yellow or white onion variety for this recipe.
• Butter: The onion is cooked in butter before it’s combined with the other stuffing ingredients.
• Bread cubes: Choose a soft bread to cube, typically from a loaf you already have at home.
• Apples: Apples are finely chopped and tossed into the stuffing for these pork chops. Red apples will result in a sweeter taste, while green apples will result in a tangier taste.
• Celery: Celery adds bulk and flavor to the stuffing inside these pork chops.
• Parsley: This fresh herb is minced and tossed in with the stuffing for these pork chops with apples and stuffing.
• Pork chops: Choose pork loin chops that are bone-in and 1-1/2 inches thick, about 7 ounces each.
• Vegetable oil: The stuffed pork chops are browned with vegetable oil before going in the oven to bake.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the onion

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In a small skillet, saute the onion in butter until it’s tender.

Step 2: Make the stuffing

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Remove the skillet from the heat, and toss in the bread cubes, apples, celery, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.

Step 3: Stuff the pork chops

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Cut a pocket in each chop by making a horizontal cut through the meat until you almost hit the bone. Sprinkle the insides and outsides with the remaining salt and the pepper, then spoon the stuffing loosely into the pockets.

Step 4: Brown the pork chops

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet oil, brown the chops on both sides in the vegetable oil.

Step 5: Bake the pork chops

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Place the chops in a large ungreased baking pan, then cover the pan and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the pan and bake for 30 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 145°. Let the meat stand for five minutes before serving.

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Apple-Stuffed Pork Chop Variations

• Skip the stuffing and add cheese: Don’t want the extra breading? Saute the onions with the apple and celery, then add scoops of the filling in the pork chops and layer in slices of white cheddar cheese.
• Add dried cranberries: For a touch more sweetness in your pork chops, toss dried cranberries in with the stuffing.

How to Store Apple-Stuffed Pork Chops

These stuffed pork chops with stuffing and apples can last in the fridge for two to three days. They’ll also keep in the freezer for up to a month. Be sure to store the pork chops in an airtight container.

How do you reheat apple-stuffed pork chops?

In an oven-safe pan, add 2 tablespoons of water, then place the pork chop inside. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake the pork chop at 350° for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°.

Apple-Stuffed Pork Chop Tips

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Can I use boneless pork chops?

If you can get your hands on a thicker pork chop that’s boneless, that will work for this recipe. Be sure to cut the fattier end to make the pocket, and don’t cut all the way through the meat, so the pork chop will retain its shape.

What can I serve with apple-stuffed pork chops?

Because this pork chop already has a hearty amount of breading inside, a light leafy green salad or roasted vegetables would go nicely with these apple-stuffed pork loin chops.