Cream Cheese Pork Chops

Cream cheese pork chops are a must-try if you want to elevate your dinner game with a comforting and flavorful dish. This recipe combines tender pork loin chops with a rich and velvety cream cheese sauce. The fusion of classic American and European cooking styles is reminiscent of creamy, comforting casseroles but with the elegance of a plated entrée. Similar to dishes like creamy smothered pork chops and pork chops with mushroom gravy, these cream cheese pork chops offer a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that makes cleanup quick.

Cream Cheese Pork Chops Ingredients

• Pork chops: Boneless loin chops are the star of the dish, providing a lean, tender cut of meat that beautifully absorbs the rich and creamy sauce.
• Canola oil: This neutral oil is used to sear the pork chops and give them a golden-brown crust while keeping the dish light and healthy.
• Cream cheese: The cream cheese adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the sauce, making the dish rich and indulgent. Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest and creamiest sauce.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce to provide depth of flavor. It ensures the sauce has a smooth and pourable consistency.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty and nutty flavor that enhances the sauce’s creaminess and provides a subtle umami punch.
• Balsamic vinaigrette: This ingredient adds a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the cream cheese and Parmesan, giving the sauce a complex and layered flavor.
• Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness of the cream cheese and adding a fresh and zesty note to the sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Sear the pork chops

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Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add canola oil and cook pork chops for eight to 10 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°F. Remove and keep warm.

Step 2: Make the sauce

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Add the cream cheese, broth, cheese, vinaigrette and lemon juice to the skillet. Then, cook and stir until blended. Add additional chicken broth to thin it out If the sauce becomes too thick. Return chops to the pan until heated through.

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Cream Cheese Pork Chops Recipe Variations

• Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms in the sauce offer an earthy, umami-rich variation.
• Add aromatics: Mix some minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce.
• Spicy chops: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

How to Store Cream Cheese Pork Chops

Any leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it cools. If so, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

How do you reheat cream cheese pork chops?

Place the pork chops and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Cook until the pork chops are heated through and turn occasionally.

Can you make cream cheese pork chops ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce in a skillet and cook the pork chops as directed when ready to serve.

Cream Cheese Pork Chops Recipe Tips

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Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Bone-in pork chops can be used but they may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

What can I serve with cream cheese pork chops?

These pork chops pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, simple green beans or an arugula salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Can I use another type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Grated Romano or Asiago cheese can be substituted for Parmesan. Each cheese offers a slightly different flavor profile.