These apple stuffed pork chops are a tasty mix of sweet and savory. Juicy pork is filled with delicious apples, spices, and a bit of crunch.
Cooking this dish fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Trust me, it’s hard not to sneak a bite before it’s ready! I always serve it with a side of veggies for a balanced meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. If you prefer, boneless pork chops work, but keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster.
Apples: Granny Smith apples give a tart bite, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Feel free to use any apple you like, such as Fuji or Braeburn. I’ve even tried adding a mix of apples for more depth in flavor.
Onion: A small onion adds a subtle sweetness. If onions aren’t your thing, leeks or shallots can be a great substitute, giving a milder flavor that works well with the apples.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs are great for texture. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. If you want to keep it healthy, consider using oats; they’ll give a lovely chew!
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and richness. If you have allergies, skip them or use sunflower seeds for a similar texture without the nuts.
Herbs and Spice: Fresh thyme is fantastic in this dish, but if you don’t have it, rosemary or sage would work nicely too. Cinnamon adds warmth; you can swap it with nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Perfectly Stuff the Pork Chops?
Getting the stuffing into the pork chops can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to do it!
- Make sure the pork chops have a nice deep pocket; use a sharp knife carefully.
- Don’t overstuff; just pack in what fits comfortably. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
- Press the stuffing gently to help it stay in place during cooking. It’s all about balance!
Also, don’t forget to let the stuffed chops rest after cooking. This helps juices redistribute, leading to more flavorful and tender meat!
Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup apple cider or chicken broth (for pan sauce)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 45 minutes to prepare and cook, including about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking and baking. You’re going to love how quickly everything comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm while you prepare the pork chops. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally through the center of each pork chop, making sure not to cut all the way through—this is where your delicious stuffing will go!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re nice and soft.
3. Add the Apples:
Now it’s time to add the diced apples, cinnamon, and thyme to the skillet. Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes, just until the apples start to soften. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
4. Mix the Stuffing:
Stir in the breadcrumbs, chopped nuts (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese (if desired) into the skillet. Season the stuffing mix with some salt and pepper to taste. This filling will bring all the flavors together!
5. Stuffing the Chops:
Generously stuff each pork chop pocket with the apple mixture—don’t be shy! Press it in gently to hold the stuffing and, if needed, use toothpicks to secure the opening so nothing spills out while cooking.
6. Searing the Chops:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed pork chops in the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are nice and golden brown—this adds awesome flavor!
7. Baking Time:
Once seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the pork chops for about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Yum!
8. Letting Them Rest:
When done, take the pork chops out of the oven and let them rest on a plate, covered with foil. This step is important as it helps keep them juicy!
9. Making the Pan Sauce:
Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the apple cider or chicken broth, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced, which creates a flavorful sauce to drizzle over the pork chops.
10. Serving:
Serve the stuffed pork chops drizzled with your homemade pan sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a lovely touch. You can even add some sautéed or roasted apples on the side if you want to amp up the apple flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful Apple Stuffed Pork Chops—a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn for different flavors. Just aim for apples that hold their shape when cooked.
Can I Make These Pork Chops Without Nuts?
Yes, you can easily make this dish nut-free! Simply omit the pecans or walnuts from the stuffing. You can also replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch, or just stick to the breadcrumbs for texture.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, chicken broth is a perfect substitute! It adds a nice depth of flavor to the sauce. You could also use white wine or a mix of apple juice with a splash of vinegar for a similar taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. If you have extra pan sauce, drizzle that over the pork chops when reheating for added flavor!