Juicy Pork Chops Stuffed with Smoked Gouda and Bacon Recipe

Succulent pork chops stuffed with smoked gouda and bacon promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy bacon and melted cheese create an irresistible combination inside tender meat.

Every bite brings a symphony of rich, smoky flavors that feel like a warm embrace.

Home cooks can easily master this impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Salt, pepper, and a few simple techniques elevate these chops from ordinary to extraordinary.

Careful preparation ensures each morsel bursts with incredible taste and texture.

Invite friends over and watch their eyes light up when you serve these incredible stuffed pork chops.

Variations to Spice Up Stuffed Pork Chops

• Vegetarian Cheese Stuffed Portobello: Replace pork chops with large portobello mushrooms, stuff with smoked gouda, bacon bits, and spinach, bake until tender.
• Chicken Alternative: Swap pork chops with boneless chicken breasts, follow same stuffing and cooking technique for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use thin-sliced chicken or turkey, eliminate spinach, add extra crispy bacon pieces, focus on high-fat cheese filling.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute smoked gouda with dairy-free cheese alternative, use plant-based bacon crumbles, ensure all ingredients meet dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Pork Chops

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these rich, cheesy pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes that complement the smoky gouda and crispy bacon filling.
• Herb-Packed Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and add fresh, zesty notes.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay to enhance the pork chops' complex flavors and balance the creamy sauce.
• Green Vegetable Companion: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and olive oil to provide a crunchy, nutritious side that adds color and freshness to the plate.

Proper Storage for Gouda and Bacon Pork Chops

• Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual pork chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place pork chops on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute smoked gouda with other melting cheeses like provolone, fontina, or mild cheddar. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the bacon flavor.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the pork chops in a regular skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish for oven cooking. Make sure the baking dish can withstand high temperatures.

Stuffed Pork Chops with Smoked Gouda and Bacon Twist

• Burst with Flavor: Indulge in a mouthwatering combination of smoky gouda, crispy bacon, and tender pork chops that create an explosion of rich, savory tastes.
• Elevate Weeknight Cooking: Transform an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience with minimal preparation and maximum deliciousness, perfect for impressing family or unexpected guests.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Achieve professional-level cooking with simple techniques like stuffing, searing, and creating a creamy pan sauce that makes you feel like a top chef.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience by preparing the entire dish in a single oven-safe skillet, from initial searing to final sauce creation.

Ingredients for Gouda and Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops

• Pork Chops: Thick-cut meat that serves as the primary protein and base for this stuffed recipe.
• Smoked Gouda: Rich and creamy cheese that provides a smoky flavor and melty texture to the stuffing.
• Bacon: Crispy and savory ingredient that adds depth and richness to the cheese mixture.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a subtle earthy flavor to the stuffing.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Blend of spices that season and elevate the flavor of the pork chops.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for searing the pork chops and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Butter: Ingredients that combine to create a rich and creamy sauce for the dish.
• Parsley, Lemon Juice: Optional garnish that adds freshness and brightness to the final presentation.

Cooking Guide for Pork Chops Stuffed with Gouda and Bacon

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Season The Meat

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Step 3: Create The Cheese Mixture

• Crumbled smoked gouda
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh spinach

Step 4: Create Pork Chop Pockets

Carefully slice a hidden pocket into each pork chop, making sure not to cut all the way through.

Generously stuff the cheese and bacon mixture inside each pocket.

Step 5: Sear The Stuffed Pork Chops

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place the stuffed pork chops into the hot skillet.

Sear each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the entire skillet with the seared pork chops into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked through.

Step 7: Create A Luxurious Sauce

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Butter

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touch And Serve

Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the rich sauce over the top.

For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley and squeeze a bit of lemon juice.

Serve immediately and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors!

Tips for Juicy and Flavor-Packed Stuffed Pork Chops

• Use a sharp knife to create a deep pocket without cutting through the entire pork chop, ensuring the cheesy filling stays inside during cooking.
• Don't overstuff the chops; use about 2-3 tablespoons of gouda mixture to prevent spillage and maintain meat texture.
• Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe and juicy results, preventing overcooking.
• Whisk sauce continuously and simmer gently to create a smooth, rich coating that complements the stuffed pork chops perfectly.

Hefty Pork Chops Stuffed With Smoked Gouda And Bacon Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pork chops stuffed with smoked gouda and bacon deliver a rich flavor profile that elevates home cooking. Crispy bacon and melted cheese create a mouthwatering centerpiece for dinner that satisfies you with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 thick-cut, bone-in pork chops
• 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of acidity)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring even heat distribution for optimal cooking.
2. Generously season pork chops with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, massaging the spices into the meat.
3. Combine smoked gouda, crispy crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped spinach in a mixing bowl, creating a rich, flavorful stuffing.
4. Carefully slice a deep pocket into the side of each pork chop, creating a cavity for the cheese mixture.
5. Thoroughly stuff each pork chop with the gouda and bacon blend, ensuring the filling is compact and evenly distributed.
6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
7. Sear the stuffed pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown crust that seals in moisture.
8. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145F.
9. Remove the pork chops and let them rest briefly while preparing the sauce in the same skillet.
10. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, then whisk in heavy cream and butter, simmering until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.
11. Return the pork chops to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce.
12. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a bright squeeze of lemon juice before serving immediately.

Notes

• Slice pork chops carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through, ensuring the stuffing stays inside during cooking.
• Choose thick-cut pork chops (1-1.5 inches) for the best stuffing capacity and to prevent overcooking.
• Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance flavor absorption.
• Swap gouda with other melty cheeses like gruyère or provolone for different flavor profiles if desired.
• For a low-carb option, use fresh herbs instead of spinach in the stuffing mixture.
• Check internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg