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