Description
Succulent Pork Chops Stuffed with Smoked Gouda and Bacon invite you on a savory culinary journey through rich, smoky flavors. Crispy bacon and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that promises to elevate your dinner experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 ounces (56 grams) smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 (2 1/4 inch thick) center-cut, bone-in pork chops
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking Ingredient:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Carefully slice a pocket into each pork chop, ensuring not to cut through the entire thickness.
- Create a rich filling by combining smoked Gouda, crispy bacon bits, finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Generously stuff the cheese and bacon mixture into the pork chop pockets, pressing gently to secure the filling.
- Use toothpicks to close the pockets if needed, preventing the stuffing from falling out during cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for roasting.
- Season the exterior of the pork chops with salt and a light dusting of black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is nearly smoking.
- Sear the stuffed pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown crust that seals in moisture.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C).
- Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Create a precise pocket in the pork chop by using a sharp knife, cutting horizontally without slicing completely through the meat to ensure even stuffing distribution.
- Choose thick-cut pork chops (at least 1-inch thick) to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy, tender meat while allowing space for the delicious Gouda and bacon filling.
- Pat the pork chops dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance the meat’s natural flavors without excess moisture.
- For a lighter version, substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon and use reduced-fat Gouda to lower the overall calorie and fat content while maintaining a rich, smoky taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 990 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg