Kamil Perry
Bacon and cheese stuffed pork chops are a delicious meal that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, broiling, or cooking in a skillet or oven. The pork chops are stuffed with a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon and creamy melted cheese, along with other ingredients such as parsley, chives, and garlic powder. The preparation involves creating a pocket in the pork chop, stuffing it with the bacon and cheese mixture, and then cooking it to perfection. This dish is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters and can be customized to suit different dietary needs.
Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pork Chop | Boneless, center-cut |
| Type of Cheese | Cream cheese, gouda, cheddar |
| Other Ingredients | Chives, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, apple, barbecue sauce |
| Cooking Method | Grilled, skillet, oven-baked |
| Cooking Time | 5-8 minutes on each side on the grill, 2-4 minutes in a skillet, 15-20 minutes in the oven |
| Cooking Temperature | Medium heat on grill, medium-high heat in skillet, 450°F in oven |
| Serving Suggestions | Mashed potatoes, corn, brown beans |
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$3.99
What You'll Learn
How to cut a pocket into the pork chop
To cut a pocket into a pork chop, you will need a sharp, pointed knife, such as a fillet knife or another thin-bladed knife. You should also ensure that you have chosen the right cut of pork chop for stuffing. Pork loin rib chops or bone-in pork loin chops are the most foolproof options as the bone will prevent you from cutting through to the other side.
Place the pork chop on a cutting board and hold it vertically. Using your knife, make a horizontal slit in the fatty side of the chop, cutting almost to the other side (or to the bone) without cutting through the opposite side. Work the knife inside the chop to widen the interior pocket while keeping the original slit small.
Once you have cut the pocket, you can fill it with your desired stuffing. Hold the pork chop with one hand and use a spoon to fill the pocket, spreading the stuffing evenly. Stuff the pork chop until it is about three-quarters full to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking. Secure the opening with two toothpicks inserted diagonally through the outer edges of the chop.
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How to prepare the stuffing
To prepare the stuffing for bacon and cheese-stuffed pork chops, you will need a combination of cheeses, bacon, and herbs. The cheeses used can vary depending on your preference, but some common options include cream cheese, gouda, cheddar, and parsley. For the herbs, you can use parsley, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. You may also choose to add some barbecue sauce or apple to your stuffing for extra flavour.
Begin by cutting the bacon into small pieces or chopping it into a coarse mince. You can also use pre-packaged bacon bits if you prefer. Grate or shred your chosen cheese into a small bowl and mix in the bacon. Add in your chosen herbs and spices and mix until well combined. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
Some recipes suggest adding bread crumbs to the stuffing mixture to help absorb some of the juices from the pork and create a more cohesive filling. You can use plain, seasoned, or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your preference or dietary requirements.
Once your stuffing mixture is prepared, you can then cut pockets into your pork chops and stuff them with the mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit or pocket into the side of each pork chop, being careful not to cut all the way through. Generously fill each pocket with the stuffing mixture, pushing it gently into the pocket and sealing it shut. You can secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
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How to cook the pork chops in an oven
To cook bacon and cheese-stuffed pork chops in the oven, you will first need to prepare the pork chops. Cut a pocket into the pork chops, being careful to leave the sides intact and the opening small. You can do this by holding the knife parallel to the cutting board and cutting from the fatty side.
Next, prepare the stuffing by mixing your chosen ingredients together in a bowl. Most recipes suggest a combination of grated cheese, bacon, and herbs such as parsley, but you can get creative and add other ingredients like chilli powder or barbecue sauce. Once you have mixed the stuffing, stuff each pork chop with an equal amount of the filling, pushing it away from the opening and towards the back of the pocket. Secure the opening with two toothpicks, inserted diagonally through the outer edges of the meat.
Now that your pork chops are stuffed, it's time to cook them. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 220°C or 450°F. Place the stuffed pork chops on a baking tray or pan. If you want to add extra flavour, you can first brown the pork chops in a skillet over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Finally, bake the pork chops in the oven for around 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For a 2-inch thick pork chop, aim for a cooking time of around 8-10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 145°F. This will ensure that the pork is cooked through and safe to eat, while still remaining juicy and tender.
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How to cook the pork chops in a skillet
To cook bacon and cheese-stuffed pork chops in a skillet, start by flattening the chops with your palm to ensure even browning. Be careful not to let the stuffing reach the edges, as it will naturally push outwards as the chops cook. Season the chops with salt and pepper, or poultry seasoning, on both sides.
Next, heat some butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Avoid letting the butter burn and smoke. Add the pork chops to the skillet, cooking them for around 3 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they are well browned. Turn each chop only once.
Once browned, transfer the chops to a baking sheet and place them in the oven to finish cooking. Alternatively, you can skip the oven and cook the chops in the skillet for a total of 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until done.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and add some butter, swirling the skillet to combine. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving over the chops.
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How to grill the pork chops
Grilling is a great way to cook bacon and cheese stuffed pork chops. You can use a charcoal or gas grill, or even a grill pan on your stovetop if you don't have an outdoor grill. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grill these mouthwatering chops:
Prepare the Grill:
Firstly, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Whether you're using charcoal or gas, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the pork chops from sticking. If using a charcoal grill, you'll want to wait until the coals are glowing red with a light coating of ash before proceeding.
Grill the Pork Chops:
Place the stuffed pork chops on the preheated grill. For the best grill marks, place them perpendicular to the grates. Grill the chops for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. It's important not to overcook them, as this can dry out the meat and filling. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops.
Flip and Cook the Other Side:
Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the pork chops to cook the other side. Again, cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until done to your desired doneness. If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chops are ready when they're lightly charred on the outside and the juices run clear.
Rest and Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the pork chops to a clean plate or cutting board and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Finally, serve the bacon and cheese stuffed pork chops with your favourite sides. They go well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the flavours of juicy pork, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in every bite!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pork chops, cheese, bacon, and parsley. You can also add in other ingredients like chives, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and barbecue sauce.
Cut a pocket into the pork chops, leaving the sides intact and the opening small. You can do this by holding the knife parallel to the cutting board and cutting from the fatty side, or holding the pork chop vertically and cutting through the side.
Mix your chosen ingredients together in a bowl and adjust the spices to your liking. Then, stuff about one-sixth or one-fourth of the filling into each pork chop, pushing it away from the opening. Secure the opening with toothpicks.
You can cook the pork chops on a grill, in a skillet, or in the oven. If cooking in a skillet, cook the pork chops in butter or oil for about six to eight minutes on each side, or until done. If cooking in the oven, bake for 15-20 minutes at around 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the thickness of the chops.
Be careful not to overcook the pork chops. You can use a meat thermometer to check if the pork is done; insert it into the thickest part of the pork and ensure it reads at least 145°F.
