Apple stuffed pork chops filled with onions and cheese are delicious — and so easy to make! Add this dish to your weekly menu for a twist on a traditional dinner.
Apple Stuffed Pork Chops: A unique dinner idea
I grew up on pork chops — my parents would serve them at least once a week when I was a kid. And while I like the classic breaded version, I’m always on the hunt for something new.
I’ve already shared my recipe for smoked pork chops, which are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and tender. I also love this smoked pork tenderloin with mustard glaze (not technically chops, but similar), and this special homemade pork chop spice rub.
Today’s dish involves slicing open pork chops and stuffing them with a wonderful mixture of cheese, onion, apples, and seasonings. An apple stuffed pork chop a day keeps the doctor away…or something like that!
Why you will love this Stuffed Pork Chop recipe
- It comes together quickly and easily.
- Requires minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Makes for a filling and hearty meal when paired with veggies and rice.
- All you’ll need is a skillet to make it!
How to make perfect Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
Assemble the stuffing ingredients. Place the shredded cheese, peeled and grated apples, chopped red onion, and poultry seasoning in a bowl. Mix, then set aside.
Flatten the meat. You’ll likely have to flatten your pork chops to make them easier to stuff! To do so, place one in a bag or between two pieces of parchment paper. Hit with a cast iron pan until it becomes thinner.
Stuff the pork chops. Place ¼ of the stuffing mixture into each chop and fold in half. Secure with a few toothpicks and repeat the process with all of the pork chops. If you’re working with small pieces, you can also stack two pieces of pork on top of each other and close them with toothpicks.
Pan fry. Place your cast iron skillet over medium heat and add some butter. When the pan becomes hot, add the pork and season it with salt and pepper. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the pork is cooked through.
Chef’s Tips:
- Serve these stuffed pork chops with your favorite veggies and a side of rice! I love them with this healthy vegetable fried rice. It’s a two-in-one so you don’t have to worry about cooking two sides separately!
- If you don’t want the hassle of flattening the meat yourself, you can typically ask the butcher to do it for you.
- Store any leftovers from this apple stuffed pork chop recipe in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for up to 3 days.
- Freeze this dish for later! Once your apple stuffed pork chops have cooled completely, place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frequently asked Questions about this Apple Stuffed Pork Chop recipe
What are the best apples to use with pork chops?
As pork is typically pretty salty, sweet apples can do much to balance out the flavor. I usually like to use Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for this apple stuffed pork chop recipe!
How do you cook pork chops so they aren’t tough?
The key is in pan-frying them! Lots of similar recipes will call for you to bake your chops in the oven. I prefer my pan-fried method so much more. The results are perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful. You won’t have to worry about tough results!
What is the best seasoning for pork?
I like to keep things simple and use just a bit of salt and pepper. There is so much flavor in the stuffing, and I find that loading up the chops with extra seasonings isn’t necessary! That said, you could also add a bit of cumin, garlic, or paprika if desired.
Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 piece apple peeled and grated
- 1/2 piece red onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 6 small pork loin chops
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sea salt for taste
- 1 tsp pepper for taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix stuffing ingredients together. Set aside.
- If the pork loin chops are thick, you will want to flatten them for even cooking. To do this place one chop in a bag (or between parchment) and hit it with the cast iron pan until it's thinner.
- Add roughly 1/4 of the stuffing mixture to each of the pork, fold in half and close with toothpicks.
- Or you can stack two pieces of pork on top of each other (if they're small pieces) and close with toothpicks.
- Preheat a skillet on medium heat and add the butter. When the pan is hot, add the pork and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5-7 mins on each side or until pork is cooked through.
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