These spinach and cheese stuffed pork chops are so juicy and tasty! The pork is filled with yummy spinach and gooey cheese, making each bite super delicious.
I love how easy they are to make! Just stuff, sear, and bake—dinner is served in no time. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops have great flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, that works too! Thinner chops may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for a vibrant flavor, but frozen works well too—just make sure to squeeze out any excess water after thawing. Kale can also be used as a hearty substitute.
Cheese: Cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan give that rich, creamy filling. If you’re looking for alternatives, try ricotta or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different taste. Vegan cheese options can work too if needed.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika adds a lovely flavor boost, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can substitute. Using fresh garlic instead of powdered can also enhance flavor.
How Do You Get the Pork Chops Perfectly Stuffed?
Making sure your pork chops are stuffed well can be tricky. Follow these steps for a perfect pocket and filling:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket, starting from the side, making sure not to slice through the opposite side.
- Fill each pocket gently with the spinach-cheese mixture but don’t overstuff, as it can spill out while cooking.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed, or just pack it in tightly to hold.
Remember to let the pork chops rest after baking! This allows juices to redistribute, keeping your chops juicy and flavorful. Happy cooking!
How to Make Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried oregano
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for cooking and baking, totaling about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your pork chops are prepared.
2. Prepare the Spinach Filling:
If you’re using fresh spinach, heat a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat and sauté the spinach until it wilts (a few minutes). If you have frozen spinach, just thaw it out and make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a soggy filling.
In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian herbs. Make sure everything is well combined, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stuff the Pork Chops:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each pork chop. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through! Fill each pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture, pushing it in gently. Try not to overstuff it to prevent spilling when cooking!
4. Season the Pork Chops:
Now, season the outside of the stuffed pork chops with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will enhance the flavor immensely!
5. Sear the Chops:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each pork chop for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they have a beautiful golden crust.
6. Bake the Pork Chops:
Transfer the skillet with the pork chops into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe eating.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the pork chops are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your pork juicy and tender.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary, alongside your favorite sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh salad. Enjoy your scrumptious Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a watery filling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten-based ingredients. Just ensure any additional seasonings you use are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Stuffed Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, but avoid overheating to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Prepare These Pork Chops in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach and cheese filling and stuff the pork chops ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking; let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing and baking.