If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests with minimal fuss, this Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe is an absolute game changer. Juicy, tender pork chops get a delicious upgrade by being stuffed with fresh mozzarella and vibrant pesto, offering a beautiful harmony of creamy, herbal, and savory flavors in every bite. This dish feels fancy but comes together easily enough for a cozy evening at home, making it one of my favorite go-to recipes when I crave something both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that bring together bold flavors and wonderful textures. Each component plays a special part, from the fragrant pesto adding herbal brightness to the melty mozzarella providing creamy richness, all balanced by the seasoned pork chops seared to perfection.
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick): Perfect for stuffing, these chops stay juicy and maintain great texture throughout cooking.
- 1/2 cup pesto: Whether store-bought or homemade, pesto injects fresh basil and garlic flavor that livens up the meat.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (fresh preferred): Melts beautifully inside the chops for that irresistible gooey center.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural pork flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chops to a golden brown outside while preserving moisture inside.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlic note, but feel free to swap with fresh garlic for extra freshness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and thyme that complements the pesto perfectly.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a bright, colorful garnish that ties the dish together visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for perfectly baked pork chops. This preheating step ensures your oven is ready right after searing the meat, helping everything cook evenly without delay.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Take each pork chop and season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning blend infuses the meat with layers of flavor that play wonderfully against the pesto and cheese stuffing.
Step 3: Create the Pockets and Stuff
Carefully slice a pocket into the edge of each pork chop without cutting all the way through. Then, generously fill each pocket with a mix of pesto and mozzarella. This step is where the magic happens, creating a luscious, melty surprise inside the pork.
Step 4: Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed pork chop for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This searing locks in juices and creates delicious texture contrasts.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared pork chops to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure the pork is juicy and safe to eat. Baking melts the mozzarella perfectly and melds the pesto flavors deep into the meat.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting step redistributes juices, keeping each bite moist. Top with fresh basil leaves if desired for a final pop of color and herbal brightness.
How to Serve Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are an ideal garnish, adding a burst of fresh aroma and a pretty green accent. For extra indulgence, a light drizzle of extra pesto or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings additional layers of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta are also fantastic sides that complement the cheesy stuffing and rich pork without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pork chops sliced on a platter with cheese oozing out for an impressive centerpiece. Alternatively, arrange the chops alongside vibrant vegetable medleys, or create a rustic board with complimentary dips and crusty bread for a fun, family-style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to keep the mozzarella fresh and maintain flavor integrity.
Freezing
These stuffed pork chops freeze really well. Wrap each chop tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pork chops in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Reheating gently helps preserve the cheese’s melty texture and keeps the pork juicy without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly well and saves time. Just pick one with fresh, vibrant flavors for the best results.
What if I don’t have bone-in pork chops?
You can use boneless chops, but be more careful when making the pocket so the filling doesn’t spill out. Cooking time might also be slightly shorter with boneless cuts.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Make sure the pesto you use is also dairy-free or homemade without cheese.
Can I prepare the stuffed pork chops in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the pork chops with pesto and mozzarella, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners even easier.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork is safe to eat and juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, this Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe is a must-try. The combination of tender pork, creamy cheese, and flavorful pesto hits all the right notes, making dinner time a real celebration. Trust me, once you whip up this dish, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every delightful bite!
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Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops offer a gourmet twist on a classic dinner, combining tender, bone-in pork chops with savory pesto and melty mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe includes searing and baking steps to ensure juicy, flavorful pork chops perfect for an elegant yet approachable meal.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 pieces Bone-in Pork Chops (about 1-inch thick)
Filling
- 1/2 cup Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded or sliced, fresh preferred)
Seasoning & Cooking
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (can substitute with fresh garlic)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Italian herb mix)
- Fresh Basil Leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is fully heated by the time the pork chops are ready to bake.
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the bone-in, 1-inch thick pork chops dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on all sides for balanced flavor.
- Prepare the Filling: Carefully create a pocket in each pork chop by slicing along the edge without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket evenly with a mixture of pesto and mozzarella cheese, ensuring the filling is well distributed but does not spill out.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Bake the Chops: Transfer the seared chops to a baking dish or oven-safe pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), indicating the pork is safely cooked but still juicy.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fresh aromatic touch.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for better flavor and moisture retention.
- Fresh mozzarella melts better and offers a creamier texture than shredded, but either works.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
