How to Make Pesto Stuffed Pork Chops - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like a juicy, flavorful pork chop for a satisfying meal, and when you stuff it with a delicious pesto filling, it takes the dish to a whole new level. Pesto stuffed pork chops are a mouthwatering entree that will impress your family and friends and leave them coming back for seconds.

The combination of tender pork and rich, herbaceous pesto is a match made in culinary heaven. The pork chop serves as the perfect vessel for the creamy, garlicky pesto, infusing each ...

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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chilled basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops, 1 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Mix feta cheese, basil pesto, and pine nuts in a bowl. Use the tip of a sharp boning or paring knife to cut a 3-inch slit in the side of each pork chop, 2 inches deep and 1/4-inch away from the bone, to make a pocket for stuffing. Stuff pork chops with pesto filling and secure with toothpicks.
  • Mix black pepper, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in a small bowl; rub both sides of each chop with the spice mix. Place chops into a shallow baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until chops are browned and stuffing is hot, about 40 minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Brush chops with balsamic vinegar and bake until vinegar forms a glaze, another 5 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    335 cal.

    • Total Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 94mg
    • Sodium: 208mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 3g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 29g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 121mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 445mg