Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! These Gouda Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops are not just a meal, they're a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines the rich, smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the creamy, luxurious melt of Gouda cheese, all nestled inside perfectly seared, juicy pork chops. If you're looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is your golden ticket to flavor paradise.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 thick-cut pork chops
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and searing.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a horizontal pocket in each pork chop by cutting a deep slit along the side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both the exterior and interior of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces once cooled.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded Gouda cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly to create the stuffing.
- Carefully stuff each pork chop pocket with the Gouda-bacon mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed and not overfilled.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet with pork chops directly into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Choose thick-cut pork chops (at least 1-inch thick) to create the perfect pocket for stuffing and prevent overcooking.
- Pat the pork chops completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Use a sharp knife and a steady hand when creating the stuffing pocket - slice horizontally and avoid cutting all the way through.
- Don't overstuff the pork chops; this can cause the filling to leak during cooking.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help retain their juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of minced garlic or finely chopped green onions to the Gouda-bacon mixture.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared pork chops to a baking dish before finishing in the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 691kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 65g
Fat: 50g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 190mg
