The Best Stuffed Pork Chops
The inspiration for this seared stuffed pork chops with apples and almond stuffing recipe comes from one our favorite grocery store finds. They had them in the butcher section the first Fall Matt and I lived together. We grabbed some to try and HOLY COW. They were delicious. Savory, sweet, filling – the perfect Autumn dinner. Ever since, we’ve looked out for the stuffed pork chop come September. And year after year, none were to be found. After a fourth year of no chops, I’d had enough and realized if the grocery store wasn’t going to do it, I needed to do it myself.
I gathered the supplies – bone-in pork chops, apples, slivered almonds, and began experimenting. Luckily, without many tries I’d nailed it. The famous stuffed pork chops with apples and almond.
The Supplies
Ingredients
To make this seared stuffed pork chops with apples and almonds, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Celery
- Pink lady or gala apple
- Fresh sage
- Panko bread crumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Slivered roasted almonds
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Bone-in pork chops
For the exact ingredient amounts, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Equipment
In order to make this seared pork chops with apple and almond stuffing recipe, you’ll need the following pieces of equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Large frying pan
- Large baking sheet
Frequent Recipe Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
- A: These stuffed pork chops are best enjoyed right away. If you’re looking to do some work in advance, prepare the stuffing and stuff it into the pork chops. Then, cover and refrigerate the chops until you’re ready to serve. Then sear and bake the pork chops right before enjoying.
What kind of apple should I use in the stuffing?
- A: A firm, crisp apple is best for keeping the integrity of the fruit as it’s added to the stuffing and then baked. I love a pink lady apple for this recipe, but honey crisp. gala, or Fuji apples would work great as well.
Can I substitute boneless pork chops?
- A: You can. Just be cautious to not slice the chop all the way through, so that the stuffing stays in the middle. You may also need to reduce the bake time, as a boneless pork chop will bake faster.
Recipe Details
Make the Apple and Almond Stuffing
This main course requires a few extra steps, but it’s every bit worth it. To get this recipe started, prepare a simple, stovetop stuffing. To make the apple and almond stuffing, you’ll first soften onions, celery, and apples together with fresh sage in a medium saucepan. Next, you’ll bulk out the stuffing with panko bread crumbs, instead of dried out bread. It not only saves time when making this recipe, it creates a finer stuffing that will be easier to stuff into the pork chops. The stuffing is finished with parmesan cheese and almond slivers to help bind the ingredients together.
Stuff and Sear the Pork Chops
Once the apple and almond filling is prepared, you’ll begin preparing the pork chops. Slice the pork chops just to the bone, ensuring the ends are not cut through so that the stuffing stays inside. Use a spoon to carefully add the stuffing into the center of each pork chop, pressing the pork chops shut to keep the stuffing inside.
The pork chops are then seasoned with salt and pepper and seared on the stove top, just until the outsides are browned. Then, the pork chops are finished in the oven until they’re baked all the way through. Take the chops out of the oven and enjoy right away with your favorite sides. I love this recipe with mashed squash and green beans, but it would be great with some Roasted Honeynut Squash or Chili Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
If you make these seared stuffed pork chops with apples and almond stuffing, be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating – I can’t wait to hear how it goes. As always, tag me on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook in your photos. It makes me feel like we’re getting to cook together!
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Apple and Almond Stuffed Pork Chops
Description
These stuffed pork chops with apple and almond are seared on the stove top, finished in the oven, and filled with autumnal flavor.
Apple and Almond Stuffed Pork Chops
Instructions
Make the Apple and Almond Stuffing
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In a medium sized saucepan, warm 1 tablespoon cooking oil over medium high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the onion and celery to the pan, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and become translucent, about 3 minutes.
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Add the apple to the pan, stirring occasionally until softened, another 2 to 3 minutes.
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Turn the heat to low and add the panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and slivered almonds, mixing until just combined. Turn heat off and set pan aside until ready to use the stuffing.
Stuff and Sear the Pork Chops
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Preheat the oven to 325°.
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Slice the pork chops through the center towards the bone, leaving the end intact.
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Season both sides of each pork chop with salt and pepper.
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Spoon the stuffing into the opening of each pork chop, being careful to press each side of the chop together to keep the stuffing in place.
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Heat the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil in a frying pan. Sear each side of the pork chop, about 2-3 minutes per side, working in batches to not crowd the pan.
Tip: I find it easiest to use a tongs to grip the open side of the pork chop and use my fingers to grab the bone to flip the chop from one side to the other, that way you won’ t lose too much of the stuffing. -
Move your seared pork chops to a baking sheet and bake for 23-25 minutes until the pork is cooked through.
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This is best served with a side of vegetables, I love butternut squash and green beans. Enjoy!
