Savory Pork Chops Stuffed with Smoked Gouda and Bacon Recipe

Succulent pork chops stuffed with smoked gouda and bacon promise a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Creamy cheese and crispy bacon create an irresistible combination inside tender meat.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as these delectable chops sizzle.

Salt and smoke mingle beautifully in this hearty dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can craft restaurant-quality meals without stress.

Layers of flavor burst through each carefully crafted bite, guaranteeing impressed dinner companions.

Each forkful promises pure deliciousness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Stuffed Pork Chops With Gouda Keep Well Overnight

• Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chops at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual chops on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and preserving juiciness.
• Drizzle a tablespoon of chicken broth or water over chops before reheating to help retain tenderness and prevent meat from becoming tough.

Ideal Sides for Pork Chops Stuffed with Smoked Gouda and Bacon

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the smoky, rich flavors of the stuffed pork chops. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the fatty bacon and creamy Gouda.
• Create Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Prepare roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil. These earthy vegetables balance the indulgent meat and provide a nutritious accompaniment that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais that won't overpower the delicate pork while still offering enough complexity to stand up to the smoky bacon and cheese filling.
• Craft Tangy Apple Slaw: Develop a crisp apple and cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette to add fresh, zingy contrast to the rich, savory pork chops. The sweet-tart notes will cleanse the palate between bites.

Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce Changes

• Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello: Replace pork chops with large portobello mushrooms, swap bacon for sun-dried tomatoes, and use plant-based smoked gouda for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Lean Option: Use chicken breasts instead of pork chops, ensure bacon is gluten-free certified, and serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Keep recipe mostly unchanged, using full-fat cheese and pasture-raised bacon, and pair with roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini or Brussels sprouts.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute smoked gouda with dairy-free cheese alternative made from nuts, use turkey bacon for protein, and maintain original cooking method for similar flavor profile.

FAQs

• How do I know if I've cut the pocket correctly in the pork chop?

Create a pocket by using a sharp knife and cutting horizontally into the thickest part of the chop, leaving about ½ inch uncut on the sides and bottom to keep the filling inside. Don’t slice completely through the meat.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have smoked Gouda?

Absolutely! Swiss or sharp cheddar cheese work great as alternatives. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the bacon’s smoky flavor.

• What's the best way to ensure my pork chops stay juicy?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, and never overcook. Pulling the pork chops out at 145°F and letting them rest for 5 minutes helps retain moisture and prevents dryness.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, choose a reduced-fat cheese, and trim visible fat from the pork chops. These small modifications can help reduce overall calories without sacrificing flavor.

Pork Chops Stuffed With Smoked Gouda And Bacon For Bold Layers

• Quick Weeknight Gourmet: Transform ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-quality meal in under 40 minutes with minimal prep work.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine smoky bacon, rich Gouda cheese, and tender pork for a mouthwatering combination that elevates a simple protein into an extraordinary dish.
• Impressive yet Simple: Master a professional-looking stuffed pork chop technique that looks complicated but requires basic cooking skills and just a few ingredients.
• Protein Powerhouse: Deliver a satisfying, high-protein meal packed with delicious flavor that will please meat lovers and impress dinner guests with minimal effort.

Everything Required In Gouda Bacon Pork Chops

• Pork Chops: Center-cut bone-in chops provide rich flavor and juicy meat for stuffing.
• Smoked Gouda Cheese: Adds creamy, smoky depth to the stuffing with melty texture.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty component that enhances the overall richness of the stuffing.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, clean flavor and green color to the stuffing.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the meat and cheese.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic spiciness to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when searing the pork chops.

Pork Chops With Gouda And Bacon Directions

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded smoked Gouda cheese
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Pinch of black pepper

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Create Pork Chop Pockets

Carefully slice a deep pocket into each pork chop, keeping the sides intact.

Ensure the cut is deep enough to hold the filling but doesn’t pierce through completely.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheesy Goodness

Generously fill each pork chop pocket with the bacon and Gouda mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling securely.

Step 4: Season and Oil the Chops

Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops, ensuring even coverage.

Sprinkle with salt and the remaining black pepper, massaging the seasonings into the meat.

Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the stuffed pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Bake to Juicy Completion

Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Tips for Stuffed Pork Chops

• Choose bone-in pork chops at least 1-inch thick to create a perfect pocket for stuffing without tearing the meat.
• Seal stuffed pork chops with toothpicks to keep the delicious cheese and bacon mixture inside during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for safe and juicy results, preventing overcooking and dryness.
• Swap smoked Gouda with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone, and experiment with different herbs for varied flavor profiles.
• Allow pork chops to rest after cooking, which helps redistribute meat juices and keeps the protein tender and flavorful.

Pork Chops Stuffed with Smoked Gouda and Bacon Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent pork chops stuffed with smoked gouda and bacon deliver an irresistible flavor explosion that melts in your mouth. Crispy, savory, and packed with rich cheese and smoky bacon, these chops promise a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 center-cut, bone-in pork chops (2 1/4 inches thick)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 ounces (56 grams) smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the filling by blending shredded smoked Gouda with crispy crumbled bacon, finely chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of black pepper.
2. Carefully create a deep horizontal pocket in each pork chop using a sharp knife, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
3. Generously stuff the cheese and bacon mixture into the pork chop pockets, pressing gently to distribute evenly.
4. Massage the exterior of each pork chop with olive oil, then season thoroughly with salt and remaining black pepper.
5. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches optimal searing temperature.
6. Carefully place the stuffed pork chops into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust.
7. Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated 375°F oven, roasting for approximately 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
8. Remove from oven and allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut pork chops for easier pocket creation and more stuffing space.
• Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and crispy exterior.
• Use high-quality smoked Gouda for deeper, richer flavor that complements the bacon’s smokiness.
• Adjust cooking time for thinner or thicker chops, always checking internal temperature for doneness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg