Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops are a delicious and savory dish that combines juicy pork chops with creamy mozzarella cheese and flavorful pesto. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the Chops: Carefully cut a pocket in each pork chop by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the inside and outside of the chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Stuff the Chops

1. Fill with Pesto and Cheese: Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto inside each pork chop pocket. Add a generous amount of shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese.
2. Secure the Filling: If needed, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the pork chops to keep the filling inside.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chops: Add the stuffed pork chops to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 4: Bake the Chops

1. Transfer to Oven: Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
2. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Rest and Slice: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
3. Enjoy: Serve your Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops warm, paired with your favorite sides!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops (per chop, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Chop
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	23g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Cheese Variations: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for different flavors.
• Add Vegetables: Include sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the stuffing for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops are a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the richness of pork, the freshness of pesto, and the creaminess of mozzarella. Perfect for any meal, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this delightful recipe!