Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (2024)

This easy Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing recipe has been a longtime family favorite! Fork-tender pork chops covered in a flavorful stuffing and gravy. So good!

Looking for more pork recipes? Try these grilled pork chops or this pork loin recipe.

Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (1)

Our Favorite Stuffed Pork Chops Recipe

Many years ago, Dad called me – and he didn’t waste any time getting to his point.

He asked if I had ever thought about sharing the Baked Pork Chops and Stuffingrecipe on a farmgirl’s dabbles. The recipe came from one of my mom’s best girlfriends, and quickly became a favorite meal for my dad. He thought that others ought to be able to enjoy it, too!

I told Dad that I couldn’t agree more.

Plus, I loved that he made a recipe request for the blog. :)

So here it is. This recipe was a favorite of mine growing up, and now my own family adores it, too. The pork chops bake up super tender, with a flavorful stuffing and gravy on top. I hope you like it as much as we do!

FEATURED COMMENT:

“I never leave reviews but wow this was awesome! Made it exactly as the recipe states. Had a surprise dinner guest so was a little nervous with a new recipe but it was such a hit! Will definitely be added to our usual rotation.”

-Stephanie
Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (2)

The Origin of this Pork Chops Recipe

This recipe comes from my mom’s longtime friend, Candy. Mom and Candy went to grade school and high school together, and remain dear friends to this day.

My mom remembers eating this dish of baked pork chops and stuffing for the first time back in the 70’s. She had gone to visit Candy, who lived a few hours away, just over the border into Minnesota.

My sisters and I were very young at the time, and we stayed home with Dad while Mom was away for the night. Mom laughs at how things have changed over the years. Back then, Dad took Mom to a nearby bus depot, where she rode the bus to Candy’s home. We are so much more mobile these days, hopping in our cars to drive a few hours to anywhere.

Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (3)

Recipe Ingredients

So what goes into this pork chops recipe? Here’s what you’ll need. See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for specific amounts.

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
  • Canola Oil
  • Bread Cubes – For the stuffing. I like to use a soft French bread, but any bread will work.
  • Onion – I usually use a yellow onion
  • Water
  • Butter
  • Dried Sage
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Soy Sauce

This easy dish is an unexpected winner, as the ingredients list surely does not proclaim any kind of fanciness.I’m talking about cream of mushroom soup here. I use less and less of it as the years go by, always trying to come up with different ways to impart creaminess. But this is one of those recipes that I don’t mess with. It’s just plain perfect.

How to Make Stuffed Baked Pork Chops

This baked pork chops and stuffing recipe bakes up so super tender, you can eat it with just a fork.And it’s nothing short of fabulous tasting. It’s also super simple to make, a great weeknight meal. Here’s how:

  • Preheat oven.
  • Season pork chops with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  • Brown pork chops in oil in a skillet. Do not cook completely. Transfer browned pork chops to an oven safe baking pan orlarge cast iron skillet.
  • Make the stuffing. In a medium bowl, fold together bread crumbs, onion, butter, water, and sage.
  • Mound the stuffing on top of each pork chop.
  • Combine gravy ingredients. In another medium bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup, water, and soy sauce.
  • Pour gravy evenly over each mound of stuffing.
  • Season & bake. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Then bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until pork chops are fork tender.

Can I Make these Baked Pork Chops in Advance?

This pork chops meal is easily prepared ahead of time, perfect for entertaining! The dish makes for a beautiful no-fuss main entreefor guests, fitting for any holiday or special dinner.

You can make it a few hours ahead or even the night before. Simply follow the steps in the recipe card, but don’t actually bake the pork chops. Instead, cover and refrigerate them right in the baking dish.

Then take the dish out of the fridge about an hour before cooking time to let it warm up a bit while the oven preheats. Then place the pork chops in the oven and bake until done. Note that you may need to add a bit of baking time since the dish was thoroughly chilled.

What is the Temp of Cooked Pork Chops?

Pork chops are done when they have reached an internal temperature of 145° F. Test them by using an instant read thermometer. Then give them a 3 minute rest once they reach 145° F.

What Goes with Stuffed Pork Chops?

I love serving this meal with a simple baked potato or some fresh green veggies – and maybe even some cheesy homemade garlic bread on the side if I’m really feeling the comfort food vibe!

If you would like to add a salad to your dinner, try a grilled Romaine salad with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – or this vibrant Italian Chopped Salad. Both are beautiful and delicious!

I hope you like it as much as my family does. And if you do, be sure to come back and thank my dad!

Like this pork chops recipe? Save it to Pinterest!

Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (4)

Here are a few more comfort dishes you might like:

Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (5)

Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing

Yield: 4 servings

prep time: 20 minutes mins

cook time: 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

total time: 2 hours hrs

This easy recipe has been a longtime family favorite, with fork-tender pork chops covered in a super flavorful stuffing and gravy.

4.4 Stars (201 Reviews)

Print

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in pork chops about 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick and 1.5 lbs. in total weight
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 T. canola oil
  • 4 c. soft bread cubes about 1/2” in size
  • 2 T. finely chopped onion
  • ¼ + 1/3 c. water divided
  • ¼ c. unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ tsp. dried sage
  • 1 can 10.75-oz. less sodium cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 tsp. soy sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.

  • Sprinkle pork chops lightly with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and brown both sides. Do not cook completely. Transfer browned pork chops to an oven safe baking pan or large cast iron skillet.

  • In a medium bowl, fold together bread crumbs, onion, butter, 1/4 cup of the water, and sage. Place a mound of stuffing on each chop.

  • In another medium bowl, blend cream of mushroom soup, remaining 1/3 cup of water, and soy sauce. Pour evenly over the stuffing. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.

  • Place in oven and bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until pork chops are very tender. Bake thinner (1/2") pork chops for a minimum of 1-1/2 hours, and add time for thicker pork chops. If using especially thick pork chops, I would recommend at least 2 hours of bake time, plus covering the dish for the first 30 minutes in the oven. The goal is to have fork-tender pork chops, and thicker chops will definitely take longer to get tender.

Notes

from the recipe box of my mom’s good friend Candy Moberg

This can be prepared a few hours before baking time, or even the night before. Simply prepare the dish entirely, except for baking it. Cover and refrigerate. Take the dish out of the refrigerator an hour before serving time and preheat oven. Baking time may be a bit longer since it was refrigerated, but it also depends on the size of the pork chops, etc.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 Calories: 1157kcal Carbohydrates: 154g Protein: 59g Fat: 39g Saturated Fat: 15g Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g Cholesterol: 165mg Sodium: 1661mg Fiber: 17g Sugar: 32g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment below. And share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #afarmgirlsdabbles or tag @farmgirlsdabble!

© Brenda | A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

Cuisine: American

Course: Pork

Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (6)

This post was previously published November 2012. Photographs and some of the text were updated February 2018.

Baked Pork Chops and Stuffing: easy recipe for tender pork chops! (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

How do you make pork soft and tender? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out when you bake them? ›

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

What is a natural tenderizer for pork chops? ›

Acid from the balsamic vinegar tenderizes the pork. Salt from the soy sauce flavors the pork. Sweetness from the honey balances out the acid and salt. Worcestershire sauce adds a wonderful layer of unami flavor.

What makes pork more tender? ›

A simple brine can benefit pork, making it more tender and even adding flavors. Keep in mind that a brine is different from a marinade. Heat the water bring to a low simmer add salt and sugar once dissolved remove from heat and once it has cooled add the ice.

How do you keep pork chops from being chewy? ›

Undercooked pork carries the risk of food-borne illness, and overcooked pork can be dried-out, tough, and chewy. Cook your chop until it's around 135 degrees, and then transfer it to a cutting board—the residual heat will bring it to the USDA's recommended 145 degrees.

What's the best thing to tenderize pork? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

What is the best method to cook pork chops? ›

You sear the chops in a cast iron pan that has been preheated over high heat, then lower the heat to medium and cook the pork, flipping often, for 8 to 10 minutes. But the final step is the best step: You take the pan off the heat, add some butter to the pan, and baste the finished pork chop for another 5 minutes.

Why do my pork chops come out tough? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

Is it better to bake pork chops covered or uncovered? ›

Some baked pork chop recipes do require that the pan is covered with either foil or a lid. It creates steam and ensures that the meat is tender and juicy. Those recipes typically require a long cook time and may add vegetables to the pan, and some uncover the chops to finish browning them at a higher temperature.

What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Aside from barbecue sauce, something tangy and sweet is a good go-to for slow-cooked pork. Apple cider vinegar has the right amount of acidity to break down the fattiness and is equipped with a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Using liquids you would normally drink is also a good choice.

How do you keep pork moist when baking? ›

How to Keep Pork Chops from Drying Out? Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop.

How to make pork chops more tender? ›

First, we sear one side of the chops until browned, flip them, turn the heat to low, and cover the skillet with a lid. The second side will slowly turn golden brown, and since we added the lid, the heat from the pan will gently cook the middle. By gently cooking the chops this way, they stay juicy and become tender.

What is the best homemade meat tenderizer? ›

News & Recipes
  • 1) Tea. Tea contains tannins, which are a natural tenderiser. ...
  • 2) Coffee. Coffee adds flavour and acts as a natural tenderiser. ...
  • 3) Cola. The acid content of cola makes it a great tenderiser. ...
  • 4) Pineapple, pawpaw, figs, kiwis. ...
  • 5) Ginger. ...
  • 6) Baking Soda. ...
  • 7) Vinegar. ...
  • 8) Beer or wine.
Nov 9, 2016

Does baking soda or baking powder tenderize pork chops? ›

Wet Brining with Baking Soda to Tenderize Meat
  1. Step 1: Dissolve Baking Soda into water. Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ½ cup of water for every 12 ounces of meat.
  2. Step 2: Soak meat in solution for at least 15 minutes. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove meat and rinse thoroughly. ...
  4. Step 4: Cook as desired.

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out? ›

High-heat frying sears them to a golden brown; and a moderately hot oven (400 degrees F) bakes the pork chops gently enough to keep them from drying out. This "sear-roasting" method is a great way to cook pork chops in the oven: Fry one side to golden brown, then flip, and place the chops directly in the oven.

Does soaking pork chops in salt water make them tender? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

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