Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together savory pork, sweet apples, and hearty bread crumbs. With a honey-Dijon mustard sauce, these pork chops are juicy on the inside and perfectly glazed on the outside. This easy recipe is great for weeknight dinners or when you’re looking to impress guests with a comforting, home-cooked meal. The combination of apples, corn, and herbs makes this dish a balanced and delicious option.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork loin chops (1-1/2 inches thick and 8 ounces each)

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon 2% milk

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1 cup chopped peeled apple

• 1 cup whole kernel corn

• 1 cup dry bread crumbs

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey

• 3 to 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut a pocket in each pork chop by slicing almost to the bone.

2. Brown the Pork Chops: In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Brown the pork chops on both sides for 4-5 minutes. Once browned, set the chops aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, combine onion, parsley, milk, salt, sage, and pepper. Add chopped apple, corn, and bread crumbs; toss everything together until well mixed.

4. Stuff the Pork Chops: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the pockets of each pork chop. Place the stuffed chops in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.

5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary. Set aside half of the sauce for brushing later. Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed pork chops.

6. Bake the Pork Chops: Bake the pork chops uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the stuffing reads 165°F. During the last 20 minutes of baking, brush the pork chops with the reserved sauce.

7. Serve: Once done, serve the stuffed pork chops hot with the remaining sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: 601 kcal

• Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 112mg

• Sodium: 875mg

• Carbohydrates: 54g

• Sugar: 31g

• Fiber: 3g

• Protein: 41g

The Heart of the Dish: The Pork Chops

Pork chops are a versatile and hearty protein that, when cooked correctly, can be incredibly juicy and tender. The bone-in cut of pork loin used in this recipe offers rich flavor and moisture, making it an ideal choice for stuffing. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking, ensuring the pork chops stay juicy on the inside while developing a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the outside. Stuffing the pork chops adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, turning what could be a simple cut of meat into a delectable, elegant dish. The stuffing mixture, made with apples, corn, and bread crumbs, complements the savory nature of the pork, while the honey-Dijon mustard sauce adds a glossy, flavorful finish. The result is a well-balanced dish that is rich and comforting, with a unique combination of flavors that works wonderfully together.

Stuffing: A Flavorful and Hearty Combination

The stuffing for these pork chops is what sets them apart from typical pork dishes. It combines apples, corn, and herbs, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors. Apples add a natural sweetness and light crunch, which pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pork. The addition of whole kernel corn provides a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture, making the stuffing hearty and satisfying. The bread crumbs tie everything together, giving the stuffing a soft, yet firm texture that absorbs the juices from the pork, enhancing the overall flavor. Fresh parsley, onion, sage, and a touch of milk bring a lovely aromatic quality to the stuffing, balancing the sweetness of the apples and corn. This flavorful stuffing not only complements the pork but also elevates the dish, making it feel like a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The Sweet and Tangy Honey-Dijon Mustard Sauce

A key element in this dish is the honey-Dijon mustard sauce, which serves as both a marinade and a glaze. The sauce is a beautiful blend of sweetness from the honey and sharpness from the Dijon mustard, with rosemary adding an aromatic, earthy note. This sauce is brushed on the pork chops during the final stages of baking, creating a caramelized glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor. The combination of honey and Dijon mustard not only enhances the natural flavors of the pork but also adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apples and corn in the stuffing. The rosemary, whether fresh or dried, infuses the sauce with a subtle woodsy flavor that complements the richness of the pork. This glaze, applied throughout the cooking process, ensures that each bite of the pork chop is flavorful and succulent, with a glossy, perfectly browned exterior.

Perfect for Family Dinners or Special Occasions

Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn is a versatile dish that works well for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions. The recipe is relatively easy to prepare, making it a great option for a busy weeknight when you want to prepare something special without too much effort. Despite its simplicity, the dish has a gourmet feel that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. The pork chops are hearty and satisfying, making them an excellent choice for a filling dinner, while the apples and corn in the stuffing add a fresh, seasonal touch that works particularly well during the fall or winter months. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a special occasion, or a cozy gathering, this dish provides an elegant yet comforting centerpiece for your meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn

Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn is not only delicious but also offers a balanced meal. The pork chops provide a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall health. The apples in the stuffing add a touch of natural sweetness while contributing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which support heart health and digestion. Corn is another nutritious ingredient, offering fiber and essential minerals like potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure. The fresh herbs, such as rosemary and parsley, not only enhance the flavor but also bring additional health benefits, including antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects. While the dish does contain some fat from the pork and butter, the balance of ingredients ensures that it’s a satisfying, wholesome meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Versatility of the Dish: Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn is its versatility. While the recipe as written is delicious, it’s easy to customize based on your tastes and dietary preferences. For instance, if you prefer a different type of fruit, you could substitute pears or cranberries for the apples, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the stuffing. For a richer stuffing, you could add nuts like walnuts or pecans, which would complement the sweetness of the fruit and corn. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can opt for leaner cuts of pork, such as boneless pork loin, or reduce the amount of butter in the stuffing. For a more herb-forward stuffing, you can increase the amount of rosemary, thyme, or sage to intensify the flavor. The honey-Dijon sauce can also be adapted, such as by using whole-grain mustard for a tangier finish or adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra acidity. The adaptability of this dish ensures that you can tailor it to suit your personal preferences, making it an easy dish to experiment with.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. To complement the savory and sweet flavors of the pork and stuffing, consider serving it with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork. For starch, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or even a crusty bread to soak up the sauce are excellent choices. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the sweet and savory notes of the dish, while a light red wine like Pinot Noir could also work well with the flavors of the pork.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn is a delicious, balanced, and easy-to-make dish that offers a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. The combination of tender, juicy pork chops, flavorful stuffing with apples and corn, and a tangy honey-Dijon mustard glaze makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this dish provides an elegant yet comforting option that is sure to impress. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless variations and customizations, ensuring that it can be adapted to suit any taste. Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Corn is not only a delicious meal but also a well-rounded, nutritious dish that brings warmth and flavor to the table. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love.