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? ›

Sear the pork, then bake it.

For instance, you might sear your pork in a hot pan on the stove (or on the grill), then transfer your pork to the oven (or move it to a cooler area of the grill and close the lid) for the rest of its cooking time. The indirect heat is vital to keeping your pork tender and juicy.

How do you keep baked pork chops from getting tough? ›

Tips For Cooking Perfectly Tender Pork Chops in the Oven
  1. Use bone-in cuts as they are fattier, juicier and more tender.
  2. Brine the pork chops to guarantee a juicy and well-seasoned piece of meat.
  3. Start pan-searing the pork chops and finish them off in the oven.

How do you tenderize pork chops before baking? ›

Place meat in a dish and cover with water. Remove meat and stir roughly 4 level Tbs of baking soda into the water. Put meat back in and soak (in refrigerator) overnight. Rinse THOROUGHLY and cook.

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

15 mins on a grill flipping both sides until the juice seeps out the surface of meat, then take off grill, rest for 1-2 minutes then enjoy ! No more so than any other meat. Tender cuts, like tenderloins and chops, don't need to be cooked for a long time. In fact too long will toughen them.

What seasoning is good on pork chops? ›

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

What is the easiest way 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.

Is it better to cook pork chops on the stove or in the oven? ›

Because one of the best ways to bake pork chops is to start in an oven-safe skillet on the stove and then transfer them into a hot oven. 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.

How long does it take to cook a pork chop in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 350 Degrees F. Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will generally take 20 to 30 minutes.

What cooking method is best for pork chops? ›

A quick turn in a hot pan followed by a little time in the oven is another great way to cook pork chops. You build color and flavor in the skillet, then hand the cooking over to the oven, which gives you time to prep the rest of the meal.

What makes pork tender and juicy during cooking? ›

Look for a cut that has plenty of marbling and fat, such as a pork shoulder or butt. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful as it cooks. Cooking Temperature: Low and slow is the key to making pulled pork. Cook the pork at a temperature between 225-250°F (107-121°C) so that the connective tissues in the me.

Should you cover pork chops when baking? ›

We ask you to cover the pork with foil or parchment during baking. By gently cooking the chops this way, they remain juicy and become tender.

How do you make pork more tender? ›

You can slow cook it in a slow cooker or oven at a low temperature for several hours until it's fully cooked and tender. This will help break down the tough connective tissues and collagen in the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender pork belly. Braising: Braising is another method that works well for pork belly.

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.

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.

Why do my pork chops always 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 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.

What makes pork more tender? ›

Pork is generally more tender than beef because pigs are usually slaughtered at a younger age than cows, and so their muscles are less developed and have less collagen than do those of cows. Fish muscles are quite different from those in mammals. Fish float in water and so don't need muscle to support their weight.

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