Pork Chops Stuffed With Feta Basil Almonds Recipes

PESTO STUFFED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Mix feta cheese, basil pesto, and pine nuts in a bowl. Use the tip of a sharp boning or paring knife to cut a 3-inch slit in the side of each pork chop, 2 inches deep and 1/4-inch away from the bone, to make a pocket for stuffing. Stuff pork chops with pesto filling and secure with toothpicks.
• Mix black pepper, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in a small bowl; rub both sides of each chop with the spice mix. Place chops into a shallow baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chops are browned and stuffing is hot, about 40 minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Brush chops with balsamic vinegar and bake until vinegar forms a glaze, another 5 minutes.

STUFFING-STUFFED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Cut a pocket in each chop by slicing almost to the bone. Fill each chop with 1/2 cup stuffing; secure with toothpicks if necessary. Sprinkle with pepper., In a large ovenproof skillet, brown chops in oil. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Remove pork chops and set aside. Keep warm., In the same skillet, cook garlic and thyme in pan drippings over medium heat for 1 minute. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. In a small bowl, combine flour and broth until smooth. Gradually add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Remove toothpicks from pork chops; serve chops with gravy.

PORK CHOPS STUFFED WITH FETA, BASIL & ALMONDS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 375°.
• 2. Pat pork chops dry. Trim off excess fat around edges. Holding palm of one hand firmly flat on top of a chop, use a sharp knife with a sweeping motion to split the chop horizontally and form a pocket. Take care not to cut thru the back or sides or bottom of the chop. Repeat w/ second chop. Set aside on a platter.
• 3. In a med. bowl, mix together the feta, lemon zest, chopped almonds, basil, craisins, dijon, & thyme. Stir to blend well.
• 4. Stuff the mixture into each chop, pressing it deep into the pocket. Place chops back onto platter.
• 5. Spread apricot preserves on top of each chop. Then sprinkle with the unseasoned bread crumbs, pressing the bread crumbs into the preserves. Spritz the top of the crumbs w/ spray butter or spray canola oil.
• 6. Spray a baking dish with PAM or canola oil. Using a large spatula, transfer the chops from the platter to the prepared baking dish. (If you put the chops into the baking dish before sprinkling the bread crumbs on top, you'll have a mess of bread crumbs in the bottom of the dish that might burn, once you bake the chops).
• 7. Bake chops for 35 - 40 minutes, testing for doneness when thermometer inserted into meat reaches 170° (don't put thermometer into the stuffing; you want to read the MEAT temperature).
• 8. Remove chops from oven when done, and let them sit for just a few minutes, so the stuffing will set up & cool a bit.

PORK CHOP AND FETA SKILLET

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together rosemary, basil, garlic, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip pork chops in lemon juice, and sprinkle both sides with herb mixture. Place pork chops in skillet, and sear both sides, about 7 minutes per side. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle feta on top of chops; cover skillet, and cook until cheese begins to melt, about 5 minutes.