Lori’s Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Overview:
Lori’s Baked Pork Chops are a delightful creation, combining tender pork chops with the savory flavors of pesto, asiago cheese, and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, showcasing the versatility of pork chops when paired with simple yet delicious ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Recipe Category: Pork
- Keywords: Meat, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven
- Calories: 68.3 per serving
- Fat Content: 1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 1.1mg
- Sodium Content: 124.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 12.5g
- Fiber Content: 0.8g
- Sugar Content: 1.3g
- Protein Content: 2.1g
Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 boneless pork chops
- 2 onions
- 4 stalks celery
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons grated asiago cheese
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Prepare Casserole:
- Pour a small amount of olive oil into a casserole dish and brush to evenly coat the bottom.
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Prepare Pork Chops:
- Place the boneless pork chops in the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the tops of the pork chops.
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Bake First Phase:
- Bake the pork chops uncovered for 15 minutes. This initial baking helps to start cooking the chops.
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Prepare Stuffing:
- While the pork chops are baking, prepare the stuffing:
- In a skillet, sauté the onions and celery in olive oil until they are soft and translucent.
- Transfer the sautéed onions and celery to a small mixing bowl.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and toast the bread cubes until they are lightly browned and crisp.
- Add the toasted bread cubes to the onion mixture.
- Stir in the dried oregano and milk. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Mix in the grated asiago cheese.
- While the pork chops are baking, prepare the stuffing:
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Add Pesto:
- Remove the pork chops from the oven after the initial 15 minutes of baking.
- Place a teaspoon of basil pesto on the top of each pork chop.
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Add Stuffing:
- Cover the pesto-topped pork chops evenly with the prepared stuffing mixture.
- Sprinkle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the stuffing.
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Finish Baking:
- Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). This ensures the pork chops are fully cooked and tender.
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Final Touch:
- Once baked, remove the pork chops from the oven and sprinkle them lightly with balsamic vinegar for an added burst of flavor.
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Serve:
- Serve Lori’s Baked Pork Chops warm, straight from the oven, ensuring the flavors are at their best.
Serving Suggestions:
Lori’s Baked Pork Chops pair wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. The combination of savory pesto, creamy asiago cheese, and tender pork chops makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the pork chops are evenly spaced in the casserole dish for even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more or less salt, pepper, or pesto as desired.
- Let the stuffing mixture cool slightly before adding the cheese to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- Monitor the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Conclusion:
Lori’s Baked Pork Chops recipe is a testament to creativity in the kitchen, using simple ingredients to create a memorable and delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe promises to deliver on flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy the process of preparing and savoring this delightful pork chop dish! 🍽️
