Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops: A Flavorful Twist
Grilled stuffed pork chops are unbelievably easy to make on a griddle or grill. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along! These stunning pork chops offer a unique take on the traditional recipe. I have a feeling that you, and everyone in your family, will absolutely love them!
For this recipe, I decided to use my cast iron reversible griddle instead of grilling the pork chops directly on the grill. This prevents the stuffing from oozing out, which can make quite a mess and cause you to lose some of that incredible filling. Trust me, nobody wants that!
What sets this recipe apart is the stuffing. It’s not overly cheesy but strikes the perfect balance of cheesiness. Too much cheese in the stuffing can cause it to ooze out, which is a total disappointment. In this recipe, the stuffing has a consistency similar to spinach dip. This allows for maximum flavor with minimal cheese leakage!
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Before we dive into the preparation, let me share some helpful items that make this recipe even easier:
- 6 Pieces Matte Black Titanium Plated Knife Set Stainless Steel
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)
- Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Cast Iron Grill Pan
Preparation is Key!
To start, make sure you have four well-sized pork chops, each around 1 to 1 ¼ inches thick. Take a sharp knife and make a slit about 3 inches deep on the meaty side of each chop.
Next, prepare the stuffing. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, shallot, spinach, garlic, thyme, and oregano.
While a spoon can be used, I find that using your hands to stuff the pork chops works much better. Divide the spinach and cheese mixture evenly among the four chops.
To ensure the stuffing stays intact, secure the slit with three toothpicks per chop. This way, you’ll know exactly how many toothpicks to remove before serving, sparing anyone any unexpected surprises!
Ready for the Grill
Before grilling, spray your griddle with cooking oil to prevent the pork chops from sticking. Place the griddle on the grill and heat it to medium-high temperature. Now, it’s time to season the outside of your stuffed pork chop.
Generously season both sides of the chops with salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle paprika on both sides. This unconventional touch takes these pork chops to a whole new level of flavor!
Once the griddle is heated, place the pork chops on the grill and close the lid. Cook each side for 7-9 minutes, aiming for beautiful grill marks on both sides.
Finishing Touches
Keep cooking the chops until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160 degrees F. Once done, remove them from the griddle, cover with foil, and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
To complete the meal, serve the stuffed pork chops with some roasted potatoes and crunchy green beans. My wife even commented that these chops taste like something from a restaurant! So why not surprise your family with an exquisite restaurant-quality dinner at home tonight?
Please note that if you don’t have a cast iron griddle, you can still cook these directly on your grill. Just lower the heat to medium and be careful as some of the stuffing may escape through the grates.
