Pork Chop With Stuffing Recipe Oven: Juicy Chops With Savory Bread Crust

Pork Chop With Stuffing Recipe Oven: Juicy Chops With Savory Bread Crust

This oven-baked dish combines juicy pork chops with a savory bread stuffing for a complete meal in one pan. The stuffing absorbs the pork’s natural juices, creating a flavorful crust that complements the tender meat perfectly.

I developed this method after testing multiple approaches to ensure the chops stay moist while the stuffing gets crispy. The key is baking them together at the right temperature for the right amount of time.

You’ll end up with pork that’s tender and juicy throughout, topped with a golden, herb-infused bread layer that soaks up all the delicious flavors. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Serve this as a hearty weeknight dinner or for a special occasion. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it practical for busy households.

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Difficulty
Medium
🥩
Diet
Meat
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Pork Chop with Stuffing Recipe Oven

Pantry staples plus a few fresh herbs create this one-pan wonder with juicy results.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Bone-In Pork Chops 🥩 4 whole 1-inch thick, rib or loin
Kosher Salt 🧂 1 ½ tsp Divided for seasoning pork and stuffing
Black Pepper 🌶️ 1 tsp Freshly cracked preferred
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp For searing pork chops
Unsalted Butter 🧈 ¼ cup Melted for stuffing
Dried Bread Cubes 🍞 4 cups Day-old or stale preferred
Yellow Onion 🧅 1 whole Medium, finely diced
Celery Stalks 🥬 2 whole Finely diced for stuffing
Fresh Sage Leaves 🌿 2 tbsp Chopped, or 2 tsp dried
Fresh Thyme Sprigs 🍃 1 tbsp Leaves stripped and chopped
Garlic Cloves 🧄 3 cloves Minced for stuffing
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth 🥣 1 cup For moistening stuffing
Dried Cranberries 🍇 ½ cup Optional, for sweetness
Pecans 🥜 ½ cup Chopped, toasted, optional

The pork chops are the star here. Bone-in, 1-inch thick cuts from the rib or loin stay juiciest—avoid those paper-thin ones. I grab mine from Whole Foods or Costco (their pork is consistently good). For the stuffing, day-old bread works best (sourdough or French loaf), but stale works too. The sage and thyme? Fresh is ideal, but dried at one-third the amount is fine.

No fresh herbs? Poultry seasoning at 1 tbsp covers both sage and thyme. Out of cranberries? Raisins or chopped apples add nice sweetness. Pecans too pricey? Walnuts or almonds work great. For the bread, if it’s too fresh, toast the cubes in the oven first (10 minutes at 350°F). The broth can be vegetable if you’re avoiding chicken.

Leftovers keep 4-5 days in the fridge—reheat covered to avoid drying out. Stuffing freezes well for 3 months (pork not so much). I always make extra stuffing—it’s great with roasted veggies the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Wonder: I love that everything cooks together in the oven—just season the chops, prep the stuffing, and let the heat do the work.
  • Juicy & Crisp: The bone-in chops stay succulent while the butter and olive oil give the stuffing a golden, savory crust.
  • Weeknight Hero: Honestly, it’s my go-to for busy evenings—fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a Tuesday.
  • Stretches Far: Between us, the leftovers taste even better the next day, and it’s kind to the grocery budget.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Chops With Stuffing

Here’s my foolproof method for juicy chops with a savory bread crust that wows every time.

Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops to Lock in Juices

Pat the bone-in pork chops dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. This ensures a good crust and deep flavor penetration. I always use freshly cracked pepper for the best aroma.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Base

In the same skillet, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and celery stalks, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. The onion should turn translucent and the celery should lose its raw edge.

Stir in the minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh sage leaves, and chopped fresh thyme sprigs. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This aromatic base is the flavor foundation for your stuffing, so don’t rush it—let the herbs bloom in the butter.

Step 3: Combine and Moisten the Stuffing

Add the dried bread cubes to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the butter-herb mixture. Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and stir gently. The bread should absorb most of the liquid but still retain some texture.

Fold in the dried cranberries and pecans, if using. These add sweetness and crunch that balance the savory herbs beautifully. The mixture should be moist but not soggy—if it looks dry, add a splash more broth.

Step 4: Top Chops With Stuffing and Bake

Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nesting them into the stuffing. Spoon additional stuffing on top of each chop, pressing down lightly to help it adhere. This creates that signature bread crust as it bakes.

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The stuffing should be golden brown on top and the chops should be juicy and tender.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. This resting period is crucial for maintaining that promised juiciness in every bite.

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Pro Tips For Making Pork Chop With Stuffing Recipe Oven

  • Sear First, Then Stuff: Start the pork chops in a screaming hot pan with olive oil to get a deep brown crust before transferring to the oven—this locks in juices and adds flavor that baking alone can’t.
  • Dry the Chops: Pat the bone-in pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning; even a little moisture will steam them instead of searing, and nobody wants a pale chop.
  • Skip Cold Butter: Let your unsalted butter sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using it in the stuffing or pan sauce—I learned this the hard way when my sauce separated into a greasy mess.
  • Check Early, Often: Use a meat thermometer and pull the chops at 140°F; they’ll rise to 145°F while resting, and overcooked pork is a crime against dinner.

Wine and Beer Pairings for This pork chop with stuffing recipe oven

White Wine Pairings

A crisp Chardonnay with bright acidity cuts through the richness of the stuffing. I love a California Chardonnay like Kendall-Jackson—its citrus notes complement the sage and thyme beautifully. Serve chilled at 45-50°F for best results. 🍷

Red Wine Options

For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works wonderfully. The Oregon Pinot Noirs from Domaine Serene have earthy notes that pair well with pork. Avoid heavy Cabernets—they’ll overpower the dish’s delicate flavors.

Beer Pairings

An amber ale like Fat Tire from New Belgium Brewing offers caramel notes that enhance the stuffing’s savory bread. The moderate hop bitterness balances the dish’s richness without overwhelming it. Serve at 45°F in a chilled glass. 🍺

Cider Alternative

For a non-grape option, try a dry hard cider. I recommend Woodchuck Amber—its apple sweetness contrasts nicely with the herbs. The effervescence cleanses your palate between bites, making each mouthful taste fresh.

Non-Alcoholic Pairing

Sparkling apple cider from Martinelli’s gives you the festive bubbles without alcohol. The sweetness mirrors the cranberries in the stuffing, while the acidity cuts through the pork’s richness. Serve ice-cold in champagne flutes. ✨

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 32g41%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 650mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 35g13%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 12g
Protein 38g76%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What temperature should the oven be for baking?

Preheat your oven to 375°F for even cooking. This temperature ensures the chops cook through while the stuffing develops a golden crust.

2

Can I use boneless pork chops instead?

Yes, but reduce baking time to 15-18 minutes since boneless chops cook faster. Bone-in chops are preferred as they stay juicier and hold up better to baking.

3

How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out?

Ensure the stuffing is well-moistened with broth before baking. If it looks dry, add a splash more liquid. Covering with foil for the first 15 minutes helps retain moisture.

4

What’s the safe internal temperature for pork?

The chops are done when they reach 145°F internally. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part, avoiding the bone for an accurate reading.

★★★★★4.8(3 reviews)
Nathan Turner