Maple Plank-Grilled Italian Stuffed Pork Chops

Extra-thick pork chops are stuffed with a spinach-Parmesan cheese, croutons, and onion-garlic mixture, and grilled on a maple plank to accent their savory flavor with layers of mild, buttery smoke.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 38 mins
• Total Time: 58 mins
• Calories: 344 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large, maple grilling plank
• 4 (6 ounce) boneless pork loin chops, about 2 inches thick
• 2 cups garlic seasoned croutons
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat outdoor grill for medium-high heat. Prepare a maple grilling plank by soaking in water according to manufacturer's directions.

Step 2

Place the pork chops on a clean, flat surface, and cut from one side through the middle to within one-half inch of the other side. Open the two sides and spread them out like an open book. Set aside until needed.

Step 3

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, and celery; cook and stir until the onion is soft and transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, and cook until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, and add the croutons: stir until croutons absorb the broth. Remove from heat, and stir in the Italian cheese blend and the Parmesan cheese. Spoon the vegetable-cheese mixture into the pockets of each pork chop. Close one side of the pork chop over the filling. Place pork chops on the prepared grilling plank. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Cover and grill, turning once, until pork chops are no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 30 minutes.