Pesto-Stuffed Pork Chops

This recipe for pesto stuffed pork chops stuffs bone-in chops with feta cheese, basil pesto, and pine nuts and then bakes with a balsamic vinegar glaze.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 335 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chilled basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
• 4 bone-in pork loin chops, 1 1/4-inch thick
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 teaspoon ground thyme

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until chops are golden, 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, 5 minutes more.

Step 3

Mix feta, pesto, and pine nuts in a bowl. Cut a 3-inch slit in the side of each pork chop, using the tip of a sharp knife, about 2 inches deep and 1/4-inch away from bone. Stuff pork chops with feta-pesto filling and secure with toothpicks.

Step 4

Mix black pepper, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in a small bowl; rub onto both sides of each chop. Place chops into a shallow baking dish.