Stuffed pork chops make for a delicious and impressive weeknight meal. They are pork chops that have been stuffed with a flavorful filling like bread crumbs, cheese, herbs and spices. Determining the right cook time for stuffed pork chops can be tricky since the stuffed filling means the pork needs to cook longer than normal to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature. When cooking stuffed pork chops at 350°F, the cook time will depend on the size and thickness of the chops.
How Long to Cook 1-inch Thick Stuffed Pork Chops at 350°F
For 1-inch thick boneless or bone-in stuffed pork chops, the recommended cook time is 30-40 minutes at 350°F. A 1-inch thick pork chop is considered a thinner cut. The filling adds some extra insulating thickness but since the meat itself is on the thinner side, a relatively quick cook time of 30-40 minutes at 350°F will allow the chops to cook through without drying out.
Some tips for cooking 1-inch thick stuffed pork chops:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season the pork chops well with salt and pepper before stuffing.
- Choose a flavorful stuffing – try breadcrumbs, feta and spinach or diced apples and sage.
- Pack the stuffing tightly into a slit cut into the side of the chop.
- Seal the stuffing in by threading a toothpick through the outer edge of the chop.
- Place chops on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
So for 1-inch thick stuffed pork chops, bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes depending on the exact thickness. Check the internal temperature to confirm they have reached at least 145°F and are cooked through.
How Long to Cook 1 1/2 – 2 inch Thick Stuffed Pork Chops at 350°F
For thicker stuffed pork chops in the 1 1/2 – 2 inch range, the cook time needs to be extended to ensure the center of the meat cooks through. For bone-in or boneless stuffed pork chops between 1 1/2 – 2 inches thick, the recommended bake time is 45-60 minutes at 350°F.
The thicker the pork chop, the lower the oven temperature usually needs to be to give the inside ample time to cook without burning the outside. 350°F is hot enough still to develop a nice browned exterior while allowing even heat to penetrate and cook through these thicker stuffed chops.
Tips for cooking 1 1/2 – 2 inch thick stuffed pork chops:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Trim excess fat from chops to prevent flare ups.
- Cut a deeper slit to allow more filling into the thicker chops.
- Seal edges well with toothpicks.
- Cook for 45-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
- Check temperature in a few spots since the thickness can vary.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Aim for about 45-60 minutes for pork chops in this thickness range stuffed and cooked at 350°F. Monitor them closely near the end of the cook time and use an instant read thermometer to test doneness.
How Long to Cook 2 1/2 – 3 Inch Thick Stuffed Pork Chops at 350°F
Extra thick pork chops that are 2 1/2 – 3 inches will require even more time in the oven when stuffed and cooked at 350°F. For bone-in or boneless stuffed chops this thick, the bake time should be between 60-75 minutes.
These chops are almost like a pork roast. The very thick meat and added stuffing means they need prolonged time in the oven for the heat to evenly penetrate all areas. Cook times on the shorter end may result in unevenly cooked meat.
Tips for cooking extra thick 2 1/2 – 3 inch stuffed pork chops:
- Bring the pork to room temperature before cooking.
- Use a digital meat thermometer for the most accurate read.
- Create slits in multiple spots to allow even heat distribution.
- Cook at 350°F for 60-75 minutes based on thickness.
- Check temperature in multiple places, aim for 145°F.
- Let rest 15+ minutes before serving.
Chops this thick are best finished in a 300°F oven or slow cooker to ensure even, thorough cooking. But at 350°F, allow between 60-75 minutes depending on precise thickness. Check internal doneness in multiple spots before removing from the oven.
Recommended Internal Temperature for Stuffed Pork Chops
When cooking stuffed pork chops in the oven, you want to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F as measured by an instant read thermometer. Here are some important notes on determining proper doneness:
- Check temperature in the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone.
- For thicker chops, check temperature in a couple different spots.
- Double check that stuffing has also reached safe temperature of 165°F.
- After removing chops from the oven, allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes (up to 15 for thicker cuts) before slicing into them to serving. The temperature will rise slightly during this time.
- Pork is safe to eat at 145°F and should still be juicy.
- Do not overcook – pork cooked above 160°F will become dry.
Using an instant read thermometer and checking in multiple areas on thicker stuffed chops ensures they are thoroughly cooked without overdoing it. Resting the pork after it comes out of the oven allows the juices to redistribute.
Why 145°F is the Recommended Pork Temperature
For many years, pork was recommended to be cooked to 160°F minimum to be considered safe. However, as of 2011, the USDA updated their recommendation to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F with a 3 minute rest time.
Some key reasons behind this updated guideline include:
- Trichinosis in pork has been largely eliminated in commercial settings.
- 145°F destroys other pathogens like salmonella, E. coli and staphylococcus aureus.
- Cooking to a higher temp dries out the pork, resulting in less tender, juicy meat.
So at 145°F with a short rest time, pork can be safely enjoyed while maintaining a more desirable texture and moisture level. Use a good digital thermometer and check the internal temp in multiple spots on thicker cuts to ensure food safety.
How to Tell When Stuffed Pork Chops are Done Without a Thermometer
While a digital instant read thermometer is always the most reliable way to test doneness, there are some other ways to check for readiness if you don’t have one on hand:
- Visual test – The pork should be opaque all the way through with just a hint of pink in the center when it reaches 145°F.
- Poke test – Use a knife or finger to gently poke the center of the pork. It should feel firm with no indent or liquid released.
- Cut into it – Make a small slit into the thickest part of the meat and check that no pink remains inside.
These methods require some practice, so they are best used in conjunction with an instant read thermometer until you gain experience. Cook times can vary quite a bit based on the thickness of the individual chops. When in doubt, it is better to cut into a chop early to check it rather than overcook the rest.
Tips for Cooking Moist, Flavorful Stuffed Pork Chops
Here are some top tips to ensure your stuffed pork chops turn out juicy and delicious:
- Choose chops that are 1 1/2 inches or thicker so they can hold up to stuffing. Look for boneless or bone-in rib or loin chops.
- Trim excess fat to prevent smoking, but leave about 1/4 inch fat to keep it moist.
- Make slashes part way through the meat so seasoning can penetrate and stuffing can adhere.
- Chill the stuffed chops in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Brush chops lightly with oil or melted butter before cooking for enhanced browning.
- Use a Digital instant read thermometer to monitor doneness precisely.
- Allow chops to rest for at least 5 minutes (up to 15 for thicker cuts) before cutting to serve.
Master these simple practices and your stuffed pork chops will turn out perfect every time!
Filling Ideas for Stuffed Pork Chops
The possibilities are endless when it comes to tasty fillings for stuffed pork chops! Here are a few top combinations to consider:
Savory Stuffings
- Spinach, feta and garlic – Sauteed spinach, crumbled feta, garlic, lemon zest, breadcrumbs
- Apple and sage – Diced apples, fresh sage, onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan
- Sundried tomato and basil – Chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, feta, panko crumbs
- Chorizo and pepper jack – Cooked chorizo, shredded pepper jack, diced peppers, cilantro
Sweet Stuffings
- Dried fruit and walnut – Dried apricots, cranberries, walnuts, breadcrumbs, Swiss cheese
- Cornbread and pecan – Crumbled cornbread, chopped pecans, chopped scallions, roasted red peppers
- Apple and brie – Diced apples, brie, fresh thyme, breadcrumbs
- Cranberry and goat cheese – Dried cranberries, soft goat cheese, fresh rosemary, panko crumbs
Get creative with your favorite flavors! Match the stuffing to complementary sides for a cohesive meal.
Cooking Methods for Stuffed Pork Chops
While oven roasting is most common, stuffed pork chops can be prepared using various cooking methods:
Baking
Baking in the oven at 350°F is a great hands-off option. Use a baking sheet for easy transfer in and out of the oven. Bake times will vary based on thickness.
Grilling
Grill over direct medium heat for 8-12 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Sear the exposed meat, flipping carefully to avoid stuffing loss. Move to indirect heat to finish cooking if needed.
Pan Searing
Sear chops in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes per side to brown. Then transfer skillet to a 350°F oven to finish cooking through without over browning.
Braising
Brown chops then braise in broth or sauce in a covered pan or dutch over on the stovetop or in the oven until very tender. Great for less tender pork cuts.
Slow Cooker
Arrange chops in slow cooker with a little liquid. Cover and cook on low heat 6-8 hours until fall apart tender. Thick chops work best to retain moisture.
Air Fryer
Cook chops in single layer in air fryer basket at 380°F, flipping halfway through, until browned and 145°F internally, about 15-18 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you stuff pork chops ahead of time?
It’s best to stuff the pork chops right before cooking. Raw pork stuffed too far in advance risks bacteria growth. Stuff chops just before cooking for the best flavor and food safety.
Can you freeze stuffed pork chops?
Yes, stuffed pork chops freeze well for up to 3 months. Stuff chops, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in fridge before baking without defrosting. Add 5-10 mins to the cook time.
What goes well with stuffed pork chops?
- Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower or brussel sprouts
- Rice or couscous pilafs
- Pasta in cream or oil based sauces
- Green salads with vinaigrette dressing
- Bread rolls or biscuits
Aim for a balance of fresh and hearty sides that complement the stuffed chops.
Can you overstuff pork chops?
It’s best not to overstuff pork chops. The meat should fully seal and cover the filling. Overstuffed chops can result in the filling falling out during cooking. Opt for a thinner filling layer and make multiple pockets if needed to prevent overstuffing.
Conclusion
Stuffed pork chops require some additional oven time compared to normal chops. Cook times will range from 30-75 minutes at 350°F depending on the thickness of the meat – thinner chops cook faster while thicker chops need more time for the heat to penetrate fully. Monitor temperature and doneness closely using an instant read thermometer for the best results. Allow chops to rest before serving for juicy, flavorful meat. With the right cooking time and temperature, stuffed pork chops make for a satisfying meal.