Summer is finally here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! Kickstart the grilling season with an easy and delicious meal: grilled stuffed pork chops. These chops take your ordinary grilling experience to the next level, providing a burst of flavor and excitement in every bite.
Key Takeaways
The Best Pork Chops on the Grill Recipe
When the summer heat hits, nothing beats the satisfaction of enjoying a mouthwatering grilled meal. Whether you’re gathering with family and friends or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these stuffed pork chops are sure to impress.
To create these flavorful chops, start by brining the pork chops in a basic brine while you prepare the other ingredients. Then, stuff them with a simple yet delicious breadcrumb mixture, adding a delightful crunch to the juicy meat.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops
There are several reasons why these grilled stuffed pork chops are a must-try:
- Amazing flavor: From the brining process to the seasoning and stuffing, these chops are packed with incredible flavor.
- Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this pork chop recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Quick and easy: With most of the ingredients likely already in your pantry, these chops are grilled to perfection in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients for Stuffed Pork Chops
To make these stuffed pork chops, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store:
- Center-cut pork chops (preferably boneless)
- Coarse kosher salt
- Seasonings (seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder)
- Butter
- Freshly minced garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Ground black pepper
- Parsley (optional)
How to Make Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops
Preparing these grilled stuffed pork chops is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Brine the chops: Dissolve the salt in water and submerge the pork chops in the brine. Refrigerate and let them soak. Then, remove the chops, pat them dry, and set them aside.
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Season the pork chops: Combine the seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over each pork chop.
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Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Soak toothpicks in water to prevent burning.
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Make the stuffing: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and more Parmesan cheese.
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Cut and stuff the pork chops: Make a slit in the side of each pork chop to create a pocket for the stuffing. Fill each pocket with the breadcrumb mixture and secure with toothpicks.
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Grill the pork chops: Grill the stuffed pork chops over indirect heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Let it rest: Remove the chops from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, here are a few ways you can personalize it:
- Pork chops: You can opt for bone-in pork chops if you prefer. Just make sure they’re thick enough to create a pocket for the stuffing.
- Marinade: Feel free to experiment with different marinades. The stuffing mixture is versatile and can pair well with various flavors, including Asian dressings or simple lemon pepper.
- Pre-marinated: If you’re short on time, you can skip pre-marinated chops. The stuffing alone provides plenty of flavor. Just make sure you have thick pork chops to accommodate the stuffing.
- Butter vs. olive oil: If you prefer, you can substitute olive oil for butter.
- Stuffing: Get creative with your stuffing by adding fresh herbs like sage or baby spinach. You can even introduce a bit of heat with red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops
These grilled stuffed pork chops can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
- Cowboy Homemade Baked Beans
- Asiago Asparagus
- Southern Fried Corn
- Herb Grilled Potatoes
Feel free to pair them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as barbecue sauce, brown sugar soy sauce, or honey garlic sauce.
Storage, Make Ahead, and Freezing
If you have any leftovers or want to prepare these chops in advance, here are some tips:
- Storage: Store the grilled stuffed pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Make ahead: You can stuff the pork chops a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate them before grilling.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing these chops raw as the combination of raw meat and dairy can increase the risk of bacteria. Additionally, the bread crumbs may lose their crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
A: While boneless pork chops work best for this recipe, bone-in chops can also be used. Just make sure they’re thick enough to create a pocket for the stuffing.
Q: Can I use a different marinade?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different marinades according to your taste preferences. The stuffing will complement a variety of flavors.
Q: Can I make these pork chops in advance?
A: Yes, you can stuff the pork chops a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.
Q: Can I freeze these grilled stuffed pork chops?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze them raw since the combination of raw meat and dairy poses a risk. Additionally, the bread crumbs may lose their crispy texture.
Enjoy the grilling season with these sensational grilled stuffed pork chops! They’re sure to become a favorite for your family and friends. For more mouthwatering BBQ recipes, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.
