Ingredients
4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (approx. 1.5 inches thick)
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1 large Bosc pear, finely diced
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and crushed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Using a sharp paring knife, cut a pocket into the thick side of each pork chop, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled Gorgonzola, diced pear, crushed hazelnuts, and fresh thyme. Mix gently until combined.
Step 4: Stuff each pork chop pocket with a generous amount of the cheese and fruit mixture. Secure the opening with one or two toothpicks.
Step 5: Season both sides of the pork chops liberally with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat.
Step 7: Once the skillet is hot, sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
Step 8: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 9: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chops to a plate. Let them rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving.
Notes
Ensure the pork chops are thick enough to hold the stuffing. If using boneless chops, reduce the oven time slightly as they cook faster.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pork chop
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: pork chops, gorgonzola, pears, hazelnuts, stuffed pork, main dish, elegant dinner

