These Oven Baked Pork Chops are filled with savory cranberry sausage stuffing. They only take 20 minutes to bake and make a perfect easy dinner!.
I love eating pork chops in ALL of the ways. Smothered Pork Chops, French Onion Pork Chops, and of course, these stuffed pork chops.
I love that this recipe is so quick and easy, and the stuffing adds so much flavor.
Stuffed pork chops are a delightful and comforting meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. The savory filling enveloped in tender, juicy pork is hard to resist. However, improperly cooked stuffed pork chops can result in dry overcooked meat or undercooked fillings. Understanding how long to bake stuffed pork chops is key to achieving the ideal balance of flavors and textures.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about baking times for stuffed pork chops, from temperature, thickness, and cooking methods to ensuring safety and doneness Read on for tips, tricks, and timing guidelines to help you make perfect stuffed pork chops every time
Factors That Affect Baking Time
Several key factors impact how long to bake boneless or bone-in stuffed pork chops:
Thickness of the Pork Chop: It takes longer to cook thicker chops all the way through. For 1-inch chops, bake 20-25 minutes. 1. 5-inch chops need 30-35 minutes. 2-inch chops bake for 40-45 minutes.
Bone-In vs. Boneless – Bone-in chops cook more slowly than boneless. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time for bone-in.
Brining – Brined pork chops cook a bit faster. Reduce bake time by 5 minutes if chops were brined.
Oven Temperature – Standard is 350°F. Higher temps shorten bake time but may dry out the meat. Lower temps require longer baking.
Filling Ingredients – Wetter fillings with lots of cheese or veggies release moisture, slowing cooking. Bake 5 minutes longer.
Number of Chops – More chops require slightly longer baking to heat through. Add 2-3 minutes for 4 chops vs. 2 chops.
Recommended Baking Times
Based on the factors above, here are general guidelines for how long to bake stuffed pork chops:
1-inch boneless pork chops – Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
1-inch bone-in pork chops – Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
1.5-inch boneless pork chops – Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
1.5-inch bone-in pork chops – Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
2-inch boneless pork chops – Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
2-inch bone-in pork chops – Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
These time ranges allow leeway to account for variability in thickness at different points of the chop. Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to confirm final doneness rather than just bake time.
Additional Tips for Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
Follow these tips for the best stuffed pork chop results:
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Preheat oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to check temperature – final internal temp should reach 145°F.
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Rest chops 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
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Prevent overstuffing by leaving room for filling to expand as it cooks.
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Secure stuffing with toothpicks to keep it neatly tucked inside while baking.
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Brown chops in a pan before baking for enhanced flavor from searing.
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Use a baking sheet for heat circulation and easy transfer in and out of oven.
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Tent with foil at end to keep moist if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
Follow this simple process for baked stuffed pork chops:
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Prep the filling – Make your favorite stuffing mixture. Most combine breadcrumbs, herbs, cheese, veggies.
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Cut pockets in chops using a paring knife – take care not to cut all the way through.
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Fill generously with stuffing mixture, leaving a bit of room for expansion.
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Secure openings with toothpicks to contain filling during baking.
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Season exterior with salt, pepper, herbs, spices as desired.
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Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheet.
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Optionally sear chops in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to brown.
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Bake in preheated oven for recommended time based on thickness.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm 145°F.
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Cover and rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicy chops!
What If My Pork Chops Are Underdone?
If you cut into your stuffed pork chops and find they are slightly underdone, you can quickly remedy the issue by putting them back in the oven for a short time.
For boneless chops, bake another 5-7 minutes until thermometer reaches 145°F. For bone-in, extend bake time by 8-10 minutes. Tent with foil to prevent overcooking the exterior.
You can also finish off slightly underdone stuffed chops by quickly searing them in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes per side to get them up to ideal doneness.
What If My Pork Chops Are Overdone?
If you pull your stuffed pork chops out of the oven and find they are dried out or overcooked, there are a couple of tricks to still make them tasty:
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Slice or chop the pork and drizzle with extra sauce or gravy to add moisture.
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Shred or chop the pork and mix with bbq sauce or broth for pulled pork nachos, sandwiches, etc.
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Dice up the pork and toss it into mac and cheese, baked beans, soup, or pasta dishes.
While overdone pork chops may be too dry on their own, with a little creativity, you can put the meat to good use in another dish! Proper reheating as leftovers can also improve the moisture level.
Final Takeaways on Baking Stuffed Pork Chops
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For best results, bake 1-inch chops 20-25 minutes, 1.5-inch chops 30-35 minutes, and 2-inch chops 40-45 minutes at 350°F.
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Bone-in chops take 5 minutes longer than boneless.
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Always use a meat thermometer to confirm 145°F internal temperature.
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Rest chops 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicy, tender meat.
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Precut pockets, season well, secure stuffing and bake on a sheet for even cooking.
With the timing guidelines, tips and tricks provided above for how long to bake stuffed pork chops, you can gain confidence in preparing this satisfying meal for your family. Mastering the baking times means you’ll never have to worry about undercooked or dried out stuffed pork chops again.
How Long Do You Bake Pork Chops?
Boneless pork chops take 15-20 minutes to bake in a 400 degree oven.
Freezing Stuffed Pork Chops
Stuffed Pork Chops make a great freezer food. Wrap each stuffed/unbaked pork chop in foil and place it in a labeled freezer bag. It’s best to use them within 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve them, just take them out of the freezer overnight, let them thaw, and then bake them according to the recipe below!
This recipe is a is a great way to use up leftover stuffing.
There’s no need to overcook the stuffing since this is the second time you’re making it. To give the pork chops color and texture, sear them over medium heat for just a few minutes on each side.
Then stuff them and bake them and bake as outlined.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3 days, or freeze and use within 3 months.
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops!!! Simple!
FAQ
Is it better to Bake Pork Chops at 350 or 400?
How long does it take to cook a pork chop in the oven at 350 degrees?
How to cook stuffed pork chops from the butcher shop?
How long to cook a stuffed pork chop bone-in?
How long do you cook stuffed pork chops in the oven?
Bake, uncovered, in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer, and the stuffing is hot and slightly crispy on the outside. Rest and Serve: Remove the stuffed pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Cover with aluminum foil.
How do you make stuffed pork chops?
These easy, baked stuffed pork chops are made in the oven with boneless chops and leftover or stovetop stuffing. Add an apple slice or two for a bit of sweetness. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Cut a pocket into side of each pork chop (leaving fat side intact). Stuff pork chops, dividing stuffing equally between pork chops.
How long do you cook pork chops in the oven?
Otherwise, transfer the seared pork chops to a baking dish. Bake, uncovered, in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer, and the stuffing is hot and slightly crispy on the outside.
How do you cook stuffed pork chops in a crock pot?
Stuff pork chops, dividing stuffing equally between pork chops. Place stuffed chops on a cookie sheet or in a large baking dish. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Rub mixture on top of each pork chop. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until pork chops have reached at least 145˚F.