Herb-Crusted Baked Pork Chops with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Herb-Crusted Baked Pork Chops with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is a perfect dish to impress your family or guests, especially during the fall and winter months. This recipe combines savory herbs with a touch of tart and sweet from the cranberries, making it a unique and comforting meal.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Baked Pork Chops with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Pork chops form the hearty base of this dish, absorbing all the flavors from the herbs and stuffing. Dried cranberries add a sweet-tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory pork. Chopped pecans introduce a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, enhancing the stuffing. Chicken broth moistens the bread, tying the stuffing together. Unsalted butter ensures the onions and garlic cook to a soft, sweet base without adding excess salt. Onions and garlic provide aromatic depth. Dried sage and thyme bring earthy, herbaceous notes. Day-old bread is perfect for stuffing, as it soaks up the broth and flavors without becoming mushy. A touch of salt and black pepper seasons the pork chops perfectly. Olive oil helps sear the pork chops, locking in juices and adding flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork is cooked to a safe 145°F (63°C).
  • If fresh herbs are available, swap them in for an even fresher taste.
  • To save time, prep your stuffing ingredients the night before.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. A side of mashed potatoes or a light green salad also complements the rich flavors of the pork and stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as boneless chops may cook faster.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the bread for your favorite gluten-free variety.

Herb-Crusted Baked Pork Chops with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to ensure nothing sticks later on. Grab a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic, and sauté until these beauties turn translucent and fragrant.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sage, and thyme. Let it all simmer to marry the flavors. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cubed bread with this delightful mixture. Stir until the bread is nicely coated.

Season your pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. They should have a nice crust but don’t worry about cooking them through just yet.

Place the seared pork chops in the prepared baking dish and top each with an ample amount of the stuffing mixture. Cover the dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to crisp up the stuffing.

Once done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite every time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines savory and sweet flavors for a balanced taste.
  • Easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
  • Uses day-old bread, helping to reduce food waste.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops, 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup chopped pecans, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tablespoon dried sage, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 4 cups cubed day-old bread, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the chicken broth, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sage, and thyme to the pan and bring to a simmer.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the contents of the saucepan, stirring to coat the bread evenly.
5. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the pork chops on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
7. Place the pork chops in the prepared baking dish and top with the stuffing mixture.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the stuffing is crispy on top.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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