Hy-Vee’s selection of stuffed pork chops takes the guesswork out of preparing a delicious and easy dinner. Their fresh chops are stuffed to the brim with a variety of mouthwatering fillings like apple, cornbread, spinach, and more. While Hy-Vee does the hard work of creating these clever stuffed chops, it’s up to you to cook them to juicy, flavorful perfection. Follow this simple guide for tips and tricks on cooking stuffed pork chops from Hy-Vee.
Selecting the Best Chops
Hy-Vee offers many types of stuffed pork chops, so peruse the selection and choose ones that appeal to your preferences. Consider the filling – apple and cornbread for comfort food, spinach and feta for a Greek flair, bacon and cheddar for decadence. Also check the thickness, as thicker chops will take longer to cook. Estimate around 10 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness. For best results, choose chops that are around 1 inch thick.
Inspect the chops to ensure the filling is fully encased and the meat looks fresh Color should be pinkish red without brown or gray spots, Pass on chops with tears in the meat or fillings spilling out, Properly stuffed chops will hold everything inside
Prepping the Chops for Cooking
Once home, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season the outside of the chops generously with salt pepper garlic powder, paprika and other spices of your choice. Rub the seasonings into the meat. Let the chops sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
If desired, you can drizzle a small amount of oil or melted butter over the chops to help promote browning and keep the exterior from drying out. Go light, as the pork fat will render and self-baste.
Baking for Perfectly Cooked Meat
The most foolproof cooking method for Hy-Vee’s stuffed chops is baking. Arrange the chops on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check often and remove chops when they register 160°F internally and the filling is 165°F.
For extra flavor, try adding aromatics to the pan like sliced onions, carrots, garlic, or fresh herbs. The chops will baste in the juices as they bake. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Allow chops to rest 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they cool. Be careful not to overbake, or the pork may become dry.
Pan Searing for Crispy Crust
To give your chops a crispy, browned crust, start by searing them in a hot pan before finishing in the oven. Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom.
When the oil shimmers, add the chops and cook 2-3 minutes per side until well browned. Use tongs to keep them moving and avoid burning. Transfer the seared chops to a baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven until they reach the proper internal temperature.
The quick sear locks in flavor and juices before the low, slow oven cooking. Just be careful not to burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Reduce heat as needed.
Grilling for Smoky, Charred Flavor
Grilling imparts delicious smoky notes and charred bits that pair wonderfully with stuffed chops. Prep and season them the same way. Place over direct medium heat on a clean, oiled grill grate. Flip and rotate every 2 minutes or so to prevent burning.
Once browned, move chops to indirect heat, close the lid, and grill until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes more depending on thickness. Glaze with barbecue sauce the last few minutes if desired.
The grill adds great flavor, but be vigilant about flare-ups from render pork fat. Have a spray bottle on hand to tame the flames if needed. Grill over a foil tent if concerned.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed pork chops from Hy-Vee truly satisfy any hearty appetite. Here are some tasty ways to complete the meal:
- Seasoned roasted potatoes or squash
- Steamed spinach, kale, or broccoli
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes or au gratin
- Fresh salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Skillet corn, green beans, or brussels sprouts
- Warm rolls, biscuits, or cornbread
- Pasta salad, potato salad, or coleslaw
- Rice pilaf or wild rice blend
And don’t forget dessert! The sweetness of baked apples, apple pie, or cobbler complements the seasoning of apple stuffed chops perfectly. Get creative with your side dishes and enjoy the entire savory, satisfying meal.
Handy Tips for Stuffed Pork Chop Success
Cooking the perfect stuffed pork chop from Hy-Vee is easy when you follow these helpful tips:
- Let chops sit at room temp before cooking for more even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness accurately
- Bake, sear, or grill gently to prevent burning the outside before the inside cooks
- Allow chops to rest before slicing to retain juices
- Switch up seasonings and rubs to customize each meal
- Pair sweet fillings like apple with complementary sides like baked apples
- Add minced garlic, onions, or herbs to pan juices for extra flavor
- Drizzle seared chops with reduced wine or chicken broth for a quick pan sauce
- Slice chops and serve filling alongside as another component on the plate
- To reheat, bake at 300°F wrapped in foil until warmed through
With so many possibilities for cooking and seasoning, Hy-Vee’s stuffed pork chops are a dinnertime blank canvas. Follow this guide and get creative to whip up the perfect meal masterpiece. Your tastebuds will rejoice with every savory, satisfying bite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Stuffed Pork Chops from Hy-Vee
What are the most popular stuffed pork chop recipes from Hy-Vee?
Some of Hy-Vee’s most popular stuffed pork chop options include Apple & Onion, Spinach & Feta, Bacon & Cheddar, and Cornbread & Cranberry. They offer a wide variety to suit any taste.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen stuffed pork chops from Hy-Vee?
For the best results, thaw frozen stuffed pork chops gradually in the refrigerator overnight or for 24 hours. Avoid thawing at room temperature. Cook from fully frozen if in a pinch.
Is it better to bake or grill stuffed pork chops?
Baking is easiest for cooking stuffed pork chops fully and evenly. Grilling adds nice charred flavor but requires more attention to prevent burning. You can also sear then bake for the best of both worlds.
How can you tell when stuffed pork chops are done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check temperature – the pork should reach at least 145°F and the stuffing 165°F. Also check that pork is opaque throughout and stuffing is hot. Juices will run clear when poked.
How should you reheat leftover stuffed pork chops?
To reheat stuffed pork chops, place in a baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 300°F until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. Microwave individual chops for 2-3 minutes. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
What are the best side dishes to serve with stuffed pork chops?
Great sides for stuffed pork chops include roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, pasta, roasted vegetables, salad, and bread. For a complete meal, pair sweet or savory sides that complement the filling flavors.
How can you prevent stuffed pork chops from drying out?
Brush with oil, baste during cooking, sear then bake, and don’t overcook. Use a lower oven temp (325°F), cook to proper internal temp, tent with foil if browning too quickly, and let chops rest before cutting.
Can you freeze leftover baked stuffed pork chops?
Yes, leftover baked stuffed pork chops can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Allow them to cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat frozen chops by baking until warm throughout.