Wondering how to make stuffed pork chops? My simple stuffed pork chops recipe uses classic apples and herbs and a simple technique that's easy to master. Bonus? It's a Whole30 dinner recipe!

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Have you ever tried making stuffed pork chops?

I know it can sound intimidating but it's actually quite simple and I promise it's worth mastering the technique! Not only is it delicious, but this is the kind of recipe that you'll feel good serving to company or to your family on a special occasion.

The combination of onions, apples, sage and thyme is simply incredible. If you love sweet and savory, this one is definitely for you!

As if that weren't enough, my stuffed pork chops recipe is gluten free, paleo AND Whole30 approved. It's comfort food at its healthiest.

Make sure to check out my tips and serving suggestions below!

 

What is the nutrition like in this stuffed pork chops recipe?

Pretty much every ingredient in this simple stuffed pork chops recipe has something to add nutritionally. Here are some of the highlights!

• Onions: Did you know that the humble onion is actually packed with antioxidants? Onions also have vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate and potassium.
• Celery: It's probably most famous for being a low calorie food, but celery is so much more than that! It offers vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, beta carotene and plenty of antioxidants. Celery also may reduce inflammation and support the digestive tract. Make sure to eat the leaves too, they're full of vitamins!
• Apples: Apples contain vitamin C and lots of antioxidants like flavonoids that may protect against cancer. They're also a great source of fiber, which helps with healthy digestion.
• Sage: Sage contains a substantial amount of vitamin K as well as small amounts of magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6 and iron. It's also full of antioxidants!
• Thyme: Like most herbs, thyme is full of health benefits. It's thought to potentially help lower blood pressure, improve immunity and even improve your mood. Many of the studies have focused on thyme essential oil, thyme extract or thyme tea so further studies are needed to substantiate the benefits from culinary uses of thyme.
• Pork: Pork provides substantial amounts of thiamine, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, iron and, of course, protein.

What is the difference between Whole30 and Paleo?

Are Paleo and Whole30 the same? If not, how are they different? And which one is better?

It's easy to see why there is some confusion around these two ways of eating, as they have quite a bit of overlap. Both focus on eating high quality protein and lots of fresh produce. Both diets encourage eating whole, unprocessed foods and have a big emphasis on quality.

The main difference in terms of specific foods allowed is that Paleo allows moderate consumption of alcohol such as red wine and natural sweeteners like honey and pure maple syrup. Whole30 does not allow these items.

There is also a difference in the purpose and mindset behind the two ways of eating though. While Whole30 serves as a reset and a way to explore what foods feel good for your body, Paleo is more of a long term approach to eating.

I strongly recommend reading the Whole30 book if you're considering trying a Whole30 to get the most out of it. I also offer a Whole30 meal plan here! This is a great option if you're interested in Whole30 but worry that you don't have enough time to figure out a whole new set of recipes.

What should I serve with stuffed pork chops?

When these stuffed pork chops were included in our Prep Dish subscriber menus we recommended serving them alongside roasted carrots and parsnips. Roasted vegetables make a super easy side for the pork because they can simply roast alongside the pork at the same temperature.

If you're using this as a New Year's Dinner recipe (pork is a traditional NY food!), you may want to serve alongside some simple collard greens to keep the element of tradition going.

My dairy free mashed potatoes, smoky paprika roasted cauliflower or a simple salad like this one would also be perfect. The stuffed pork chops already have so many flavors and textures, feel free to keep the sides simple!

What's a good oven safe sauté pan to use?

If you don't already have an oven safe sauté pan, it's time for a change! This one and this one are as beautiful as they are functional. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to listen to my podcast episode on my favorite kitchen tool – it includes a great hack on how to easily clean pans.

Additional Tips on How to Make Stuffed Pork Chops

• You can use bone-in or boneless (adjust cooking time), but bone-in has more flavor!
• Ask your butcher at the meat counter to cut the pocket for you if you like
• If you have extra stuffing mix, just roast it in the pan next to the pork chops
• Use toothpicks (soak first so they don't burn!) or small metal skewers if you like, to close the pocket and keep the stuffing from coming out
• Want to use fresh sage or fresh thyme instead of dried? Check out my post all about fresh herbs for tips on how to substitute

What are some other simple Whole30 dinner recipes?

If you're looking for more Whole30 dinner recipes, we have quite a few! The overlap between Paleo and Whole30 means that many of our recipes turn out to be Whole30 without even trying.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps – These make a great light dinner, or a Whole30 lunch option.

Chicken and Cauliflower Chowder – My version has all of the creaminess with none of the dairy! Make sure to use a Whole30 compliant bacon like the uncured, sugar / nitrate / hormone free bacon from Butcher Box.

Healthy Sloppy Joes – These are SO good and all of the trademark sloppy joe sweetness comes from tomato paste, no added sweeteners here!

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