Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese and baked with a garlic butter glaze, delivering a rich, keto-friendly dinner packed with flavor. This american-inspired pork (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs shredded sharp cheddar cheese, melted unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each of the 4 pork chops about 3/4 inch deep, being careful not to cut through.
  2. Step 2: Stuff each pork chop pocket with 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the outside of the pork chops with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the pork chops, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and cheese is melted.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any pan juices over the chops for extra flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shredded sharp cheddar cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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