Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Cream Sauce
Thick-cut pork chops stuffed with melted cheese and served with a rich garlic cream sauce, perfect for a low-carb ketogenic dinner. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends boneless, 1 inch thick pork chops, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, 1 inch thick pork chops
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz softened cream cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped (optional) fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each of the 4 boneless pork chops about 3/4 inch deep.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 oz softened cream cheese until combined.
- Step 3: Stuff each pork chop pocket evenly with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to secure.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear each side for 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 5: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake pork chops for 12-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 6: While chops bake, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 7: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme if using.
- Step 8: Serve pork chops hot with the garlic cream sauce spooned generously on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Cream Sauce?
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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Cream Sauce 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Cream Sauce 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.