Maple-Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple Compote

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

Juicy pork chops stuffed with crispy bacon and garlic, topped with a sweet-tart apple compote for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs Pork chops, Bacon, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut a pocket into the side of each pork chop without cutting all the way through. Finely chop 3 garlic cloves and mix with 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Stuff each pork chop with the breadcrumb mixture and press 2 bacon slices inside the pocket. Secure with toothpicks.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, peel and dice 2 medium apples into 1/2-inch cubes. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan, add apples, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 cup chicken stock. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until apples are tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Strain apple compote, discarding solids, and pour sauce over pork chops. Serve immediately with extra compote on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple Compote take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Maple-Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple Compote?

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 pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple Compote?

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 Maple-Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple Compote 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.

What goes well with Maple-Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple Compote?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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