Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple

These baked stuffed pork chops might just be the best thing to come out of your oven all week. We cut a pocket into thick boneless chops, fill them with slices of sweet apple and creamy Gouda cheese, then wrap the whole thing in bacon before baking. The result? A stuffed pork chop in the oven that comes out juicy, tender, and honestly a little gourmet — but it only takes 15 minutes of prep.

If you’ve been stuck in a dinner rut, this is your way out. The sweet-savory combo of apple and Gouda with salty bacon is one of those flavor combinations that just works. And since everything bakes together in one dish, cleanup is easy too.

Stuffed Pork Chops with Creamy Gouda Cheese and Apple couldn’t be easier. This stuffed pork chop recipe combines salty smoky bacon with sweet apples and creamy Gouda. Nothing is missing in this simply delicious recipe!

We love pork chops, but Stuffed Pork Chops with Cheese and Apple that have been wrapped in bacon? That’s a recipe you can make easily for one or a dozen and it’s so easy that it makes a great weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Pork Chops – we used thick (1-1/2 to 2″) boneless pork loin chops.
• Cheese – we used a block of Gouda.
• Bacon – thinly sliced is recommended and the variety is your choice (hickory, apple smoked, etc.).
• Apple – we’ve used green apples and red apples and both work great. We recommend using a good baking apple such as Granny Smith or Braeburn to prevent them from getting too soft.
• Fresh Thyme – this is optional but thyme goes so well with pork. You could also combine it with some rosemary or sage.

Cheese & Filling Substitutions

One of the best things about this stuffed pork chop in the oven recipe is how easy it is to switch things up based on what you have on hand. Here are our favorite swaps:

Cheese Options:

• Gouda (original) — mild, creamy, melts beautifully
• Pepper Jack — adds a little heat that pairs great with the sweet apple (reader favorite!)
• Gruyère — nuttier flavor, melts like a dream
• Sharp Cheddar — bolder flavor, still delicious
• Brie — richer and more decadent for a dinner party twist

Apple Options:

• Granny Smith (recommended) — tart and firm, holds its shape while baking
• Braeburn or Honeycrisp — slightly sweeter, still holds up well
• Avoid Red Delicious — they get mushy in the oven

Other Filling Ideas:

• Spinach + cream cheese — for a rich, savory option
• Caramelized onions + Gruyère — classic French bistro vibes
• Dried cranberries + brie — perfect for fall and holiday dinners

Can’t do bacon? Wrap the chops in prosciutto instead — it crisps up just as nicely and adds a slightly more delicate flavor.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

1. Pat the pork chop dry and using a sharp knife, slice a deep pocket into the center of the pork chop. Be careful not to slice all of the way through the bottom or sides so you don’t lose your filling or its flavors.
2. Cut the apples into 1/8″ slices. We didn’t bother to peel them.
3. Slice the cheese into 1/4″ slices.
4. Insert two slices of cheese with an apple slice in between into the opening of the pork chop.
5. Wrap the stuffed pork chop with bacon and secure it with toothpicks.
6. Place the cheese stuffed pork chops into a baking dish that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and bake.

Tips For Perfect Baked Stuffed Pork Chops Every Time

• Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before you cook them. Bringing the meat to room temperature helps them cook evenly.
• Overcooked chops are tough. A slightly pink interior is perfect.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer and cook to 145. Insert the thermometer in several places to ensure a correct reading, and try to measure the temperature of the meat only. Not the filling. 
• Allow the cooked pork chop to rest for 5 minutes after they’re cooked. This allows the fibers to relax and for the juices to absorb, making a juicy, tender chop.
• We use a thicker chop 1-½ to 2” since we were going to split it open to stuff it. If you used a thin pork chop, the meat would be cooked before the apple was baked.
• We don’t cover the pork chops. Wrapping them in bacon keeps them moist and crisps up our bacon. If your bacon isn’t crisping, you may need to increase the temperature of your oven to 400 for the last 10 minutes.

FAQ’s

Q: How long do baked stuffed pork chops take to cook?

A: At 375°F, thick boneless pork chops (1½ to 2 inches) typically take 25–35 minutes. Always use an instant-read thermometer and pull them when the meat (not the filling) reads 145°F. Let them rest 3 minutes before cutting. Here are some more pork safety tips.

Q: What’s the best way to keep the filling from falling out?

A: Slice a deep pocket but stop before you cut through the sides or the bottom — you want a pouch, not a slit all the way through. Secure the open edge with a toothpick or two after stuffing. Wrapping in bacon also helps hold everything in place.

Q: Can I prep stuffed pork chops the night before?

A: You can! Slice the pocket, add the cheese, and wrap in bacon the night before. Wait to add the apple slices until right before baking — cut apple will brown in the fridge overnight. Store the prepared chops covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Q: Can I use boneless or bone-in pork chops?

A: We use thick boneless pork loin chops because they’re easy to stuff and portion. Bone-in chops work too — just choose ones that are at least 1½ inches thick so you have room to create a good pocket.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftover stuffed pork chops?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. We don’t recommend freezing these — the apple and cheese filling can change texture when thawed.

Q: What can I substitute for Gouda cheese?

A: Pepper Jack, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and brie all work great. See our Substitutions section above for more ideas and tips!

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love

• Pork Tenderloin with Peach sauce
• Spinach & Goat Cheese Pork Roulade
• Pork Chops with Cranberry Sauce
• Cast Iron Boneless Pork Chops
• Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Still looking for delicious pork recipes? Find all of our delicious pork recipes here.

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

The perfect side dish for Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops

When choosing a side dish, our go-to would be recipes that cook on the stovetop in the same amount of time that it takes to cook this Stuffed Pork Chop recipe since our oven is in use. Recipes that or don’t require cooking at all are perfect too!

• Fingerling potatoes
• Fruit Cocktail Salad
• Grilled Sweet Potatoes in Foil

This post was originally sponsored by Crystal Farms Cheese® but the opinions here are all my own. 

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Originally published: May 13, 2021. Updated: June 24, 2026 – Enhanced with more detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions. No changes were made to the recipe.