Pesto Stuffed Pork Chops

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chilled basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops, 1 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preparation 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Mix feta cheese, basil pesto, and pine nuts in a bowl. Use the tip of a sharp boning or paring knife to cut a 3-inch slit in the side of each pork chop, 2 inches deep and 1/4-inch away from the bone, to make a pocket for stuffing. Stuff pork chops with pesto filling and secure with toothpicks.
  • Mix black pepper, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in a small bowl; rub both sides of each chop with the spice mix. Place chops into a shallow baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until chops are browned and stuffing is hot, about 40 minutes. Brush chops with balsamic vinegar and bake until vinegar forms a glaze, another 5 minutes.