The Best Jalapeno Pork Chops
This recipe for The Best Jalapeno Pork Chops combines the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and savory flavors to create a truly mouthwatering dish.
Featuring thick-cut pork chops stuffed with a rich blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and diced jalapenos, these chops offer a delightful contrast of textures. Wrapped in crispy bacon and seasoned with a flavorful dry rub, they are grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky aroma and a burst of flavors with each bite.
Ideal for grill enthusiasts and lovers of bold flavors, this dish is an unforgettable addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Flavorful Combination: The recipe masterfully balances creamy, spicy, and savory elements. The smoothness of cream cheese and cheddar melds perfectly with the kick of fresh jalapenos, creating an exciting taste profile that satisfies a range of palates.
Textural Delight: Each pork chop offers a satisfying mix of textures, from the juicy, tender meat to the creamy filling and the crispy bacon exterior. This variety provides a delightful eating experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Versatile Cooking Method: Grilling these pork chops infuses them with a smoky aroma that enhances their overall flavor. Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, the addition of hickory smoke chips can elevate the dish to new levels of deliciousness.
Impressive Presentation: The stuffed and bacon-wrapped pork chops make for a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress guests, whether for a casual backyard barbecue or a more formal dinner gathering.
Customizable Heat Level: The ability to adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of jalapenos makes this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences, allowing everyone to enjoy it just the way they like.
Key Ingredients:
Cream Cheese: This ingredient provides a rich and creamy base for the filling, balancing the heat from the jalapenos while adding a luxurious texture to the dish.
Jalapeno Peppers: Diced jalapenos introduce a bold, spicy kick that enlivens the flavor profile, making each bite exciting and dynamic.
Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the cream cheese and adds depth to the filling, enhancing the overall savory experience.
Pork Chops: Thick-cut pork chops serve as the hearty foundation of the dish, offering a juicy and flavorful meat that pairs well with the spicy, cheesy filling.
Bacon: Wrapped around the pork chops, bacon adds a smoky, savory element and a delightful crispiness, elevating the dish’s texture and taste.
Dry Rub Seasoning: A blend of black pepper, salt, and garlic powder that enhances the natural flavors of the pork, ensuring a well-seasoned and delicious result.
The Best Jalapeno Pork Chops
Ingredients:
8 ounces of softened cream cheese
⅓ to ½ cup of diced jalapeno peppers
½ cup of cheddar cheese
4 to 6 thick-cut pork chops
½ teaspoon of black pepper
½ teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
2 tablespoons of dry rub seasoning
2 tablespoons of olive oil
8 to 10 slices of thinly sliced bacon
Instructions:
Initial Step:
Start by preheating your grill to 325°F. If available, enhance the flavor by adding hickory smoke chips or a smoke flavor to your grill.
In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeno peppers until well combined.
Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each pork chop.
Fill each pocket with the cream cheese mixture.
Next Step:
Wrap each pork chop with two slices of bacon, trying to minimize overlap.
Lightly coat each pork chop with olive oil and generously sprinkle the dry rub seasoning over them.
Final Step:
Place the pork chops on the grill and cook them for 7 to 8 minutes on one side.
Flip each chop and grill the opposite side for another 7 to 8 minutes.
The jalapeno-stuffed pork chops are ready when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for up to 10 minutes.
Serve and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes:
Spice Level Adjustment: To control the spiciness, you can adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers used. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat, or you can add more jalapenos for an extra kick.
Cheese Substitutes: While cheddar cheese adds a tangy flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different taste experience.
Bacon Wrapping Tips: To keep the bacon secure around the pork chops, use toothpicks if needed. Just remember to remove them before serving. Partially cooking the bacon beforehand can also prevent it from becoming too chewy.
Grill Temperature: Keeping the grill at a consistent 325°F is essential for even cooking. If using a charcoal grill, monitor the heat closely to avoid flare-ups, which can occur due to the bacon fat.
Resting Period: Allowing the pork chops to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Use of Hickory Smoke: If possible, add hickory smoke chips to the grill to infuse the pork chops with a rich, smoky aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 600 calories | Protein: 35 grams | Fat: 45 grams | Saturated Fat: 18 grams | Carbohydrates: 5 grams | Dietary Fiber: 1 gram | Sugars: 1 grams | Cholesterol: 150 milligrams | Sodium: 900 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeno filling in advance.
Mix the ingredients and store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before stuffing the pork chops.
What can I use as a substitute for bacon?
If you prefer not to use bacon, you can substitute it with prosciutto or turkey bacon for a different flavor and texture.
Alternatively, you can leave the bacon out entirely and focus on seasoning the chops well with the dry rub.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking?
To minimize filling leakage, ensure the pocket in the pork chop is deep enough to hold the filling securely but not so wide that it easily escapes.
Wrapping the chops tightly with bacon can also help keep the filling in place, and avoid overstuffing them.
Is it possible to bake the pork chops instead of grilling them?
Yes, you can bake the stuffed pork chops in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the chops in a baking dish, and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Using the broiler for the last few minutes can help crisp the bacon.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! To reduce the spiciness, you can decrease the amount of jalapenos or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat.
You can also substitute milder peppers, such as bell peppers, for a different flavor profile without the heat.
How can I ensure the pork chops are cooked evenly?
To ensure even cooking, choose pork chops that are uniform in thickness.
Preheating the grill to the recommended temperature of 325°F helps cook the chops evenly.
Using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) will also ensure they are cooked through without drying out.
What’s the best way to cut a pocket in the pork chops?
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a horizontal slit into the side of each pork chop.
The pocket should be deep enough to hold the filling but not so wide that it compromises the structure of the chop.
Take your time to ensure the cut is even and precise.
How do I keep the bacon from burning before the pork chops finish cooking?
To prevent the bacon from burning, maintain a moderate grill temperature and avoid direct flames.
If the bacon starts to cook too quickly, you can move the chops to a cooler part of the grill.
Alternatively, partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the pork chops to help it crisp up without overcooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other varieties that melt well, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.
Each cheese will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.
How can I add more flavor to the pork chops?
Aside from the dry rub seasoning, you can enhance the flavor by marinating the pork chops for a few hours before stuffing them.
A marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and herbs can add depth to the taste.
Additionally, using hickory smoke chips on the grill can infuse the chops with a rich, smoky aroma.