Juicy Caprese Pork Chops marinated in a garlicky balsamic glaze and topped with sweet tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil!
Easy Pork Chop Recipe
Transform your dinner routine with this easy, one-skillet Caprese Pork Chops recipe! In just 30 minutes, create tender pork chops topped with mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s not only delicious but also low-carb and keto-friendly. Enjoy juicy, flavorsome pork chops like never before!
There’s nothing quite like the juicy taste of bone-in pork chops seared to perfection and marinated in a sweet balsamic mix. Add a classic Caprese trio – tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – and you’ve got one irresistible meal.
I’ve been on a Caprese kick recently, thanks to an abundance of homegrown tomatoes gifted by my Mom. Their vibrant flavor is just begging to be paired with creamy mozzarella and a touch of balsamic. Initially, these tomatoes inspired dishes like Caprese Skillet Chicken and Caprese Macaroni and Cheese. But with the latest batch, I turned to these mouthwatering pork chops and an upcoming Caprese Chicken Nachos recipe.
Why We Love This Pork Chop Recipe
- Versatile: Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless pork chops, this recipe works splendidly with both!
- Delicious: Marinating the chops in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and dried basil ensures each bite is packed with savory goodness.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.
- Fresh Ingredients: With ingredients like fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil, this recipe is a celebration of flavors.
- Health Conscious: Low in carbs, this recipe is perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Gourmet At Home: Despite its simplicity, this dish feels restaurant-worthy, making it perfect for hosting dinner parties or a romantic meal at home.
How To Bake Caprese Pork Chops
These bone-in center-cut pork chops marinate in a delicious garlicky balsamic marinade, then are seared and baked with melty cheese until tender and juicy.
- Starting with the marinade, you’ll need balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dried basil, and garlic. If time permits, let the pork chops soak in the marinade for at least 15 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook on both sides for about 4 minutes per side or until browned.
- Bake: Top the chops with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and pop the skillet in the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
How To Grill Caprese Pork Chops
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and place on the preheated grill and cook for 4 minutes; flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Place mozzarella cheese on top, close the grill, and cook until cheese is melted and meat is cooked through. Pork is done when its internal temperature reaches 145˚F.
Tips and Swaps
- Marinate longer: Although 15 minutes is sufficient, allowing the pork chops to marinate for longer (up to 4 hours) will help the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Perfect sear: To achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear on your pork chops, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chops. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this could cause the chops to steam instead.
- Choosing the right skillet: A cast iron skillet is perfect for this recipe as it retains heat well and can be transferred from the stovetop to the oven. If you don’t have one, make sure to use an oven-safe skillet.
- Cooking times: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – the internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).
- Resting the meat: Allow the cooked pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, leading to juicier chops.
- Fresh toppings: Use the freshest mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for best flavor. You can also try experimenting with different types of tomatoes for a fun twist.
- Cheese: If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, you could use provolone or fontina cheese, which also melt well and have a mild flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to add some extra heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or some smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Serving Suggestions For Pork
- Pasta: This creamy asparagus pasta would complement the Italian flavors of the Caprese pork chops.
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Make some roasted mushrooms, roasted green beans with squash and tomatoes, or, as long as you’re at the grill, make this Grilled Eggplant.
- Salad: A light, refreshing salad like this Watermelon Salad with Feta or Sesame Cucumber Salad would provide a contrast to the rich, cheesy pork chops.
- Cauliflower Rice or Risotto: A side of my garlic butter cauliflower rice or for something a bit more luxurious, this parmesan risotto is excellent!
- Potatoes: Roasted Potatoes and Carrots or a creamy potato gratin work wonderfully.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftover pork chops in airtight containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil over the plastic wrap. Properly stored cooked pork chops will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
More Pork Recipes To Try
- Garlic and Rosemary Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin
- Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
- Skillet Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork
- Crock Pot Pineapple Barbecue Sauce Pork Chops
ENJOY!
Caprese Pork Chops
Seared juicy caprese pork chops marinated in a garlicky balsamic glaze and topped with sweet tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil!
Servings : 4 serves
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 bone-in center cut pork chops, you can also use boneless pork chops
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 1 to 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup freshly chopped basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- In a large bowl or a ziploc bag, combine balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, dried basil, salt and pepper. Add pork chops and toss until coated.
- If time permits, let marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, and up to 4 hours.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4 minutes or until golden; flip and continue to cook for 4 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and top each pork chop with sliced mozzarella.
- Place skillet in the oven and cook for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and pork is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and top with tomato slices and basil.
- Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with some of the balsamic glaze left in the skillet.
- Serve.
Notes
- Marinating: Although 15 minutes is sufficient, marinate pork chops for up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Perfect sear: Sear in a hot, uncrowded skillet to achieve a perfect sear on pork chops.
- Cooking times: Cooking times may vary; adjust cooking time based on pork chop thickness, aiming for an internal temp of 145°F.
- Resting the meat: Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, leading to juicier chops.
- Refrigerate leftover pork chops in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- To Grill the Pork Chops: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and transfer them to the preheated grill. Cook them for 4 minutes; flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Place mozzarella cheese on top, close the grill, and cook until cheese is melted and meat is cooked through. Pork is done when its internal temperature reaches 145˚F.
Nutrition
Calories: 496 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 56 g | Fat: 25 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 178 mg | Sodium: 316 mg | Potassium: 884 mg | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 270 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 199 mg | Iron: 1.9 mg | Net Carbs: 6 g
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
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