A Taste of Autumn: Stuffed Pork Chops with Humphrey's Awesome Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce

A Taste of Autumn: Stuffed Pork Chops with Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce

As autumn paints the world in shades of amber and gold, it's the perfect time to savor the comforting flavors of the season. Imagine the rich, smoky goodness of BBQ sauce meeting the sweet, crisp crunch of apples, all nestled inside a thick, juicy pork chop. Get ready to delight your senses with our Stuffed Pork Chops featuring Humphrey's Awesome Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce - a dish that embodies the essence of fall on a plate.

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Pork Chops:

• 2 thick-cut pork chops
• Salt and black pepper to season
• 4 slices pancetta (or bacon)
• 1 apple (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce recipe available [here]:

• 1 cup Humphrey's Awesome Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Pork Chops:

1. Make a Pocket: Lay the pork chops flat on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chop by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the inside of each pocket with a pinch of salt and black pepper.  

2. Cook the Pancetta: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta slices until they're crisp and golden. Remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain. I love the salty notes of the pancetta and how it cuts the sweetness of the apples and Awesome Sauce.  You can substitute for bacon. 

3. Prepare the Stuffing: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the diced apples. Sauté them until they become tender and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

4. Combine the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed apples, crumbled crisp pancetta, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh sage. Mix well to create your flavorful stuffing.

5. Stuff the Pork Chops: Carefully stuff each pork chop pocket with the apple and pancetta mixture. Press the edges of the chops together to seal in the stuffing.  

Cook the Stuffed Pork Chops:

6. Sear the Chops: Heat a skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. When it's hot, sear the stuffed pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden crust.

7. Finish in the Oven: If using an oven-safe skillet, transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Roast the stuffed pork chops for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer the chops to a baking dish before roasting.   

Serve with Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce:

8. Heat the Sauce: While the pork chops are roasting, warm up the Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce in a saucepan over low heat.   

9. Plate and Drizzle: Once the stuffed pork chops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them on a plate and generously drizzle the warm Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce over the top.

Conclusion:

Elevate your autumn dining experience with our Stuffed Pork Chops featuring Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce. These succulent pork chops, filled with a delectable combination of apples and pancetta, are the epitome of fall comfort food. The Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce adds a smoky, spicy twist that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the pork. Whether you're sharing a cozy meal with loved ones or impressing guests at your next dinner gathering, this dish promises to be a delightful celebration of the season's flavors. Enjoy!