Juicy pork chops, fragrant bacon, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese create a hearty meal full of bold flavors. This combination is perfect for a weekend lunch, a quick dinner, or family gatherings.
Preparation is simple: first, briefly sear the meat in butter, then layer it with thin slices of vegetables, bacon, and cheese, and bake everything together. You can swap the spicy peppers for a sweet variety to taste, and serve the finished chops with potatoes, rice, salad, or toasted baguette.
What you’ll need
- 4 boneless pork chops,
- 2 tomatoes,
- 2 hot peppers,
- 2 onions,
- 8 slices of bacon,
- 4 slices of cheese – such as Edam or Gouda,
- 50 g butter,
- salt to taste,
- ground black pepper to taste,
- grill seasoning to taste.
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Seasoning the meat: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and an even sprinkle of grill seasoning. Gently press the seasoning into the meat so it sticks well during searing.
2. Searing the chops: Melt 50 g of butter in a pan. Briefly sear the seasoned chops on both sides so the surface is sealed, but the meat is not fully cooked through. Set them aside.
3. Preparing the vegetables: Slice the tomatoes, hot peppers, and peeled onions into thin rounds. This way, the vegetables will soften during the roughly twenty-minute baking time and the layers will be easy to stack on the meat.
4. Preheating the oven: Preheat your oven to 180 °C. Prepare a baking dish or casserole large enough to fit all four chops side by side.
5. Layering the chops: Transfer the seared chops into the prepared baking dish. On each piece of meat, place two slices of bacon, two slices of tomato, two to three slices of pepper, and two slices of onion. According to the original method, cover the vegetables with another two slices of bacon.
6. Adding the cheese: Finally, top each layered chop with a slice of cheese. You can use Edam, Gouda, or any cheese that melts well when heated.
7. Baking: Place the baking dish in the oven preheated to 180 °C. Bake the chops for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden on top.
8. Serving: Serve the finished chops hot with boiled or roasted potatoes, rice, or another side of your choice. A fresh salad or toasted baguette also makes a great accompaniment.
How to adjust the flavor of the vegetables
If you don’t want the chops to be spicy, use sweet peppers instead of hot ones. Slice the vegetables thinly so they soften enough during the baking time and don’t overpower the texture of the meat.
How to vary the flavor of the recipe
Before layering, you can brush the chops with Dijon mustard or garlic butter for a more intense flavor. Edam or Gouda can be replaced with mozzarella or cheddar, depending on whether you want a milder or bolder result.
Practical note on bacon
The original list mentions eight slices of bacon, while the described layering uses two slices under the vegetables and another two on top for each chop. Adjust the amount according to your chosen layering method and the size of the bacon slices.
Tip to finish
Serve the chops straight from the oven while the cheese layer is still soft and melted. For a more filling meal, choose potatoes or rice, while a fresh salad makes for a lighter side.
