Grilled Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Chops

Embrace the rugged flavors of the season with our hearty Grilled Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Chops recipe. As the temperatures drop and nature's colors shift, this dish embodies the essence of autumn, melding succulent pork chops with the robust crunch of apples and the bold, sharp tang of cheddar cheese. With the grill infusing that smoky, masculine char, these stuffed pork chops create an ideal fusion of savory and robust, making them an essential addition to your fall grilling repertoire.

Ingredients:

- Thick-cut pork chops (one per person)
- 1-2 apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- Sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Fire For Effect Sweet Heat Rub to taste
- Cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Take the thick-cut pork chops and use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each chop. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want a pocket to stuff with the apples and cheddar.
- Season the pork chops on both sides with Fire For Effect and a pinch of cinnamon if you want to add a subtle fall spice flavor. Set them aside.

3. Stuff the Pork Chops:
- Take the thinly sliced apples and cheddar cheese.
- Stuff each pork chop pocket with alternating layers of apple slices and cheddar cheese slices until they are filled to your liking. The combination of the sweet, slightly tart apples and the sharp cheddar cheese creates a delicious contrast of flavors.

4. Prepare for Grilling:
- Brush the stuffed pork chops with olive oil on both sides. This helps to prevent sticking and promotes a nice sear on the grill.
- Ensure your grill is at the right temperature; it should be around 350-400°F (175-200°C).

5. Grill the Pork Chops:
- Place the stuffed pork chops on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid.
- Grill the chops for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to 160°F (71°C) for medium.
- During grilling, you'll notice the cheddar cheese melting and the apples caramelizing, creating a tantalizing aroma.

6. Rest and Serve:
- Once the pork chops are cooked to your preferred level of doneness and have a nice char on the outside, carefully remove them from the grill.
- Allow the stuffed pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful.

7. Optional Garnish:
- You can garnish the grilled pork chops with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and added freshness.

These Grilled Apple and Cheddar Stuffed Pork Chops are a delightful fall grilling option, combining the smoky goodness of the grill with the comforting flavors of apples and cheddar. Enjoy!