Stuffed Pork, Cheddar and Apple Panini

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

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Ingredients

8 boneless pork loin chops, cut 1/4-inch thick and trimmed (10 to 12 ounces total)
4 tablespoons apricot preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
Nonstick cooking spray
8 slices country wheat bread, 1/2-inch thick
3 tablespoons margarine, softened
1 granny smith apple, cored and sliced 1/8-inch thick
4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, reduced-fat (made with 2% milk/fat free), thinly sliced

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Cooking Directions

New USDA Guidelines

In a small bowl, combine apricot preserves and mustard. Set aside.

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, cook pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes or until internal temperature of pork reaches 145 degrees F., turning pork chops over halfway through cooking. Remove from pan and set aside 3 minutes.

Drain pan of juices and scrape bits from bottom of pan with metal spatula. Wipe pan dry with paper towels..

To assemble sandwiches, spread one side of each slice of bread with about 1 teaspoon margarine. Place bread slices, buttered sides down on clean cutting board. Spread unbuttered sides with apricot-mustard mixture. On half of the bread slices, layer pork, apple and cheese. Place remaining bread slices on top, buttered sides up, to form sandwiches.

Meanwhile, preheat skillet over medium heat. Place the 2 sandwiches in skillet without a Panini press. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. Repeat cooking remaining 2 sandwiches.

Makes 4 servings

*To cook sandwiches using an electric Panini grill, preheat grill according to manufacturer’s directions. Place sandwich(s) on grill; lower top of grill and grill for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.

Recipe courtesy of Liz Ward, MS, RD


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Serving Suggestions

This pork panini is a kid-friendly and healthy sandwich for lunch.  Serve with a warm bowl of soup and carrot sticks. 

Recipe courtesy of Liz Ward, MS, RD


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Nutrition

Calories: 340 calories
Protein: 26 grams
Fat: 10 grams
Sodium: 680 milligrams
Cholesterol: 55 milligrams
Saturated Fat: 2 grams
Carbohydrates: 36 grams
Fiber: 2 grams

Random Cooking Tip:
For marinated pork chops, put pork in a self-sealing bag with marinade in the refrigerator first thing in the morning. By suppertime, pork chops can be removed from marinade -dispose of used marinade- and ready to grill.

 
 
 
Recipe Details

Ratings

 
 

Moderate Cook
by Eugene 06/25/2011
Might have been better without the cheese.
Buying/Handling/Storing Tip:

The best way to defrost pork is in the refrigerator in its wrapping. Defrosting a 1 inch chop will take 12-14 hours.


Other Pork Buying/Handling/Storing Tips
Ask Your Butcher
It’s important to note that all pork chops cook the same. The length of cooking primarily depends on the thickness of the chop. Thickness can vary from ½ to 2 inches. Whether you choose chops boneless for convenience or chops with the bone attached for their attractive appearance, the cooking time is the same. Pork chops are likely the least intimidating of all pork cuts because they are so easy to prepare.
More Butcher Tips
About the Cut
Pork chops are the most popular cut from the pork loin, which is the strip of meat that runs from the pig’s hip to shoulder. Depending on where they originate, pork chops can be found under a variety of names, including loin, rib, sirloin, top loin and blade chops.
Learn About the Pork Cuts
Cooking Method:

 
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