Cheesy Topped Mediterranean Pork Loin Chops

Cheesy Topped Mediterranean Pork Loin Chops - tender pork loin chops in a rich mediterranean style sauce topped with cheese and broiled until melted and golden. 

 

Mediterranean Pork Chops

Normally when we have pork loin chops, I keep it really simple with a bit a seasoning and cook on my cast iron skillet for a lovely sear. They are great for the barbecue too in your favourite marinade.

But today I fancied something really saucy to pair with the pork loin chops and quickly cooked up a delicious rich Mediterranean style sauce using some olive oil, diced tomatoes, onions, fresh garlic,  tomato paste, stock, basil, and balsamic vinegar.

Not content with just the sauce. I took it that one step further and placed the pork loin chops in a tray smothered with the sauce and topped with some parmesan and mozzarella to place until the grill (broil) for a delicious melted cheese goodness. 

Canned Tomatoes for Mediterranean Style Sauce

Usually whenever I make a tomato based sauce, I will use fresh tomatoes if I have some on hand, they make a lovely sauce as they don't have that slight acidity that the canning process gives to tinned tomatoes.

However canned tomatoes are just easier and something most of us always have on hand. 

One thing to note when choosing your canned tomatoes is to pick a good quality brand, as it will make such a different to your sauce. I really like the Muir Glen brand here in Canada and you can find them at most grocery stores or Amazon.

Can I use Spray Oil (Cooking Oil Spray?)

You may want to save a few calories by swapping the olive oil for some cooking oil spray, but honestly I wouldn't. While the sauce will still be good, it is just a whole other level when you use proper olive oil. 

It's really does add flavour and cooks the onion perfectly. Plus when you divide up into servings is it really that much calories to be worried about?

Type of Pork Chops

For this recipe I use the leanest boneless pork loin chops, they cook really quick and are just what we prefer - especially for my youngest is not keen on bones.

Bone in pork chops will work fine too, just be aware that they will require slightly longer cooking time to what's stated in the recipe. 

Substitutes for Pork

If you don't like pork but love the sound of this recipe and are wondering what else you can use, then chicken is a great substitute, both chicken thighs or chicken breast will work really well and pair perfectly with that amazing mediterranean style sauce and melted cheesy topping. 

White fish fillets like cod or halibut are another great choice. Just remember whenever you deviate from the ingredients in the recipe, you may need to adjust cooking time too. White fish really doesn't take long to cook at all, so you probably just need to sear both sides before placing in the sauce, adding the cheese and placing under the grill. 

Now I've mentioned the fish I really want to make this again with some fresh halibut fillets - yum!!

Melted Cheesy Topping

For the melted cheese topping, I use a combination of parmesan and mozzarella. They are the best choices for a recipe like this, the mozzarella quite mild tasting but melts really well and then the little bit of parmesan just adds that kick of strong cheese flavour that is perfect.

If you don't like the strong flavour of parmesan, you can swap it for another cheese like Cheddar, Havarti or even Gruyere or you can even keep it to just mozzarella. 

Sides for Mediterranean Pork Loin Chops

As we had this on a hot summer's day I kept the sides pretty simple with some roasted butternut squash and baby greens as it's pretty filling, but this would pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Garlic and Herb Roast Potatoes
• Crushed Roast Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes
• Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower Mash
• Zucchini and Rice
• Sweet Potato Mash
• Garlic Shredded Brussel Sprouts
• Roasted Fennel and Peppers

you could even pair with some pasta, because who doesn't love anything saucy and cheesy with pasta, right?

More Pork Recipes

Looking for some more Pork Recipes? Check out these:

• STOVE TOP BBQ PORK
• CREAMY PORK CASSEROLE
• SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK SANDWICH
• CREAMY GARLIC PORK WITH CABBAGE
• HONEY MUSTARD GLAZED PORK LOINS
• CREAMY ONE POT PORK PASTA
• TERIYAKI PORK TENDERLOIN
• PINEAPPLE PORK

or head on over to my Full Recipe Index with over 900 delicious Slimming Eats and Weight Watchers friendly recipes all fully searchable by meal type, ingredients etc

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