Oh, you are going to LOVE these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops! Seriously, they’re one of those dishes that look super fancy and taste absolutely divine, but are secretly a total breeze to make. I remember the first time I whipped these up for a weeknight dinner, and my family acted like I’d slaved away for hours! The secret is that golden, crispy Parmesan crust that just hugs the tender pork chop. It’s that perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch. They’ve become my go-to when I want something a little special without all the fuss. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love These Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, you can have these on the table in about 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Incredible Flavor: That Parmesan and breadcrumb coating is just *chef’s kiss* – savory, cheesy, and so satisfying.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: We get that delicious golden-brown crust from searing and baking, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Versatile! They’re elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a regular Tuesday night dinner.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters usually gobble these up!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need for these amazing Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops. It’s all about quality ingredients here! First up, you’ll want 4 pork chops, about 6 ounces each. I usually grab bone-in ones because I think they have a bit more flavor, but boneless work great too, just make sure they’re around an inch thick so they cook evenly. Then, the star of the show: 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t use the stuff in the shaker can, okay? Get the real Parm for the best flavor and melt. You’ll also need 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for dusting, and 2 large eggs, just lightly beaten. Oh, and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil for searing, plus of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to make everything sing!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
So, about those pork chops – I really love the bone-in ones for these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops because that bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist. Boneless are totally fine though, just aim for about an inch thickness. If you want an extra-super-crispy crust, definitely swap the plain breadcrumbs for panko! They just get unbelievably crunchy. If you need a gluten-free option, finely ground gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond flour mixed with a little Parmesan can work. The finely grated Parmesan is key; it melts and browns beautifully, creating that irresistible coating. We use olive oil for searing because it has a nice flavor and can handle the heat, but another high-heat oil like avocado or canola oil would work too.
How to Prepare Delicious Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Okay, let’s get these incredible Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops made! First things first, crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot. While that’s heating, grab your pork chops and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really makes a difference!
Now, get three shallow dishes ready. This is your breading station! Put your 1/4 cup of flour in the first one. In the second dish, pour your 2 beaten eggs. And in the third dish, mix together that 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Give it a little stir to combine.
Take each seasoned pork chop, dredge it in the flour first, just a light coating, and shake off any extra. Then, dip it right into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s totally coated. Finally, press that egg-covered chop into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Really pack it on there so both sides are nicely covered.
Next up, searing! Grab an oven-safe skillet – this is super handy! – and heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once that oil is shimmering, carefully place your coated pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want them to get this gorgeous golden-brown color.
Once they look beautiful and browned, carefully transfer the whole skillet into your preheated oven. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes. The best way to know they’re done is to use a meat thermometer; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
When they hit that temp, pull them out of the oven. Let them rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes before serving. This is so important – it lets all those juices redistribute, making them extra tender and moist!
Tips for Achieving Crispy Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Want that crust to be extra crispy and stay put? Make sure you really press that Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture onto the pork chops after the egg dip. A nice, even coating is key! Also, don’t overcrowd your skillet when you’re searing; give those chops some breathing room so they brown nicely instead of steaming. If your pork chops are on the thicker side, they might need a minute or two longer in the oven. And definitely don’t skip the resting step – it’s a game-changer for juicy, tender pork!
Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
These Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are so versatile, they go with just about anything! For a classic comfort meal, you can’t beat creamy mashed potatoes or some fluffy rice to soak up any extra juices. I also love pairing them with roasted vegetables – think tender asparagus, sweet roasted broccoli, or even some garlic-herb roasted Brussels sprouts. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea too, to add a little freshness. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, some lemon-garlic pasta is divine. Basically, anything that complements that savory, crispy pork chop will be a winner!
Storing and Reheating Your Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once your Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops have cooled down a bit, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Now, the trick to reheating these beauties and keeping that crust nice and crispy is to avoid the microwave at all costs – it just makes them soggy! Instead, I love popping them into a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the crust is golden again. An air fryer is also fantastic for reheating these – just a few minutes at a similar temperature should do the trick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Q: Can I make these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the pork chops for breading ahead of time! Dredge them in flour, dip them in egg, and coat them in the Parmesan mixture, then lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for up to a few hours. Sear and bake them just before serving for the best crispy result.
Q: What temperature should pork chops be cooked to?
For these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops, you want to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures they’re cooked through but still wonderfully juicy and tender. Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to check!
Q: How do I prevent the coating from falling off my Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops?
Make sure you press that Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the pork chops after dipping them in the egg. Also, searing them properly helps set the coating before they go into the oven. Give them a good, firm press into the coating; it really helps it stick!
Q: Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs will give you an even crispier crust, which is fantastic for these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops. Just use the same amount, 1/2 cup, and mix them with the Parmesan cheese.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these yummy Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops is an estimate, as things can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use. But generally, one serving is around 350 calories, with about 18g of fat, 30g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. It’s a really satisfying meal that fits nicely into a balanced diet!
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Heavenly Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are a simple yet elegant dish featuring tender pork chops coated in a crispy, savory Parmesan cheese crust.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) pork chops, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in the third.
- Dredge each pork chop first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured pork chop into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Press the egg-coated pork chop into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the coated pork chops for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure your pork chops are not too thick to allow for even cooking.
- Using an oven-safe skillet makes the transition from stovetop to oven seamless.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared and Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops, baked pork chops, crispy pork chops, cheesy pork chops, easy pork chops