Elevate your dinner routine with these Parmesan Baked Pork Chops, a dish that combines the juiciness of pork with a crispy, cheesy crust. This easy-to-prepare recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal but special enough for guests. The savory coating of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and herbs adds a delightful texture and flavor that complements the tender pork perfectly.
Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside
These Parmesan Baked Pork Chops are a tasty alternative to fried pork chops, offering a lighter dish without skimping on flavor. Here’s how to make sure your pork chops turn out perfectly golden and deliciously crispy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Parmesan Pork Chops
- Quality Meat: Choose bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick to ensure they stay juicy and flavorful during baking.
- Even Coating: Make sure to press the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each pork chop to help it adhere well and create a uniform crust.
- Brush with Oil: Brushing the pork chops with olive oil before coating them helps the breadcrumb mixture stick better and promotes even browning.
- Don’t Overcook: Pork chops are best enjoyed when they are cooked to just the right temperature, which is 145°F (63°C). Overcooking can make them tough and dry.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is moist and delicious.
Recipe for Parmesan Baked Pork Chops:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
- Serving: Serves 4
- Equipment: Oven, baking sheet
This dish is a surefire way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Pork Chops: Brush each pork chop with olive oil. Dip each one in the Parmesan mixture, pressing the mixture onto both sides to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated pork chops on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle them with melted butter.
- Bake: Put the pork chops in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Ready to Serve
These Parmesan Baked Pork Chops are best served hot from the oven, ideally with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad. The result is a mouth-watering dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to prepare. Enjoy the wonderful blend of textures and flavors that make this recipe a keeper for any home cook’s repertoire.
