Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Parmesan Baked Pork Chops, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. These pork chops are juicy, flavorful, and topped with a crispy Parmesan coating that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or Panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the olive oil until well combined.
- Coat the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Next, dredge the pork chop in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to all sides. Shake off any excess.
- Bake the Pork Chops:
- Arrange the coated pork chops on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork chops, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Optional Broil for Crispiness:
- For a golden-brown, crispy coating, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these Parmesan Baked Pork Chops with:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus
- A fresh garden salad
- Garlic butter pasta or rice pilaf
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops:
- Pat Dry: Ensure the pork chops are dry before coating to help the breading stick better.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure the pork chops are perfectly cooked.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make pork chops dry, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Custom Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. Add a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or fresh herbs for added aroma.
These Parmesan Baked Pork Chops are a simple yet impressive dish that is bursting with flavor and texture. The combination of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a crispy, cheesy crust that pairs beautifully with the juicy pork inside. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
