Crispy Parmesan Pork Chops

This golden crusted Parmesan Baked Pork Chop recipe transforms an everyday protein into a restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal effort. The savory Parmesan coating creates a delicious crust that seals in moisture while adding incredible flavor to each bite.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic season when my family needed comforting dinners without complicated steps. The first time I served these chops my children actually cheered and my husband declared them the best pork chops he'd ever tasted.

• 4 boneless pork chops: 1/2 inch thick choose chops with some marbling for the best flavor and tenderness
• 1 Tbsp olive oil: a light coating ensures the breading adheres perfectly without making the chops greasy
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese: freshly grated provides superior melting and a more complex flavor than pre shredded varieties
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs: these contain herbs and seasonings that elevate the dish with minimal effort
• 1 tsp black pepper: freshly ground peppercorns offer a more pronounced aromatic quality
• 1 tsp garlic powder: provides even garlic flavor throughout the coating

How To Make Parmesan Baked Pork Chops

Prepare the coating:

Combine Parmesan cheese Italian bread crumbs black pepper and garlic powder on a plate. Mix thoroughly ensuring all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The combination creates a savory crust that becomes beautifully golden during baking.

Prepare the pork chops:

Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which ensures the coating adheres properly. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each chop and use your fingers to massage it evenly across the entire surface creating a thin layer that will act as the glue for your breading.

Coat thoroughly:

Press each oiled pork chop firmly into the Parmesan mixture turning to coat both sides. Use your hands to pack the coating onto the meat especially along the edges. This pressing technique ensures maximum coverage and prevents the coating from falling off during baking.

Arrange for baking:

Line a baking pan with tin foil and apply a generous layer of cooking spray. Arrange the coated pork chops on the pan leaving at least an inch of space between each piece to allow for even air circulation and proper browning on all sides.

Bake to perfection:

Place the pan in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 40 45 minutes. The pork chops will develop a gorgeous golden crust while remaining juicy inside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety while maintaining tenderness.

My family particularly loves the Parmesan element in this recipe. I've found that spending a little extra on a block of good quality Parmigiano Reggiano and grating it fresh makes a noticeable difference in the flavor profile. Last Christmas Eve I served these with roasted potatoes and a simple arugula salad and my brother in law has requested the same meal for every family gathering since.

Make Ahead Options

These pork chops can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply coat the chops as directed then place them on a parchment lined tray and refrigerate uncovered. This actually allows the coating to adhere better and results in an even crispier finished product. When ready to cook remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking.

Perfect Pairings

These Parmesan crusted pork chops are incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. For a complete meal try serving them with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. The creamy potatoes complement the crunchy coating while the green beans add a fresh element. During summer months these chops shine alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted summer vegetables. The richness of the Parmesan crust pairs beautifully with acidic sides like a simple tomato salad with balsamic glaze.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chops are thicker than 1/2 inch you may need to extend the cooking time by 5 10 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on timing. If you notice the coating browning too quickly before the pork is cooked through simply cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time. This prevents burning while allowing the meat to reach the proper internal temperature.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?

Yes, you can substitute bone-in pork chops, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe consumption.

→ How can I tell when the pork chops are done cooking?

The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and have a golden-brown crust. If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a chop—the meat should be slightly pink to white but not translucent.

→ Can I prepare these pork chops ahead of time?

You can bread the pork chops up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. For best results, bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

→ What sides pair well with Parmesan Pork Chops?

These pork chops pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a simple side salad. The versatile flavor profile complements most side dishes.

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs and add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme) to achieve a similar flavor profile.

→ How do I keep the breading from falling off the pork chops?

Make sure to thoroughly coat the pork chops with olive oil before dredging in the cheese mixture, and press the coating firmly onto all sides. Allow the coated chops to rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to help the coating adhere better.