Parmesan Baked Pork Chops

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

Parmesan coating brings a satisfying crunch, while baking keeps pork chops moist and tender—no deep frying required. With a simple breading and tasty seasonings, this recipe transforms humble pork chops into a home-cooked favorite.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 4)

  • 4 boneless pork chops, about ½–¾ inch thick (around 5–6 oz each)

  • ¼–⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese per 4 chops

  • ½–1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or panko with added Parmesan

  • 1–2 large eggs (or skim milk/egg blend)

  • Seasonings: garlic powder, black pepper, lemon pepper or Italian seasoning as preferred

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for searing or drizzling

  • Cooking spray or extra oil (optional: to crisp up the crust)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Oven & Breading

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) for standard bake, or up to 400°F if you prefer faster browning and shorter cooking time.

  • Line a baking sheet or oven-safe dish with foil and lightly grease/cook-spray or place a wire rack atop for airflow.

  • In one shallow bowl: beat eggs (or mix eggs + a bit of milk) and season lightly.

  • In another bowl: combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, pepper, and optional dried herbs or lemon zest.

2. Coat the Pork Chops

  • Rub each chop with olive oil.

  • Dip into egg, then press into the Parmesan‑breadcrumb mixture to firmly adhere the coating to both sides.

3. Sear (Optional)

  • Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet (ideally cast-iron) over medium–high heat.

  • Sear chops 2–3 minutes per side until crust turns golden brown. This step boosts flavor and texture.

  • Transfer skillet to oven; if baked on a sheet pan, place there instead.

4. Bake to Doneness

  • For ½‑inch boneless chops at 350°F, bake 40–45 minutes; at 400°F, bake 13–18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

5. Rest & Serve

Allow chops to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute. Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chops

  • 1-inch thick chops hold juiciness better; thinner cuts require shorter bake time to avoid dryness.

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and crust adhesion.

  • Press the breading firmly into the meat—this helps prevent clumping or falling off during cooking.

  • Option to skip searing: for a simpler method, bake directly at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

  • Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or skillet to restore crispness rather than the microwave.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Classic pairing: mashed potatoes or rice, steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.

  • Fresh contrast: side of salad, sautéed spinach, or crisp slaw.

  • Italian twist: serve over polenta or alongside lemon-garlic broccoli.

📊 Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per Chop)

Based on sources such as Allrecipes and Pillsbury:

  • ~290–360 calories

  • ~30 g protein

  • ~1–7 g carbs (mostly from breading)

  • ~16–19 g fat depending on oil or butter use

📝 Final Thoughts

Parmesan baked pork chops strike a perfect balance of crispy texture, savory cheesiness, and juicy meat—without the need for frying. Whether you follow the classic 350°F bake or opt for a quick 400°F method with a brief sear, they’re easy to make and satisfying to serve.

Want keto adaptations, bone-in chop timing, or sauce pairings like mustard cream or garlic herb? I’d be happy to help!

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