These Easy Crispy Parmesan Baked Pork Chops are a favorite! Coated in crunchy parmesan and spices, they are super tasty and simple to make.
Who doesn’t love a little crunch? I always look forward to these for dinner, and they pair perfectly with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. Yum! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for added flavor and moisture. But if you only have boneless chops, that works too! Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook quicker.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better taste and texture than pre-grated. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano cheese for a similar flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add the perfect crunch! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they may not be as crispy. You could also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist.
Eggs: They help the coating stick! If you need a substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) or even some yogurt or buttermilk.
Italian Seasoning: While a mix is handy, you can always use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Just chop them finely—about three times the amount of dried herbs is a good rule.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Crispy Coating?
The secret to a crunchy coating is all in the preparation! Here’s how to ensure that golden crust every time:
- Always start with dry pork chops. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Moisture will make your coating soggy.
- Coat evenly. After dipping in the egg, make sure to cover every inch of the chop with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down a bit to help it stick.
- Don’t skip the oil! Drizzling olive oil or melted butter adds flavor and promotes crispiness.
- Baking tray matters! Use a wire rack inside your baking pan if you have one. This allows air circulation, making the bottoms crispy too.
And remember, let them rest before serving! This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your pork chops tender and juicy.
Easy Crispy Parmesan Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
For Baking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving—so overall, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil, or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until smooth. This will help your coating stick nicely to the pork chops.
3. Mix the Coating:
In another shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well blended.
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and first dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating on both sides. Repeat with all the pork chops.
5. Arrange and Drizzle:
Place the coated pork chops in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter evenly over the top of each chop to promote crispiness while baking.
6. Bake:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the crust is beautifully golden.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you’d like an even crunchier texture, turn on the broiler and broil the pork chops for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Let Them Rest:
Once done, take the pork chops out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making them extra juicy when you cut in.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve your crispy Parmesan baked pork chops with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops will work just fine! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If panko is not available, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch. Just note that regular breadcrumbs may not achieve the same level of crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prep the pork chops ahead by coating them, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow them to come to room temperature before popping them in the oven!
