Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops
Enjoy the rich flavors of our Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. This dish features thick-cut pork chops, expertly coated in a seasonally enhanced mixture of dry breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices. The pork chops not only benefit from a pre-coating rest at room temperature for optimal flavor absorption but also offer a healthier option with the choice to skip the skillet browning. Perfect for a family dinner or a special get-together, these chops are both quick to prepare and satisfying, making them a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
dry breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (seasoned salt preferred)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional)
dried parsley
1 tablespoon (none)
dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (rubbed between fingers)
oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
butter
1 tablespoon (for frying)
thick-cut pork chops
7 (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 13x9-inch baking dish or a medium jelly-roll baking sheet by lightly greasing it with butter.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the eggs and milk, whisking them together until well blended.
4
In a separate shallow dish, mix the dry breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), dried parsley, and Italian seasoning until evenly combined.
5
Allow the thick-cut pork chops to rest at room temperature for about 45 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
6
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
7
Dip each pork chop into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring any excess drips off.
8
Coat each chop thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the meat.
9
For a golden crust, brown the chops in the skillet, cooking them about 4-5 minutes per side. Sprinkle seasoned salt on both sides while browning for added flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, skip this step and move directly to baking.
10
Once browned, carefully transfer the chops to the prepared baking dish.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are cooked through. Cooking times may vary based on chop thickness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is thick-cut pork chops.
How many pork chops does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed for 7 thick-cut pork chops.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
A 13x9-inch baking dish or a medium jelly-roll baking sheet is recommended.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
The baking dish should be lightly greased with butter.
What components make up the liquid wash?
The liquid wash consists of 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1/4 cup of milk.
What ingredients are in the breading mixture?
The breading contains dry breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and Italian seasoning.
Should the Parmesan cheese be freshly grated?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
How long should the pork chops rest before cooking?
Allow the pork chops to rest at room temperature for about 45 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
Why is the Italian seasoning rubbed between fingers?
Rubbing the dried Italian seasoning between your fingers helps release its aromatic oils before mixing.
What fats are used for browning the chops in the skillet?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter for browning.
How long should the pork chops be browned in the skillet?
For a golden crust, brown the chops for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Is browning in a skillet mandatory?
No, for a healthier option, you can skip the skillet browning step and move directly to baking.
When should I add the seasoned salt?
Sprinkle seasoned salt on both sides of the pork chops while they are browning in the skillet.
How long do the pork chops need to bake in the oven?
Bake the chops for approximately 25 minutes, though timing may vary based on thickness.
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked pork chops?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use thin pork chops instead of thick-cut?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the baking time to ensure they do not overcook.
Is the cayenne pepper required?
No, the pinch of cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
The recipe specifies using 1.5 cups of dry breadcrumbs.
Does this dish have a specific flavor profile?
Yes, it features a savory Italian flavor profile with Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasonings.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include pork chops, parmesan, baked, breaded, italian, comfort food, easy dinner, and family meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect, quick, and satisfying meal for a family dinner or special get-together.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes, by skipping the skillet browning step and baking the chops directly, you can reduce the fat content.
How should I coat the pork chops?
Dip each chop into the egg and milk mixture, then thoroughly coat in the breadcrumb mixture while pressing gently to adhere.
What type of skillet heat should be used?
Use medium-high heat until the oil and butter are hot but not smoking.
What is the texture of the finished pork chops?
The pork chops result in a crispy, crunchy crust with a tender interior.
How much dried parsley is included?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).