Crispy Parmesan Herb Pork Chops
This Crispy Parmesan Herb Pork Chops recipe is a family favorite that delivers a delightful crunch and rich flavors with every bite. The moist and tender pork is coated with a harmonious blend of crushed saltine crackers, savory parmesan cheese, and aromatic Italian herbs. Perfectly baked until golden brown, these pork chops are ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The easy preparation ensures that you can whip this dish together quickly while impressing your loved ones with restaurant-quality flavors right at home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed saltine crackers
3 cups (Crushed to fine crumbs)
Grated parmesan cheese
2 cups (Freshly grated)
Italian herb seasoning
1 tablespoon (Store-bought or homemade mix)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Butter
1 cup (Melted)
Pork chops
6 (1/2-inch thick or desired thickness)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers, grated parmesan cheese, Italian herb seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Dip each pork chop into the melted butter, ensuring all sides are coated. Afterward, dredge the chops in the cracker crumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs well.
4
Arrange the breaded pork chops in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5
Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption).
6
Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in moisture. Enjoy your crispy and delicious pork chops!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended oven temperature for these pork chops?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.
How long do the pork chops need to bake?
Bake the pork chops for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked pork?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
What type of crackers are used in the breading?
This recipe calls for 3 cups of saltine crackers crushed to fine crumbs.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe specifies grated parmesan cheese, you could experiment with similar hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed for 6 servings.
What seasonings are included in the breading mixture?
The breading is seasoned with Italian herb seasoning and garlic powder.
How thick should the pork chops be?
The recipe suggests pork chops that are 1/2-inch thick, or your desired thickness.
How do I get the breading to stick to the pork?
Dip each pork chop into melted butter first, then dredge them in the cracker mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.
Should I let the pork chops rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the moisture.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for arranging the pork chops in a single layer.
Is the parmesan cheese freshly grated?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of melted butter.
Can I use homemade Italian seasoning?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or a homemade mix of Italian herb seasoning.
What is the texture of these pork chops?
They are designed to be crispy on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: saltine crackers, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, butter, and pork chops.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, the easy preparation and quick baking time make it ideal for weeknights.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness and bone.
How do I prepare the saltine crackers?
The saltine crackers should be crushed into fine crumbs before being mixed with the other breading ingredients.
What category of food is this recipe?
This dish is categorized under Pork dishes.
Do I need to flip the pork chops while baking?
The instructions do not specify flipping; baking them in a single layer at a high temperature usually browns them sufficiently.
Can I substitute the saltines with breadcrumbs?
While the recipe uses saltines for a specific crunch, panko or regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
What makes the pork chops savory?
The combination of garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs provides a rich, savory flavor.
Is this recipe considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a family-favorite recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the saltine crackers with your favorite gluten-free cracker crumbs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to reheat these?
Reheating in an oven or air fryer is recommended to maintain the crispiness of the breading.
Can I add more garlic if I prefer?
Yes, the 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.
Why is butter used instead of egg wash?
Butter adds a rich flavor and helps the cracker crumbs brown beautifully in the oven.
Are these pork chops restaurant-quality?
Yes, the description notes that this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right at home.