Indulge in the crispy, golden perfection of Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops. This dish brings together the rich, nutty flavors of Parmesan cheese with tender, juicy pork chops for a delectable meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressive enough for special occasions.
The recipe involves coating thick bone-in pork chops with a flavorful mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings. The chops are first dredged in flour, dipped in an egg mixture, and then coated with the Parmesan-breadcrumb blend, ensuring a crispy, flavorful crust.
To achieve the perfect texture, the pork chops are initially pan-fried until they reach a golden brown hue and then finished in the oven to ensure they are cooked through. This method locks in the juices and creates a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Once baked, the pork chops are allowed to rest briefly, which helps retain their moisture and enhances their tenderness. The result is a dish with a perfectly crispy exterior and a succulent interior, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite side dishes.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops offer a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In one dish, place the flour. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dredge the Pork Chops: Coat each pork chop in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip the floured pork chop into the egg mixture, then press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the chops are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispiness: If you like your crust extra crispy, broil the pork chops for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese usually melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can cause them to steam rather than crisp up.
- Resting Time: Letting the pork chops rest after baking helps to retain their juices and makes them more tender.
Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops!
