Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight!

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops! This recipe transforms ordinary pork chops into a crispy, cheesy, and savory masterpiece that the whole family will love. Forget dry, boring pork – these chops are juicy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside, thanks to a simple yet flavorful Parmesan crust. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The Parmesan crust adds a burst of savory, cheesy flavor that elevates the humble pork chop.
* **Crispy Texture:** The panko breadcrumbs in the crust create a satisfyingly crispy texture.
* **Juicy and Tender:** When cooked properly, these pork chops are incredibly juicy and tender on the inside.
* **Versatile:** Serve these pork chops with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The crispy, cheesy crust makes these pork chops a hit with kids.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Impressive Results:** This recipe is easy enough for beginners but delivers impressive results that will wow your guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Pork Chops:** 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick. Boneless chops cook faster and more evenly, but bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always best for flavor and texture, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier crust. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the crust won’t be quite as crispy.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This adds a touch of herbaceous flavor to the crust.
* **Garlic Powder:** ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Adds a savory depth to the crust.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavor of the pork chops and the crust.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs. The eggs act as a binder, helping the crust adhere to the pork chops.
* **Milk (Optional):** 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisking milk with the eggs makes the egg wash thinner and helps create a lighter crust. This is optional, but recommended.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Used for pan-frying the pork chops.
* **Fresh Parsley (Optional):** For garnish. Adds a pop of color and freshness.
* **Lemon Wedges (Optional):** For serving. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors of the pork chops.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Shallow Dishes:** 3 shallow dishes for breading the pork chops.
* **Large Skillet or Frying Pan:** A large skillet or frying pan that can comfortably fit the pork chops in a single layer.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the pork chops.
* **Paper Towels:** For patting the pork chops dry.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops:

**1. Prepare the Pork Chops:**

* Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Excess moisture will prevent the crust from browning properly.
* Season the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Don’t be afraid to season them well, as this is the only seasoning the pork chops will receive directly.

**2. Set Up the Breading Station:**

* In the first shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (if using). Whisk until the eggs are lightly beaten and the milk is fully incorporated.
* In the second shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Leave the third shallow dish empty. This will be used to dredge the pork chops after they have been dipped in the egg wash.

**3. Bread the Pork Chops:**

* One at a time, dredge each pork chop in the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated on both sides. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off.
* Transfer the pork chop to the dish with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press the pork chop firmly into the mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on both sides. Use your fingers to help the mixture adhere to the pork chop. Don’t be shy about applying the crust – the more, the crispier!
* Place the breaded pork chop on a clean plate or baking sheet while you bread the remaining pork chops.

**4. Cook the Pork Chops:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering, but not smoking. To test if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the pan. If it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
* Carefully place the breaded pork chops in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the pork chops from browning properly. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
* Cook the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to flip the pork chops carefully to avoid dislodging the crust. Resist the urge to move the pork chops around in the pan too much, as this will also prevent them from browning properly.
* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, avoiding the bone if using bone-in chops.

**5. Rest and Serve:**

* Once the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove them from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork chop. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Lemon wedges are a great addition for a bright, citrusy finish.

## Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

* **Use Thick Pork Chops:** Thicker pork chops are less likely to dry out during cooking. Aim for chops that are about 1-inch thick.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pork chops are dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Use Freshly Grated Parmesan:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much better flavor and texture than pre-grated cheese.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the pork chops from browning properly. Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary.
* **Let the Pork Chops Rest:** Allowing the pork chops to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano would all be delicious.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Try using a different type of cheese in the crust, such as Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

These Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all delicious and healthy options.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for pork chops.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and protein-rich alternative to rice.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sautéed green beans are a quick and easy side dish.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A kid-friendly favorite that pairs perfectly with the crispy pork chops.
* **Apple Sauce:** The sweetness of apple sauce complements the savory flavors of the pork chops.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Breading:** You can bread the pork chops ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Place the breaded pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
* **Preparation:** You can whisk the eggs and combine the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze cooked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings):

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Recipe Card

**Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops**

A quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner! Crispy, cheesy, and savory pork chops that the whole family will love.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10-12 minutes
**Rest Time:** 5-10 minutes
**Total Time:** 25-32 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
* Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (if using).
3. In another shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
4. Dredge each pork chop in the egg wash, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Cook the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
7. Let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops!

## Conclusion

These Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their crispy, cheesy crust and juicy, tender interior, they are a far cry from the bland, dry pork chops you may have had in the past. This recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks to master, and it’s a fantastic way to elevate a humble cut of meat into a truly special meal. So, ditch the boring weeknight dinners and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy!