Name: Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 large egg (beaten); 2 tbsp olive oil

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Crispy, golden Parmesan crusted pork chops are one of those meals that feel like a restaurant-quality dish but are super simple to make at home. With tender, juicy pork chops coated in a flavorful mix of Parmesan and Italian breadcrumbs, this recipe is all about getting that satisfying crunch while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

This dish is as straightforward as it gets, with a handful of basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. The Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor, while the Italian breadcrumbs give the pork chops that beautiful, crispy exterior. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up without breaking a sweat, yet it feels like you’ve put in a lot of effort.

Why you’ll love these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

Quick and Easy:
This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something delicious on the table.
Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside:
The combination of Parmesan and breadcrumbs gives these pork chops a satisfying crunch, while keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors:
The cheesy, garlicky coating is a hit with just about everyone, making this dish great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Let’s Get Crispy!

Pork chops often get a bad rap for being dry, but when they’re breaded and fried like this, they stay juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. I’ve tested this recipe a few times, and the key is to get that perfect golden color in the pan before finishing them off in the oven. And hey, who doesn’t love a recipe where the skillet does half the work for you?

Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

Pork chops: You can use bone-in or boneless, whichever you prefer. Bone-in tends to be a bit juicier, but boneless cooks a bit faster and is easier to eat.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds that sharp, savory flavor to the crust. You can use pre-grated for convenience, but freshly grated Parmesan will melt better into the breadcrumbs.
Italian breadcrumbs: These bring the perfect blend of seasoning and crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own breadcrumbs from scratch!
Garlic: The garlic salt blends perfectly with the Parmesan, adding a little kick to the flavor profile. You could also use fresh garlic, but garlic salt makes it easier.
Egg: This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the pork chops and gives the coating a golden color when it fries.
Olive oil: Used to fry the pork chops before baking. Olive oil adds a lovely richness and helps get that perfect golden crust.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops by Tessie's Table.

How to make Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

All the dry ingredients in a shallow bowl.

Mix together the Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Beat the egg in another shallow bowl.

Pat the pork chops dry, dip them in the egg, and then press into the breadcrumb mixture.

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop in a cast Iron skillet.

Fry the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Variations

Spicy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
Herb-Crusted Pork Chops: Mix in some chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary with the breadcrumbs for an earthy flavor.
Lemon Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops: Zest a lemon and add it to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
Cheddar-Crusted Pork Chops: Swap out the Parmesan for sharp cheddar if you’re
Cheesy Stuffed Pork Chops: Make a small slit in the side of each pork chop and stuff them with a mix of shredded mozzarella or fontina for a cheesy surprise.

Serving Suggestions

With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Mashed Potatoes pair perfectly with these crispy pork chops. Drizzle a little gravy on top if you’re feeling indulgent.
Over Pasta: Serve the pork chops over a bed of your favorite pasta with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
With Roasted Veggies: Add some color to your plate by pairing these pork chops with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
With a Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, crispy chops.
As a Sandwich: Turn leftovers into a delicious sandwich by layering the pork chop on a crusty roll with some mayo, lettuce, and tomato.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy crust.

Can I freeze Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops?

These pork chops can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing before, coat the chops and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. If freezing after cooking, wrap each chop tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

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Three Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops on a plate.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Skip the Pat Dry Step: Make sure your pork chops are completely dry before breading them. This helps the coating stick better and gives a crispier finish.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This recipe works best when you can move the pork chops directly from the stovetop to the oven in the same pan.
Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F. It’s the best way to ensure juicy pork chops.
Let Them Rest: After taking the pork chops out of the oven, let them rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Flip Carefully: When frying the pork chops, use tongs or a fork to flip them gently to avoid knocking off the breading.

More Meaty Mains

FAQ

Can I use bone-in pork chops? Yes! Bone-in pork chops work great in this recipe, but they’ll take a little longer to cook than boneless.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use? Italian breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but you can use plain breadcrumbs and mix in your own Italian seasoning.
How do I know when the pork chops are done? The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the pork chops ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking.
Can I bake these pork chops without frying them first? While you can bake them directly, frying gives them that golden, crispy coating. You could skip it, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
What can I serve with these pork chops? They pair well with everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies or even pasta. Check out the serving suggestions above for more ideas!
How do I reheat leftover pork chops? Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese? You can try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar cheesy flavor if you don’t have Parmesan.