These Parmesan-breaded pork chops promise a PERFECT balance of tender, juicy meat and a flavorful coating. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavor, making them an easy yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
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Hi There, I'm Tracy!
As a passionate foodie and music enthusiast, I’m here to help you rock your kitchen! I approach recipes creatively, often improvising traditional dishes or crafting my own based on unique dining experiences. Explore my blog for delightful and approachable recipes from breakfast to dinner, including appetizers, desserts, and cocktails. Let’s create meals that leave a lasting impression, paired with music recommendations to groove to while you cook!
Inspirations
Remember back in the ’90s when you’d hear, “Pork. The Other White Meat”? That ad campaign was everywhere—TV, magazines, even grocery store signs. It promised pork as a leaner, more versatile, and surprisingly nutritious alternative to red meat. Growing up, my family stuck pretty firmly to the red meat side of things. That slogan might’ve caught on with some, but at our dinner table, beef still reigned supreme. It wasn’t until I started cooking for myself that I realized pork had its own place in the lineup. However, as I got older and started cooking for myself, I realized pork could be a delicious and budget-friendly addition to my menus. (You don’t really think about saving money when your parents are footing the food bill, right?)
Still, there was one small problem: I didn’t actually know how to cook pork properly. The only thing I’d ever heard about it came with a side of fear—those old-school warnings about trichinosis and making sure it was cooked within an inch of its life. Yikes! So, for a while, I avoided it altogether.
Eventually, curiosity got the best of me. I figured it was time to explore pork beyond the usual bacon obsession—because, let’s be honest, bacon can’t carry dinner all on its own (though it’s certainly tried). I wanted something a little more elevated but still easy enough to pull together after a busy day.
That’s when I wandered through Costco one day and spotted their thick, gorgeous pork chops—practically begging to come home with me. I tossed a pack in my cart, thinking, “All right, let’s see what you’ve got.” Once I got them home, I went into test mode. I didn’t want to overthink it or over-season it, so I stuck with ingredients I knew and loved: parmesan, breadcrumbs, and a few herbs for balance.
When I pulled those pork chops out of the oven, the kitchen smelled incredible—crispy, savory, and buttery with just the right touch of cheese. I plated them with roasted asparagus, tossed in lemon and parmesan (because why stop there?), and the combination was perfection. The best part? They both cook on the same sheet pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. They strike that perfect balance—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and totally crave-worthy.
So, if you’ve ever been nervous about cooking pork or just need a new dinner idea that delivers both flavor and nostalgia, give these a try. I promise, you’ll see why “The Other White Meat” deserves a permanent spot on your playlist.
Instruments
Rimmed baking sheet (your stage for the crunch performance)
Parchment paper (no stick, no mess—just clean sound)
Shallow bowl or plate (for the breadcrumb–parmesan mash-up)
Measuring spoons (because rhythm and ratio matter)
Pastry brush (your light-touch tool for that olive oil glide)
Essentials
Thick-cut boneless pork chops (Costco-style, because they bring the bass)
Olive oil (adds that silky finish and helps the crisp hit its high note)
Grated parmesan cheese (salty, nutty, and pure harmony)
Seasoned breadcrumbs (the crunchy beat that keeps it all together)
Onion powder (because every good mix needs depth)
Garlic salt and pepper (the classic duo—never skip the headliners)
Pro Tips and Riffs
Faq: Grub Answers and Insights
Savory Parmesan Breaded Pork Chops
- Total Time: 40 - 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Savory Parmesan Breaded Pork Chops bake up crispy on the outside and juicy inside—no fuss, big flavor. Parmesan, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a touch of paprika create a golden crust, while a quick mist of cooking spray locks in the crunch. Cook on one sheet pan and serve with lemony roasted asparagus for an easy weeknight win.
Ingredients
2 boneless pork chops, 1 - 1.5 inches thick
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon coarse-ground pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika (or ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika for a bolder flavor - optional)
3 tablespoons Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (I use freshly grated)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also use aluminum foil—just be sure to spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
- Rub both pork chops with olive oil, covering all sides.
- Sprinkle both sides evenly with garlic salt, onion powder, paprika (if using), and pepper, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres.
- Coat each pork chop with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring all sides are covered. Place them on the baking sheet, pressing any extra mixture on top. Finish by spraying the chops lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 - 35 minutes or to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
I buy my pork chops from Costco, and they are incredible—always thick and juicy! There’s no need to trim any excess fat, as it helps keep the pork chops moist while baking.
Don’t skimp on seasoning! Applying garlic salt and pepper directly to the pork chops enhances their natural flavor better than adding them to the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. If you have time, season the chops a half hour before cooking which will enhance the flavor.
For a perfectly crispy crust, make sure the pork chops are thoroughly coated with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the meat to help it stick during cooking. Finish with a light spray of cooking oil to achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
Pork chops are best cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through but still juicy. Overcooking can lead to dryness.
Allowing cooked pork chops to rest before serving helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
Pork chops pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Their versatility allows for endless flavor combinations.
Cooked pork chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be reheated gently to maintain tenderness or used in other dishes like stir-fries, sandwiches, or salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 - 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
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