Why You’ll Love this Baked Pork Chops Recipe
When it comes to weeknight dinners, these baked pork chops are a game changer. I love how easy they’re to prepare, and they come out perfectly juicy every time.
The crispy coating adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible. Plus, I can whip them up in about an hour, which means less stress after a long day.
They pair well with just about any side, making them incredibly versatile. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.
You’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple, delicious recipe!
Ingredients of Baked Pork Chops
When it comes to whipping up a delectable dinner, the ingredients for baked pork chops are straightforward and easy to gather. You won’t need to venture to the ends of the earth to find anything exotic; just a trip to your local grocery store will do the trick.
What’s great about this recipe isn’t only its simplicity but also how versatile these ingredients can be. You may even have some of them lounging in your pantry already, waiting for their big moment in the culinary spotlight.
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering baked pork chops:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed into crumbs)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 6 pork chops (preferably thick-cut)
- Melted butter (for greasing)
Now, let’s chat about those ingredients for a second. If you’re anything like me, you might occasionally find yourself staring into your pantry, wondering if you have enough crackers left for the recipe. Spoiler alert: if you have any kind of cracker, it can work in a pinch.
And while I’m all for using Parmesan cheese, there’s no harm in experimenting with other cheese varieties if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, the right balance of seasonings is what transforms a good dish into a great one, so don’t skimp on the salt and pepper.
Oh, and if you’ve got thick chops, fantastic! But if yours are thinner, keep an eye on them while baking, or you might end up with dry, sad little pork chops—trust me, no one wants that. Happy cooking!
How to Make Baked Pork Chops
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these scrumptious baked pork chops. First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
While that’s heating up, grab yourself a baking dish and pour in some melted butter—just enough to coat the bottom. Trust me, this step is essential. Who doesn’t love a little added richness?
Now, onto the fun part: the coating. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well blended. The aroma is already making my mouth water.
Next, you’ll want to prepare your pork chops. You’ve got 6 of those glorious thick-cut chops, right? Start by giving them a light dusting of flour—just enough to help the coating stick later on.
Then, in a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 2 tablespoons of milk. Ah, the egg mixture: the glue that holds everything together.
Now, it’s time to coat those chops. Dip each chop into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in your cracker crumb mixture. Make sure they’re good and covered. It’s a bit of a messy job, but hey, who doesn’t love a little kitchen chaos?
Once your pork chops are coated, carefully arrange them in the baking dish with that melted butter.
Now, it’s time for the oven magic. Bake those beauties for about 30 minutes on each side. If your chops are on the thinner side, you might want to check them a tad earlier to avoid the dreaded dry chop scenario.
Nobody wants that sad fate. Just keep an eye on them, and soon enough, you’ll have golden, crispy, and juicy baked pork chops that are sure to impress.
Baked Pork Chops Substitutions & Variations
Curious about how to mix things up with your baked pork chops? I love experimenting with different flavors!
You can swap out Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crunchier texture. For a zesty twist, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture.
If you want to go low-carb, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Herbs like oregano or thyme can enhance the flavor profile, too!
Don’t forget about cheese; swapping parmesan for cheddar or adding a sprinkle of mozzarella can create a delightful variation.
Enjoy making these adjustments to suit your taste!
What to Serve with Baked Pork Chops
To elevate your baked pork chops, consider pairing them with sides that balance their savory flavor.
I love serving them with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all those delicious juices. A side of roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or green beans, adds a nice crunch and freshness.
For a touch of sweetness, try honey-glazed carrots—they complement the savory chops perfectly. If you want a lighter option, a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders too.
These combinations not only enhance the dish but create a well-rounded meal that’ll impress anyone at your dinner table. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing baked pork chops, I’ve found a few tips that can really enhance the outcome. First, always choose thick chops for juiciness; they hold up better during baking.
I recommend brining them in saltwater for 30 minutes beforehand to boost flavor and tenderness. When coating, make sure the pork chops are dry; this helps the crumb mixture stick better.
Don’t rush the baking—let them cook thoroughly for that perfect golden crust. Finally, let the chops rest for a few minutes after baking; this keeps the juices from running out when you cut in.
Enjoy your delicious meal!