Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are a tasty and simple way to make dinner feel a little special. The pork chops get a crispy, golden crust from the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, which adds so much flavor and a nice crunch. You can smell the cheese toasting as they cook, and the meat stays juicy and tender inside.
I love making these pork chops because it’s an easy recipe that always impresses. I usually season the chops with a little salt and pepper before coating them, then pan-fry or bake until the crust is crisp. It feels fancy without needing a lot of effort, which is perfect for a weeknight meal when I want delicious food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops is with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh garden salad. The crunchy chop pairs so well with something light and bright. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon on top to give it a little zing. This dish is one I turn to whenever I want a meal that’s simple, filling, and has that satisfying crispy cheese touch that everyone seems to love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops about 1 inch thick work best here. They stay juicy and add more flavor. If you prefer boneless, they work too but watch your cooking time closely to avoid drying out.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes the crust extra flavorful and crunchy. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute with a sharper taste.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a great light crunch, but you can use Italian-style or plain breadcrumbs. Gluten-free crumbs are also a good option to keep this recipe allergy-friendly.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add nice layers of flavor. You can swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano or thyme depending on your pantry stock.
Eggs: Eggs help the crust stick well to the pork. For an egg-free option, you could try using buttermilk or a mixture of milk and mustard instead.
How Do You Get a Crispy, Golden Parmesan Crust Without Burning It?
The main trick is controlling your heat. Too high and the cheese burns before the pork is cooked; too low and the crust won’t crisp well.
- Use medium heat so the butter melts nicely and oil warms up without smoking.
- Coat the chops evenly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mix – press gently but firmly so it sticks.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each chop room to crisp on all sides.
- Cook about 4-5 minutes per side – keep an eye on the color and adjust heat if needed.
- After searing, let the pork rest to keep it tender and juicy inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet – great for even browning and crisping the Parmesan crust.
- Shallow bowls – perfect for the egg wash and the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to make coating easy.
- Tongs – help you flip the pork chops gently without disturbing the crust.
- Meat thermometer – handy to check pork chops reach a safe 145°F without overcooking.
- Plate lined with paper towels – to rest the pork chops and soak up any excess oil.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pork chops for chicken breasts or thighs—Parmesan crust works great on poultry and cooks a bit faster.
- Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for a fresh citrus note that brightens the flavors.
- Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herby twist that pairs well with pork.
- Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. Including resting time, you’ll spend around 20-25 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This will be your flavorful crust for the pork chops.
2. Make the Egg Wash
In another bowl, whisk the two eggs until smooth. This helps the coating stick onto the pork chops nicely.
3. Season and Coat the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Dip each chop first into the egg wash, letting any extra drip off, then firmly press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Make sure both sides are well coated. Place the coated chops on a plate and get ready to cook.
4. Cook the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot and melted. Add the pork chops in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest on a plate for 3-5 minutes. This keeps them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and add lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for a fresh zest.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and juicy Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops along with sides like a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but they may cook faster and tend to dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time closely and avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can coat the pork chops in the Parmesan mixture ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Just cook them fresh when ready for the best crispy texture.
What’s a Good Side Dish to Serve With This?
These pork chops pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy crust.