When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that feel gourmet, these Parmesan Baked Pork Chops are a total winner. Juicy, tender pork chops coated in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust — they taste like something straight from a restaurant but require almost no effort.
The magic lies in the blend of simple pantry ingredients: grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a touch of seasoning that transforms everyday pork into something extraordinary. Baked to perfection in the oven, these chops come out juicy inside with a crunchy, flavorful crust that everyone will love.
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof recipe that’s as impressive as it is easy, this one’s for you.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy outside, tender inside: The Parmesan-breadcrumb crust seals in the juices perfectly.
✅ Quick and easy: Only 10 minutes of prep and simple ingredients.
✅ Oven-baked, not fried: You get the crunch without the grease.
✅ Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners, date nights, or guests.
✅ Customizable: Works beautifully with chicken, turkey, or veal too.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for coating or drizzling)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
- Lemon wedges for a bright finish
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels — this step ensures the coating sticks well and the meat browns beautifully.
2. Make the Parmesan Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This will be your crispy, flavorful crust mixture.
3. Coat the Pork Chops
Brush both sides of each pork chop lightly with olive oil.
Press each chop into the Parmesan mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
Use your hands to gently press the coating in so it adheres firmly. The more evenly coated your pork chops are, the better they’ll crisp up in the oven.
4. Arrange and Bake
Place the coated pork chops on your prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle just a little more olive oil over the tops — this helps the crust turn golden and crunchy.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pork chops. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the crust is beautifully browned.
For an extra-crispy finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes — but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, a little extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
💡 Tips for Success
⭐ Use thick-cut pork chops: They stay juicier than thin ones.
⭐ Don’t skip drying the meat: Moisture prevents browning and crispiness.
⭐ Freshly grated Parmesan = best flavor: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
⭐ Use a wire rack: Placing the pork chops on a wire rack over the baking sheet helps air circulate and crisps all sides evenly.
⭐ Check temperature: Overcooking can dry out pork, so aim for 145°F (63°C) and allow resting time.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These Parmesan Baked Pork Chops pair beautifully with a variety of sides — from comforting mashed potatoes to light, vibrant salads. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
🥔 Mashed or roasted potatoes – Classic comfort pairing.
🥦 Steamed broccoli or green beans – Balances the richness of the Parmesan crust.
🍝 Creamy garlic pasta – For a hearty, restaurant-style dinner.
🥗 Caesar salad – Crisp greens with tangy dressing contrast perfectly with the savory chops.
🍋 Lemon or herb rice – Adds freshness and brightness to the plate.
For a cozy Sunday dinner, serve these pork chops with buttered corn on the cob and garlic bread — you’ll have the whole table asking for seconds.
🍖 Variations and Customizations
🌿 Herb-crusted: Add dried oregano, basil, or thyme to the breadcrumb mix.
🔥 Spicy kick: Sprinkle in a bit of cayenne or chili flakes.
🧀 Cheese twist: Mix Parmesan with a little shredded mozzarella for extra richness.
🥩 Protein swap: Use chicken breasts or turkey cutlets with the same coating for variety.
🍋 Citrus version: Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for a bright, zesty flavor.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To keep the crust crispy, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it can make the coating soggy.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chops individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until hot and crisp.
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it uses simple ingredients in perfect balance — salty Parmesan adds umami depth, while breadcrumbs provide crunch. Baking instead of frying keeps it light but still indulgent.
As the pork chops bake, the cheese melts slightly and binds with the breadcrumbs to form a golden crust that locks in the juices. The result? Pork chops that are tender inside, crisp on the outside, and full of flavor with every bite.
It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy without being complicated — minimal prep, maximum flavor. Once you try these Parmesan Baked Pork Chops, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for both weeknights and special dinners.
