Are you tired of bland, dry pork chops that leave you disappointed? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with Rick's Cheesy Breaded Pork Chops – a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect crunch of golden breadcrumbs with the irresistible melty goodness of cheese. This recipe transforms ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds, and it's so easy to make that even novice cooks can become kitchen heroes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the breading mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended, creating a smooth egg wash for coating the pork chops.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Dip each pork chop first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then immediately coat with the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, pressing gently to help the breading stick firmly to the meat.
- Drizzle olive oil over the breaded pork chops or lightly brush to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
- Arrange the breaded pork chops on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even heat circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for added brightness.
Tips
- Pat the pork chops completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and help the breading stick better.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible for an extra crispy texture – they create a more delicate and flavorful coating than store-bought dried breadcrumbs.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave space between the pork chops to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. 145°F (63°C) is the perfect doneness for juicy, safe-to-eat pork chops.
- Let the pork chops rest after cooking. This crucial 3-5 minute rest allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Experiment with different cheese blends – a mix of cheddar and parmesan can add an extra flavor dimension to the breading.
- For an extra golden-brown finish, you can briefly broil the pork chops for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 515kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 173mg
