Parmesan Baked Pork Chops

### **How to Make Parmesan Baked Pork Chops:**

#### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps create a crispy crust on the pork chops while keeping them juicy on the inside.

#### **2. Prepare the Parmesan Coating**
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

#### **3. Prepare the Pork Chops**
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better. Brush each pork chop with olive oil on both sides to ensure a crispy and flavorful crust.

#### **4. Coat the Pork Chops**
Press each pork chop into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. For an extra-crispy coating, you can press the chops into the mixture twice. This will help form a thicker, crunchier crust.

#### **5. Bake the Pork Chops**
Place the coated pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of butter on top of each pork chop before baking, but this is optional.

Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the crust is golden and crispy. If you prefer your pork chops with a bit of extra crispiness, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

#### **6. Let the Pork Chops Rest**
Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping the chops tender and juicy.

#### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
Serve your Parmesan baked pork chops with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. The crispy, cheesy crust combined with the tender pork makes for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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### **Tips for Perfect Parmesan Baked Pork Chops:**

– **Use bone-in chops for extra flavor**: While boneless pork chops are easy to work with, bone-in chops tend to have more flavor and can stay juicier during cooking.
– **Avoid overcooking**: Pork chops can dry out if cooked too long. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and remove them from the oven once they reach 145°F (63°C).
– **Add a twist to the coating**: For more flavor, you can add a teaspoon of paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture.
– **Pair with a sauce**: These pork chops are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a creamy sauce like a Dijon mustard sauce, or even a simple marinara for a delicious twist.

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### **Perfect for Any Meal:**

These **Parmesan Baked Pork Chops** are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. They’re perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special Sunday meal, or even served at a gathering with friends. With the combination of crispy Parmesan coating and juicy, tender pork, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Try this simple, yet flavorful recipe tonight and watch your family or guests rave about the crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite!