Let’s be honest—pork chops can be hit or miss. Cook them wrong, and they’re dry enough to make you question all your life choices. Cook them right, though, and you’ve got a juicy, flavorful meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the insane price tag. One of my absolute favorite ways to make pork chops taste like pure magic? Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops. Crispy, cheesy, tender, and oh-so-satisfying. And guess what? They’re easier to make than you think.
Why Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops Are a Winner
Ever had fried pork chops that were greasy and heavy? Yeah, not fun. These baked beauties give you all the crispy crunch without the mess (or guilt) of frying. The Parmesan crust adds a nutty, salty punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy pork inside. Seriously, the contrast is next-level.
And here’s the best part: you only need a handful of ingredients, and most of them are probably hanging out in your pantry right now. No fancy chef skills required—just a little oven magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 4 servings:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick; boneless works too, but bone-in = more flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or pork rind crumbs for a keto twist)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Optional garnish: chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Ready to feel like a pro? Follow these steps and thank me later:
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2. Prep the coating
In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Boom—flavor bomb ready to go.
3. Beat the eggs
In another dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. This will help the coating stick like glue.
4. Coat the pork chops
Dip each pork chop into the egg wash, then press it firmly into the Parmesan mixture. Make sure every inch is coated—no naked spots allowed.
5. Arrange on the baking sheet
Place the coated pork chops on the sheet, then drizzle with olive oil or butter. This helps with browning.
6. Bake to perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The pork chops are done when the internal temp hits 145°F (63°C). Pro tip: don’t overcook unless you like chewing on shoe leather. 😉
7. Rest & serve
Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for the Best Pork Chops
- Thickness matters – Thicker chops stay juicier. Aim for at least 1 inch.
- Use fresh Parmesan – The pre-grated stuff works in a pinch, but freshly grated Parmesan makes the crust crispier and more flavorful.
- Rest before serving – Letting pork chops rest locks in juices. Skip this, and you’ll lose half the flavor onto your cutting board.
- Keto hack – Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds and you’ve got a low-carb masterpiece. FYI, it’s even crunchier that way.
What to Serve with Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Need some sides to round out your meal? Here are a few favorites:
- Roasted veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy balance.
- Mashed cauliflower – A keto-friendly version of mashed potatoes.
- Garlic butter green beans – Quick, simple, and fresh.
- Classic salad – Keep it light with mixed greens and vinaigrette.
Ever wondered why pork chops pair so well with veggies? It’s all about balance—the crisp, cheesy crust loves something fresh and green to cut through the richness.
Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)
This will vary depending on your ingredients, but here’s an approximate breakdown:
- Calories: ~340
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 7g (2g if using pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs)
See? Comfort food doesn’t always mean carb overload.
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the coating mix.
- Herb lover’s dream: Use fresh rosemary or thyme in place of Italian seasoning.
- Cheese swap: Try Asiago or Romano for a different cheesy vibe.
- Air fryer version: Cook at 375°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Super crispy, super fast.
FAQs About Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?
A: Yep! Just reduce cooking time slightly since they cook faster than bone-in.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prep and coat them a few hours in advance, but bake them right before serving for the crispiest crust.
Q: How do I know when pork chops are done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. 145°F is your golden number. Don’t guess—nobody likes overcooked pork.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Bake, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
Q: Do I have to use eggs for coating?
A: Eggs give the best stick, but you can use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a binder in a pinch.
Final Bite
Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: crispy, cheesy, juicy, and super easy to make. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, but also fancy enough to serve when guests are over. And let’s be real—when your dinner smells like garlic-Parmesan heaven, people will think you’re some kind of kitchen wizard. 🙂
So next time you’re staring at pork chops in the fridge and wondering what to do, you know the answer: coat them, bake them, and let Parmesan work its crispy magic.
Andreas – Keto recipe creator who lost 40lbs and discovered his love for low-carb cooking. 300+ tested recipes | 5 years of keto experience | Real food for real people. No certifications, just results that taste amazing!