1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and olive oil. If you’re using Dijon mustard, add it to this mixture and whisk until smooth. This will help the Parmesan coating stick to the pork chops.
3. Coat the Pork Chops:
- Dip in Egg Mixture:
- Take each pork chop and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.
- Coat with Parmesan Mixture:
- Transfer the pork chop to the Parmesan mixture, pressing down to coat it evenly on all sides. Make sure the chop is well covered for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Repeat:
- Repeat the coating process with the remaining pork chops, placing each one on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Pork Chops:
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pork chops for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The Parmesan coating should be golden brown and crispy.
- Optional: Broil for Extra Crispiness:
- If you want the chops to be extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Serve:
- Rest Before Serving:
- Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping the chops juicy and tender.
- Serve with Sides:
- Serve the Parmesan Baked Pork Chops with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Parmesan Baked Pork Chops are an easy yet impressive dish that combines juicy pork with a crispy, cheesy crust. The blend of Parmesan and breadcrumbs creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this a dish that will please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these pork chops are sure to be a hit!