Description

Picture this: a perfectly cooked, juicy pork chop, coated in a golden crust of flavorful garlic and Parmesan, served straight from your kitchen. Welcome to our recipe for Garlic Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops, a dish that has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, but with an all-American twist. This recipe is a favorite in many households for its perfect blend of flavors, the satisfying crunch of the crust, and the tender, succulent pork beneath. The beautiful thing about this dish is its simplicity, requiring just a handful of ingredients, but delivering a result that is truly gourmet. It's a comforting, hearty main course that comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a special occasion.

Ingredients

• For the pork chops:
• - 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the garlic Parmesan crust:
• - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 4 cloves garlic, minced
• - 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• - 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• - 1/4 cup melted butter
• For the optional garnish:
• - Lemon wedges
• - Additional fresh parsley

Preparation Method

Start by seasoning your pork chops. Pat them dry with paper towels then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step helps to lock in the juices and flavors during cooking.

Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the pork chops. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until they are nicely browned and fully cooked. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

While the pork chops are resting, mix together the crust ingredients in a bowl. Combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, bread crumbs, and melted butter until it forms a breadcrumb-like texture.

Carefully spoon this mixture onto each pork chop, pressing it onto the surface to form a crust. Place the crusted pork chops onto a baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pork chops for about 10-15 minutes, until the Parmesan crust is golden and crispy. This step gives the crust an irresistible crunch and infuses the pork with flavors from the garlic, Parmesan, and herbs.

Finally, garnish with lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley if desired. The lemon adds a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors in the pork chops.

Tips and Conclusion

To make this dish a complete meal, consider serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad. The vegetables or salad will complement the rich flavors of the pork chops and make a well-rounded, satisfying meal. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when youre ready to enjoy them again.


Preparing Garlic Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops is a joy-filled experience, from the sizzling sounds as you sear the pork in the skillet, to the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as the crust bakes in the oven. More importantly, the joy of tasting this dish is an experience worth sharing. The combination of the tender, juicy pork with the crunchy, flavorful crust is truly a celebration of flavors. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore our other Italian-American inspired recipes on the site. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and invite them to join you in the joy of creating and tasting this delightful dish. Happy cooking!