Easy Italian Breaded Baked Pork Chops

Italian breaded baked pork chops, are a delicious family dinner meal. Pork chops baked not fried in a yummy parmesan breaded coating, makes this dish a healthy alternative. An Easy weeknight or weekend dinner idea.

 

One thing we all agree on is we love pork chops, whether on a sheet pan or baked with rice. I first had these pork chops years ago when my sister-in-law made them. Although she fried them and I thought that I would like to try them baked.

The ingredients for Baked Pork Chops

• Pork chops – thick cut
• Bread crumbs 
• Parmesan cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano
• Salt
• Parsley – fresh Italian parsley (also known as flat leaf)
• Olive oil – extra virgin olive oil

What is authentic Parmesan?

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is authentic or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which means Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is just an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano. Reggiano is always made in Italy, while Parmesan can be made anywhere, there are no restrictions on using the name Parmesan. And don’t forget a less expensive but also a DOP choice is Parmigiano Grana Padano.

How to Make Italian Breaded Pork Chops

On a large plate mix together the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt and parsley.

Coat the pork chops very well with the crumb mixture one at a time, place on prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle lightly with salt and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake, halfway through baking turn the chops over, and sprinkle with any extra crumbs. At the end you can raise the temperature and bake for extra browning. Let the chops sit for a few minutes before serving.

When is pork cooked

If you aren’t sure if the Baked Pork Chops are cooked thoroughly then you can measure the internal temperature of the meat. Make sure that it has reached 145F (62C). Let the pork chops rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.

What are the best type of Pork Chops for baking?

You can use either boneless or bone in Pork Chops. Personally a thick cut 1 to 1  1/2 inch chop is the best for baking and thinner and you will have a dry breaded chop. Not too delicious.

How to serve the pork chops

When I make these baked pork chops I love to serve them with a side salad with creamy Italian dressing, scalloped potatoes, tossed green beans, along with some homemade Italian bread or even Italian focaccia bread.

Can I add other herbs to the Italian parsley in the recipe?

Yes, you can add herbs like basil, thyme, marjoram or even oregano for additional Italian flavor.

How can I keep the breading from falling off the pork chops?

Make sure to press the bread crumb mixture firmly onto the pork chops and let them rest for a few minutes before cooking to help the breading adhere better.

These baked pork chops come out crunchy on the outside and nice and moist on the inside. Amazingly delicious! Try them, trust me, you won’t regret it. Buon Appetito!

Updated from March 20, 2018.