Give your pork chops a cheesy, crunchy twist with this easy and delicious recipe! Thinly cut pork chops are coated with creamy mayo, seasoned, and crusted with a mix of crushed white cheddar Cheez-Its and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these chops are tender on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside — perfect for a quick family meal or dinner party!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures in one dish.
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Baked, not fried, for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for pairing with simple sides like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 14 thinly cut pork chops
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups white cheddar Cheez-Its, crushed
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Seasoning (salt, black pepper, paprika, or your preferred spice blend)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
- Crush the Cheez-Its: Place the Cheez-Its in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the crushed Cheez-Its and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Season the Pork: Lightly season the pork chops on both sides with your favorite seasoning blend.
- Coat with Mayo: Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on both sides of each pork chop.
Step 3: Bread the Pork Chops
- Dredge in the Coating: Press each mayo-coated pork chop into the Cheez-It and Parmesan mixture, ensuring a thorough, even coating.
Step 4: Bake the Pork Chops
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated pork chops on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chops are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot: Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 14 pork chops (adjust for fewer servings if needed)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the Cheez-It mixture for some heat.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix dried Italian herbs, parsley, or thyme into the coating for added depth.
- Different Cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or asiago.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cheese crackers and mayonnaise for a gluten-free version.
- Panko Upgrade: Add some panko breadcrumbs to the Cheez-It mixture for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, coated pork chops in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
1. Can I use thick-cut pork chops instead of thin ones?
Yes, adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes for thick-cut chops, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
2. What if I don’t have white cheddar Cheez-Its?
Regular Cheez-Its or any other cheese crackers will work as a substitute.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayo.
4. How do I keep the coating crispy?
Bake the chops on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet to allow air circulation for extra crispiness.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, coat the pork chops and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
6. Can I air fry these pork chops?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
8. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops work well and cook evenly with this recipe.
9. What seasoning works best for the pork?
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper complements the cheesy coating perfectly.
10. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pat the pork chops dry before applying the mayo and press the coating firmly to adhere it well.
Conclusion
Parmesan Cheez-It Baked Pork Chops are a quick, easy, and irresistibly crunchy way to elevate your dinner game. With their cheesy coating and tender, juicy pork, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, these baked pork chops are as delicious as they are simple to make. Try them tonight!
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Parmesan Cheez-It Baked Pork Chops
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 14 pork chops 1x
Description
Elevate your pork chops with this Parmesan Cheez-It Baked Pork Chops recipe! Coated with creamy mayo and a crispy crust of crushed white cheddar Cheez-Its and Parmesan, these golden baked chops are cheesy, crunchy, and irresistible.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 14 thinly cut pork chops
Condiments:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Baking & Spices:
- Seasoning (salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blend, to taste)
Dairy:
- 2 cups crushed white cheddar Cheez-Its
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Coating:
- Crush the Cheez-Its:
- Place the Cheez-Its in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely crumbled. Mix the crumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl.
- Season the Pork Chops:
- Season both sides of the pork chops with your preferred seasoning blend (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.).
- Prepare the Mayo Coating:
- In a separate bowl, spread the mayonnaise evenly over the pork chops.
Coat the Pork Chops:
- Dredge in the Cheez-It Mixture:
- Dip each mayo-coated pork chop into the Cheez-It and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crust adheres.
Bake the Pork Chops:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place the coated pork chops on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and the crust is golden brown.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crunch:
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking for an even crispier crust, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute Cheez-Its with another flavored cracker, like Ritz or panko breadcrumbs, for a different texture or flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cheez-It mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
