Parmesan Chops
Juicy pork chops topped with rich tomato sauce, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella offer a hearty, cheesy Italian-inspired dish perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the pork chops and dip them in flour, then in beaten eggs mixed with a little milk, and finally in bread crumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a medium to hot frying pan and brown the breaded chops on both sides.
- Place the browned chops in a baking dish and pour Italian tomato sauce over them.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sauce and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
- After baking, top the hot chops with mozzarella cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. You can also add Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Parmesan chops alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Penne for a heartier option. For a balanced plate, consider adding steamed vegetables or a side of pasta, such as Pasta Spaghetti Carbonaralla, to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help retain the crispy texture of the breading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Chops contains roughly 357 calories, with 32g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. At about 357 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts or thighs for pork chops. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked, which may require an additional 5-10 minutes compared to pork.
What can I do with leftover Italian tomato sauce?
Leftover Italian tomato sauce can be used in various ways. Consider using it as a base for pasta dishes, like penne-in-tomato-sauce/" class="es-inline-link">Parmesan Pork And Penne In Tomato Sauce, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It can also be frozen for future use.
Is it necessary to bake the chops after frying?
Baking the chops after frying helps meld the flavors of the tomato sauce and cheese, ensuring the cheese melts evenly. If you prefer a quicker method, you can serve them directly after frying, but the baking step enhances the dish's overall taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).