Bring Wisconsin Home: Crispy Parmesan Baked Pork Chops You'll Love

Photo bypatricia baker

When you think of Wisconsin, two things often come to mind: cheese and hearty meals. The state’s love affair with all things dairy is no secret, but there's another side to its cuisine that embraces rich, flavorful meats. One dish that beautifully merges these two worlds is Parmesan Baked Pork Chops, a simple yet delicious recipe perfect for any dinner table.

In Wisconsin kitchens, food is not just fuel; it’s an experience of comfort, warmth, and tradition. Parmesan Baked Pork Chops are a prime example of how a few simple ingredients can create a mouthwatering dish with a crispy, cheesy crust and tender pork underneath. The flavor-packed combination of parmesan, bread crumbs, and spices creates a savory treat that’s perfect for any family meal or a gathering with friends.

The Taste of Wisconsin in Every Bite

These Parmesan Baked Pork Chops capture the essence of Wisconsin’s culinary culture: bold flavors, easy preparation, and a focus on quality ingredients. Imagine cutting into a tender, juicy pork chop with a crispy, golden-brown parmesan coating that has soaked in all the goodness from the garlic and pepper. This dish brings the best of Wisconsin’s love for cheese into every bite, making it a true comfort food staple for locals and visitors alike.

Recipe: Parmesan Baked Pork Chops, Wisconsin Style

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese, Italian bread crumbs, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Rub each pork chop with olive oil, ensuring they're fully coated.
3. Dredge the pork chops in the cheese mixture, pressing firmly to coat them well.
4. Prepare a baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Place the pork chops on the pan and bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and the cheese crust is golden and crispy.
6. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain their juiciness.

The Perfect Pairing

These Parmesan Baked Pork Chops go wonderfully with classic Wisconsin sides like buttered corn, mashed potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts. The dish is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up for a special occasion or kept simple for a cozy family meal.

Whether you’re in Wisconsin or just want to bring a taste of the state into your home, these pork chops are sure to satisfy. The combination of tender pork, crispy parmesan crust, and rich flavors from the garlic and pepper make this a standout dish that you’ll want to return to again and again.

The Parmesan crust adds a delightful crisp to the pork, while the use of Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs helps the exterior achieve that extra crunch. Some recipes, such as those from AllRecipes and The Slow Roasted Italian, suggest mixing Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, black pepper, and garlic powder for the coating, and using olive oilto moisten the pork chops before dredging them​(Allrecipes)​(The Slow Roasted Italian). This ensures the crust adheres well and creates a crispy golden layer after baking.

A great tip from Julia’s Simply Southern is to bake the pork chops on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet, allowing air to circulate and keep the coating crispy on all sides​(Julias Simply Southern). Additionally, if you want to add a touch of extra richness, some recipes recommend brushing the pork chops with a thin layer of mayonnaise before applying the Parmesan mixture​(Julias Simply Southern).

For the best results, bake the pork chops at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F, as highlighted in various recipes​(The Slow Roasted Italian)​(Real Life Dinner). This prevents the pork from drying out while giving the coating time to crisp.

These crispy, cheesy pork chops pair perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.