Crispy Ritz Cracker Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe: So Easy, You’ll Want to Make It Again

Who doesn’t love a dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort? This Ritz Cracker Oven-Baked Pork Chops recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine biting into a perfectly juicy pork chop with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust, seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. It’s a combination that’s so good it might just make you want to "slap your mama!" (Though I wouldn't recommend it, unless she makes the first chop!)

Photo byThisSillyGirlsKitchen.com

I discovered this incredible recipe over at This Silly Girl's Kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with you. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that's full of comfort and crunch, this is the one.

A Little Backstory

The moment I first tried this recipe, it immediately reminded me of the comfort food my grandmother used to make when we gathered for family dinners. There’s something nostalgic about the buttery richness of Ritz crackers and how they form the perfect crust. It's amazing how this recipe takes such simple ingredients and turns them into something mouth-wateringly delicious.

I invite you to try this at home, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. After all, what's not to love about pork chops coated in crispy, golden crumbs?

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Not only is this dish incredibly flavorful, but it's also super easy to prepare! All you need are six boneless thick-cut pork chops, pantry staples like Ritz crackers, and a few basic seasonings. It’s perfect for a quick, no-fuss dinner that still feels indulgent. Plus, the buttery topping adds a rich flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

Cultural Origins of Breading Meats

The idea of breading and baking meats like pork chops is a culinary tradition that spans many cultures. From the Italian cotoletta to Japanese tonkatsu, breaded and fried meats are a global comfort food phenomenon. In this recipe, the Ritz cracker crumbs add an American twist to the concept, giving the pork chops that unmistakable buttery crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 boneless thick-cut pork chops
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Season the Pork Chops: Pat your pork chops dry and season both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a medium-sized shallow bowl, beat the eggs well with a fork. This will be used to help the cracker crumbs stick to the pork chops.
4. Make the Crumb Coating: In another shallow bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. The combination of seasonings gives these chops an amazing depth of flavor.
5. Coat the Pork Chops: Dip each pork chop into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press the pork chop firmly into the Ritz cracker mixture, coating both sides.
6. Bake the Pork Chops: Place the coated pork chops into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a bit of the leftover cracker crumbs over the top of each chop, and then add thinly sliced butter on top of each one.
7. Cook to Perfection: Bake for around 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (or your desired doneness). You can expect the pork chops to be golden brown and crispy.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional) and serve immediately.

Variations and Tips

• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
• Herb Swap: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try swapping the Italian seasoning for a Cajun spice mix or even a smoky BBQ rub for a twist!
• Make it Healthier: For a lower-calorie option, try using less butter or substituting it with olive oil.

Side Dish Suggestions

These pork chops pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a light salad to balance out the richness of the dish. For a more traditional pairing, you could serve them with a side of buttery corn on the cob or creamy mac and cheese for a full comfort food experience.

Call to Action

Did you enjoy this crispy Ritz cracker oven-baked pork chops recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, make sure to follow me for more kitchen inspiration. And don’t forget to check out the original recipe over at This Silly Girl's Kitchen, where I first found this gem. Happy cooking!