Crave-worthy Ritz Cracker Pork Chops made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and spices. Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Pure comfort!
Alright, confession time. I was having one of those chaotic weeknights where everything felt a bit off. The kids were bickering over whose turn it was to load the dishwasher, my husband was pacing around the kitchen like a lost puppy, and I was just staring at the pantry, hoping some brilliant dinner idea would magically leap into my arms. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. But a half-opened sleeve of Ritz crackers caught my eye. You know the ones—the box you always seem to have lying around because they’re perfect for snacking but somehow get forgotten behind the cereal.
Anyway, I’d read about people breading chicken with Ritz crackers before, but pork chops? That felt a little gutsy. Still, I was feeling desperate, hungry, and honestly just over it. So, I smashed up those crackers like I was taking out all my weekday frustrations on them. And guess what? The whole thing was a total hit. The pork chops came out crispy, buttery, cheesy, and just… wow. Even the kids stopped arguing long enough to inhale their plates and ask for seconds.
I’ve made them so many times since that first chaotic night, tweaking the seasonings and perfecting the crispiness. And, yeah, it’s still my go-to when I need something comforting and effortless. Plus, there’s something so nostalgic about Ritz crackers, right? It’s like a hug from your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Pork Chops Recipe?
-
Simple but Special: You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep time. It’s just good, old-fashioned comfort food made with pantry staples.
-
Crispy Perfection: The Ritz crackers bake up golden and crunchy. It’s like fried chicken’s more sophisticated cousin.
-
Cheese, Glorious Cheese: Parmesan mixed with the crackers? That salty, cheesy goodness just works.
-
Endlessly Adaptable: You can easily tweak the seasonings or swap out the cheese for a new twist.
-
Family-Approved: If my picky-eater kids devour these, you know it’s a winner.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s a breakdown of why these ingredients work so well:
-
Ritz Crackers: The buttery, salty crunch they bring to the table is just chef’s kiss. They’re also a little sweet, which works surprisingly well with pork.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and depth to the flavor. Plus, it helps with crisping up the coating.
-
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika—you know, the usual suspects. But they give these chops that extra savory kick.
-
Egg and Milk Mixture: This acts as the glue, making sure every crumb sticks to the pork. Nothing worse than a naked pork chop.
-
Butter: Drizzled over the top before baking. It’s not just for flavor—it’s for that golden, crispy finish.
-
Pork Chops: I usually go with bone-in for extra juiciness, but boneless works great, too.
How To Make Ritz Cracker Pork Chops?
Okay, this is where things get really simple. And you know I’m all about easy recipes that taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. It’s like armor for your pork chops.
Step 2: Crush the Crackers
Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor, but I prefer the old-school, stress-relieving method of bashing them in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. Therapeutic and effective.
Step 3: Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the cracker crumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so everything’s well blended.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. It’s the magical glue that holds all the crunchy goodness onto your pork chops.
Step 5: Coat the Pork Chops
Dip each pork chop into the egg wash and then press it into the cracker mixture. Make sure you coat both sides well. Like, really press those crumbs on there. Nobody wants a patchy pork chop.
Step 6: Arrange and Drizzle
Place the coated chops on the prepared wire rack. Sprinkle any remaining cracker mixture over the tops, then drizzle melted butter all over. That butter is what takes these to the next level.
Step 7: Bake and Broil
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium or 160°F for well-done. For an extra crisp finish, broil them for a minute or two at the end.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It helps keep them juicy. Serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a little zing.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Rare, but it happens. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven to keep them crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some crunch.
Variations and Substitutions:
-
Switch Up the Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, even Gruyère—whatever’s in your fridge works.
-
Spice Things Up: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the crumb mixture if you like heat.
-
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers or even crushed cornflakes.
-
Herb it Up: Try adding rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a new flavor profile.
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Pork Chops?
-
Mashed Potatoes: Because gravy and crispy pork chops are meant to be together.
-
Green Beans or Asparagus: Something fresh and crisp to balance the richness.
-
Salad: A simple Caesar or garden salad works wonders.
-
Rice Pilaf: For a little extra comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time a bit to keep them from drying out.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Totally! Just make sure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
There you go! These Ritz Cracker Pork Chops are officially your new best friend. Try them out and let me know how they turn out. And if you tweak the recipe or find a new way to serve them, I’m all ears. Happy cooking!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ritz Cracker Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- Pork Chops: 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops ¾-inch thick
- Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve approximately 30 crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon plus extra for seasoning
- Salt: ½ teaspoon plus extra for seasoning
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons melted
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil Spray
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent the pork chops from sticking during baking.
Prepare the Cracker Coating:
- Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a resealable plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Season and Coat the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with additional salt and pepper. Dip each pork chop into the egg wash, coating all sides thoroughly. Then, press the pork chop into the cracker mixture, ensuring the crumbs adhere evenly to both sides. Shake off any excess crumbs and place the pork chops on the prepared wire rack.
Add Additional Coating and Butter:
- Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the remaining Ritz cracker coating evenly over the tops of the pork chops. Drizzle the melted butter over the tops to help the crust achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Bake the Pork Chops:
- Place the pork chops in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium or 160°F (71°C) for well-done. To achieve extra crispiness, broil the pork chops on high for 1–2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for added brightness.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
