Ritz Cracker Pork Chops Recipe
These Ritz Cracker Pork Chops offer a delectable combination of juicy, tender meat with a crispy, buttery coating. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, they are sure to impress with their golden crust and rich flavor.
4 Servings
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
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free alternative, such as crushed gluten-free crackers, cornflakes, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, such as Parmesan cheese and spices, are certified gluten-free.