Imagine cutting into a perfectly juicy pork chop, covered in a creamy, cheesy crust that's crispy and golden brown - and the best part? It's ridiculously easy to make! These Cheesy Sour Cream Baked Pork Chops are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. Whether you're cooking for family or trying to impress dinner guests, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning and browning.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the breadcrumbs, stirring until well mixed.
- Place the seasoned pork chops in the prepared baking dish, spreading the sour cream and cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chop.
- Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs over the cheese-covered pork chops to create a crispy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops are cooked perfectly - 145°F is the magic temperature for juicy, safe-to-eat pork.
- Pat your pork chops completely dry before seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes better browning.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the top of the pork chops for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Choose thick-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick) for the best texture and to prevent overcooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends - a mix of cheddar and parmesan can add extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
