Easy and Delicious Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Baked pork chops are a delicious and easy dish to make for dinner. They’re also affordable and versatile, making them a great option for feeding a family or meal prepping. If you’re looking for a simple recipe to follow, look no further! In this article, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to make perfect baked pork chops.

You don’t have to be a master chef to make this dish. All you need is a few spices, a baking dish, and some pork chops. With just a little bit of prep work and a few simple steps, you’ll have a tasty and filling meal in no time. So whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for a new way to enjoy pork chops, let’s get started!

10 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Baked Pork Chops

Are you craving a hearty and delicious meal with little effort? Look no further than baked pork chops! This dish is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. Here are 10 easy steps to make delicious baked pork chops:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook pork chops to a tender and juicy state.

Step 2: Gather Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients in one place to make preparation easier. You need pork chops, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.

Step 3: Prepare the Pork Chops

Trim any excess fat from the pork chops with a sharp knife. Then drizzle olive oil over each pork chop.

Step 4: Season the Pork Chops

Season the pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Be sure to rub the seasoning over the entire surface of each pork chop.

Step 5: Add Pork Chops to Baking Dish

Place the seasoned pork chops in a baking dish. Remember to leave some space between the chops for even cooking.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil then bake for 30 minutes. This helps keep moisture in while the chops cook.

Step 7: Remove Foil and Continue Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to let the pork chops brown.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check if the pork chops are fully cooked. The internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).

Step 9: Let Rest

Once they are done, remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices and flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, serve your delicious baked pork chops with a side of your choice for a complete meal. You can add a baked potato, roasted veggies or a side salad.

In conclusion, baked pork chops are an easy and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Follow these 10 easy steps to make mouth-watering pork chops that will have your guests asking for seconds!

Seasoning the Pork chops

Now that you have your pork chops ready and cleaned, the next step is to add flavor to your dish. Seasoning the meat enhances its taste and makes it more enjoyable to eat. Here are the steps to follow when seasoning your baked pork chops:

1. Choose your favorite herbs and spices

Herbs and spices can add great flavors to your pork chops. You can choose from a wide range of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and basil to name a few. Spices like garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper can also give a unique taste to your pork chops.

2. Mix the herbs and spices together

Once you have chosen your herbs and spices, mix them together in a small bowl. Make sure to use the ones that complement each other and enhance the taste of the pork chops.

3. Rub the seasoning on the pork chops

Using your hands, rub the seasoning on both sides of the pork chops. You may want to sprinkle some on the edges of the meat to make sure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

4. Let it marinate

After seasoning the pork chops, it is best to let them marinate for a while. You can cover the dish with cling wrap and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors and makes it more tender.

5. Add some oil or butter

Before baking the pork chops, you may want to add some oil or butter to the pan to prevent the meat from sticking. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter depending on your preference.

6. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat before baking the pork chops. This ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and helps to retain its flavors.

7. Arrange the pork chops in the baking pan

Place the pork chops in a baking pan, making sure that they are not overcrowded. If you have more than two pork chops, use a larger pan or divide them into two pans to ensure that they cook evenly.

8. Cover with foil

Cover the pork chops with foil before placing them in the oven. This helps to trap the heat and makes the meat more tender and juicy.

9. Bake the pork chops for 25-30 minutes

Allow the pork chops to bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, depending on their size. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that they are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

10. Rest and serve

Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes the meat more tender. Serve it hot with your favorite sides and enjoy your perfectly baked pork chops!

Choosing the Perfect Seasoning for your Baked Pork Chops

Now that you have successfully picked the perfect cut of pork chops and have prepared the perfect oven, it’s time to add some flavor to your pork chops. Here are some seasoning suggestions that you can use to make your oven baked pork chops even more delicious.

Garlic and Herb Seasoning

Garlic and herb seasoning is a classic and versatile seasoning that can work great with pork chops. This seasoning blend usually contains garlic powder, onion powder, and a mix of Mediterranean herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary. Garlic and herb seasoning can add depth and natural flavor to your pork chops.

Barbecue Seasoning

Barbecue seasoning is another popular choice for pork chops. This seasoning blend usually contains smoky paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar. The sweet and savory flavor of barbecue seasoning can complement the natural sweetness of the pork chops and create a perfect balance of flavors.

Cajun Seasoning

For those who love spicy food, cajun seasoning can be a great option. This seasoning blend usually contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Cajun seasoning can add a little kick to your pork chops and create a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemon pepper seasoning is a great option if you want to add a touch of freshness and brightness to your pork chops. This seasoning blend usually contains lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Lemon pepper seasoning can provide a burst of citrusy flavor to your pork chops and make them even more irresistible.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning usually contains basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic. This seasoning blend can add a classic Mediterranean flavor to your pork chops and give them a unique and sophisticated taste. Italian seasoning can also be a great addition to your baked potatoes or vegetables.

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends and mix and match them to create your own unique flavor combination.

Ready to Bake and Serve!

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on how to make baked pork chops, it’s time to start cooking! These delicious chops are sure to impress your dinner guests or just make for a satisfying weeknight meal. Don’t forget to add your favorite sides and enjoy! Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to come back for even more mouth-watering recipes!