Breaded Pork Chops (Baked Pork Chops)

If using natural (not enhanced) pork, it is important to brine the meat before cooking. If using enhanced (injected with a salt solution) pork, skip the brining step.

In a large container or resealable bag, dissolve ¼ cup of table salt in 1 quart of water.

Once you have your brine solution, place the pork chops in the bag and seal (or submerge in the container and cover). Then place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help add flavor to the meat and make it more tender.

Set oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a wire rack with nonstick spray and set it over (or inside) a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.

Place the bread in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground, about eight short pulses. The bread should yield about 3½ cups of breadcrumbs. In

4 slices hearty white sandwich bread

In a medium-sized bowl, place the crumbs, shallot, garlic, oil, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Toss until the crumbs are evenly coated with oil.

1 shallot, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pour the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake 15 minutes (stir after 5 minutes and after 10 minutes). Bake until crumbs are dry and are a deep golden brown.

Transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack, leave the oven on, and increase the temperature to 425°F.

Once the breadcrumb mixture has cooled to room temperature, add the Parmesan, thyme and parsley and toss to thoroughly combine.

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice together.

⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Place ¼ cup of flour in a shallow dish (just larger than one pork chop).

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Place the breadcrumb mixture in another shallow bowl.

Using tongs, dredge one pork chop in flour and shake off the excess.

4 center-cut boneless pork chops

Dredge the pork chop in the mayonnaise/mustard mixture and let the excess drip off.

Gently press the chop, on all sides, in the breadcrumb mixture being sure a thick layer of crumbs adheres.

Transfer the breaded chop to the prepared wire rack and repeat with the remaining 3 pork chops.

Bake 17-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the chops registers 150°F. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.