Ritz Cracker Pork Chops

Elevate your dinner routine with these Ritz Cracker-crusted pork chops! Forget plain breadcrumbs! These buttery crackers create an incredibly crispy, golden coating.

Every bite feels like a perfect balance of crispy and tender.

And the best part? You don’t need a frying pan or a ton of oil. Just pop them in the oven and let the magic happen.

Trust me, this recipe is a keeper. It’s simple enough for Monday night yet special enough for Sunday dinner!

Why You’ll Love These Ritz Cracker Pork Chops

Crispy, Golden Coating: The buttery Ritz cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch and an indulgent, toasted richness.

Crowd-Pleasing Taste: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and paprika creates a deliciously savory and well-balanced seasoning. Everyone will love this dish.

Budget-Friendly: Using readily available ingredients like Ritz crackers instead of specialty coatings makes this an economical yet impressive main dish.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a main dish for entertaining, these pork chops deliver a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

• Pork Chops: Bone-in offers slightly more flavor and moisture, but you can also use boneless.
  
• Ritz Crackers: These buttery crackers create a golden, crispy coating for a richer flavor than traditional breadcrumbs.
  
• Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nutty, salty flavor to the coating and helps create a crunchier exterior when baked.
  
• Seasonings: This blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt creates a savory depth of flavor.
  
• Eggs and Milk: They create a wash that helps the cracker coating adhere to the pork chops and adds moisture.
  
• Unsalted Butter: When drizzled over the coated chops, it helps achieve a golden-brown crust and adds rich flavor.
  
• Fresh Parsley and Lemon Wedges: Optional garnishes add color, freshness, and brightness to the finished dish. The lemon juice cuts through the richness when squeezed over the chops.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Pork Chops

These pork chops taste gourmet, but they’re so easy to make! 

1. Prepare the oven and sheet. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Crush the Ritz Crackers. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Or place them in a sealed bag and smash them with a rolling pin.

3. Season the crushed crackers. In a shallow bowl, combine the cracker crumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp salt. Mix well.

4. Make the egg wash. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

5. Season the pork chops. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.

6. Coat the pork chops. Dip each pork chop into the egg wash and coat all sides thoroughly. Press the pork chop into the Ritz cracker mixture, firmly pressing to ensure the crumbs adhere evenly to both sides. Shake off any excess crumbs and place the pork chops on the prepared wire rack.

7. Add the extra coating and butter. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the remaining Ritz cracker coating evenly over the tops of the pork chops. Then drizzle the melted butter over the tops to help the crust crisp up and turn golden.

8. Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F for medium or 160°F for well-done. For extra crispiness, broil the chops on high for 1–2 minutes at the end of the baking time.

9. Rest and serve. Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Pork Chops

Follow these simple tips to ensure perfect chops every time! 

• Choose uniform chops. Choose pork chops of uniform thickness or pound them to even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.
  
• Try a drizzling trick. When adding melted butter, use a spoon to drizzle it evenly rather than pouring it all in one spot.
  
• Try a trusty rack. Elevating the chops on a wire rack helps the air circulate, ensuring both sides cook evenly and stay crispy.
  
• Make them extra crispy. For extra crunch, broil the pork chops on high for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  
• Give them a rest. Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps retain their juices and flavors.
  
• Serve with sensational sides. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

How to Store

If you have leftover chops, keep them fresh by following these steps.

To Store: Store cooked chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain the crispy coating.

To Freeze: Wrap each cooled pork chop individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place in a freezer-safe bag with air removed, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Place the pork chops in a preheated 325°F oven for 7-10 minutes until heated through. Or, use an air fryer at 370°F for 5-7 minutes. For the best results, lightly brush with oil before reheating to help restore crispiness.