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Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops 🥓

Published: · Updated: by · 3 Comments

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Embrace a culinary journey with our Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops. This recipe is your golden ticket to a delightful and nutritious keto dinner. Give your taste buds a treat with the zest of Dijon mustard, the crunch of a Parmesan and herb crust, and the savory delight that awaits. Get ready to enjoy a meal that celebrates good taste and healthy living, one bite at a time. So, let's roll up our sleeves and start cooking!

Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops served with green beans almondine.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Getting this recipe started is super easy. Just dunk your pork chops in mustard, then roll them in a mix of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. The crust is simple to make and packs a flavor punch. Then, it's oven time! At 350°F, these chops will be ready in just 40 minutes. This recipe is all about quick and easy deliciousness!

Chef's note

Enhance your Parmesan crust with a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds. This easy addition adds a satisfying crunch and a savory flavor that perfectly complements the juicy pork chops. Bonus: pork rinds are not just crunchy and tasty. They're a keto superstar loaded with protein and almost zero carbs!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🥓 Ingredients for this keto parmesan crusted pork chops recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this keto pork chop recipe:

  • 4 (4-6 ounces) thick-cut pork chops
  • ¼ cup whole-grain mustard
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Ingredient substitutions

Not a fan of something listed in the ingredients? No problem! Here are some simple keto-friendly swaps you can make:

  • Thick-cut pork chops: Use bone-in or boneless pork chops as alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness.
  • Parmesan cheese: Instead of Parmesan, use shredded mozzarella, grated cheddar, or a blend of your favorite keto-friendly cheeses. 
  • Italian seasoning: Create your own keto-friendly blend by combining dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley in equal parts.
  • Garlic salt: Replace garlic salt with a combination of garlic powder and salt. This allows you to control the amount of garlic flavor while keeping it keto-friendly.

Additional ingredients

Feel free to jazz up this delicious dish with a few additions. The ingredients are entirely optional:

  • Almond flour: Use almond flour to coat the pork chops instead of Parmesan cheese for an added nutty flavor and a crispy texture.
  • Fresh herbs: Make your Parmesan crust even more flavorful by adding chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
  • Lemon zest: Grate some lemon zest and mix it with the Parmesan crust ingredients to infuse the pork chops with a subtle citrusy tang.
  • Smoked paprika: Sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika over the pork chops before baking to give them a hint of smoky flavor.

Cooking tools required

To make this Parmesan crusted pork chops recipe, you'll need these tools:

  • Cast iron skillet or baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Grater

Tools substitute options

  • Cast iron skillet or baking dish: If you don't have a cast iron skillet or baking dish, use a regular non-stick skillet or an oven-safe casserole dish.
  • Pork Chop coated in grainy mustard
  • Pork chop being dredged through the parmesean and spice mixture
  • Raw Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops in a cast iron skillet before heading to the oven
  • Baked Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops fresh from the oven

How to make Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Clean the thick-cut pork chops under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Gather and pre-measure all the ingredients required for this recipe.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  2. Place the mustard in a bowl and the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in another. Dip the pork chops in the mustard, coating every side, then dredge through the cheese mixture.
  3. Place the pork chops in a cast iron skillet and bake for 40 minutes. Serve with your favorite keto side.

Chef's pro tip

Avoid overcrowding the skillet or baking dish. Make sure to leave enough space between each pork chop to allow for proper browning. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches or use multiple pans to ensure a deliciously crispy crust on each chop.

What to serve with keto parmesan crusted pork chops

Enjoy our low-carb baked pork chops without an ounce of guilt! Pair them with a variety of keto-friendly side dishes for a satisfying and completely wholesome meal.

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts: They add a sweet, nutty flavor to balance the meal.
  • Grilled asparagus: It gives a smoky touch to the dish, adding freshness.
  • Cauliflower rice: A light side that lets the pork chops take center stage.
  • Sauteed spinach: It provides an earthy contrast to the hearty pork chops.
  • Zucchini noodles: A fun, low-carb twist to traditional noodles, adding a playful element to your plate.
  • Creamy mashed cauliflower: This gives the cozy feel of mashed potatoes but with fewer carbs - a perfect match for pork chops.

How to make it healthier

You can make these low carb baked pork chops even healthier by following these tips:

  • Opt for leaner cuts of pork: Choose lean or extra-lean pork chops to reduce the overall fat content while still enjoying the delicious flavors.
  • Use low-sodium alternatives: Select low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of mustard, Parmesan cheese, and seasoning to reduce sodium intake.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs: Instead of relying solely on seasoning blends, use fresh parsley rosemary, thyme, or basil to enhance the flavors without adding extra sodium or artificial additives.

Time-saving tips

  • Double the recipe: If you have the oven space, double the recipe and bake extra pork chops. This allows you to have leftovers for future meals or to freeze them for quick and convenient keto-friendly dinners.
  • Opt for pre-grated Parmesan cheese: To save time on grating the Parmesan cheese, purchase pre-grated cheese from the store. 
  • Use an assembly line method: Set up an assembly line with the mustard, cheese mixture, and pork chops. Dip each pork chop in the mustard and then coat it with the cheese mixture, working systematically to streamline the process.
  • Cook in batches: If you're feeding a larger group or planning for multiple meals, cook the pork chops in batches instead of all at once. 

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pre-measure the dry ingredients: Measure out the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in advance and store them separately. 
  • Clean and pat dry the pork chops: Clean the pork chops and pat them dry in advance. Then, wrap them or store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
Close up of Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops sliced on a plate with green beans in the background

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage best practices

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste.
  • Freezing is not recommended.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place keto-baked pork chops on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes per chop.
  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover chops with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil or butter, and cook chops for 2-3 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are an irresistible culinary creation that's simple to make and full of flavor. With their savory tang, crispy texture, and juicy tenderness, these pork chops are the epitome of satisfying, guilt-free indulgence. So, why wait? Preheat your oven and let the enticing aromas fill your kitchen. Share this recipe with those you love and spread the joy of keto cooking.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, pork chops are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.

The number of carbs in pork chops can vary depending on the cut and preparation method. However, pork chops generally have a very low carb content, making them an excellent choice for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

While Parmesan cheese adds a beautiful flavor, you can try using other keto-friendly cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.

Yes, you can explore dairy-free alternatives such as dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version of the recipe.

📖 Recipe

Close up of Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops sliced on a plate with green beans in the background

Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

These Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are an easy protein option to pair with your favorite keto side dish. Only 5 ingredients and even fewer carbs!
4.67 from 6 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 5-Ingredient, pork, protein
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 297kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 (4-6oz) thick cut pork chops
  • ¼ cup whole grain mustard
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  • Place the mustard in a bowl and the parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in another. Dip the pork chops in the mustard coating every side then dredge through the cheese mixture.
  • Place the pork chops in a cast iron skillet and bake for 40 minutes. Serve with your favorite keto side.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 98mg33%
Sodium 1195mg52%
Potassium 491mg14%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 238IU5%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 314mg31%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Holly Houg says

    I just have to say this is one of the best pork chop recipes I’ve ever made! My kids and I were practically licking our plates clean after we devoured them! Thank you SO much for sharing this amazing recipe with us! It will definitely be on a monthly rotation for our family meals!

    Reply

  2. Christie says

    This was a complete failure for me. The flavor was there but the chop never crisped up & melted off. I’m not sure where I went wrong. I dipped in the mustard then dredged in the cheese mixture. At 40 mins the the crust was completely soggy yet the pork chop was done. Any suggestions?

    Reply

  3. Kacey says

    5 stars
    Loved this! I didn't have the recommended mustard so I used spicy brown mustard but followed the recipe otherwise. It was easy and incredible!

    Reply

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