These Easy Cheesy Pork Chops are a go-to on busy weeknights. Juicy, pan-seared pork chops topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, ready in about 20 minutes with just one skillet to clean up. Simple enough for a weeknight, but the cheesy topping makes them feel a little special and kids love them.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Fast enough for weeknights - from pan to plate in about 20 minutes, no marinating or oven time required.
- Just one skillet - the whole recipe, cheese topping included, cooks in the same pan you sear the pork in.
- A hit with kids - the melty cheese topping makes plain pork chops feel like a treat, even for picky eaters.
Ingredients for Cheesy Pork Chops
- Pork Chops - I use boneless chops that are about ¾" to 1" thick. Bone-in chops will also work.
- Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded mozzarella melts smoother and more evenly than sliced, so it blankets the chops instead of pooling in one spot.
- Parmesan Cheese - Grated or shredded both melt into the topping the same way, so use whichever you already have on hand.
- Dijon Mustard - Dijon adds a tangy kick and helps bind the cheese mixture so it clings to the pork instead of sliding off.
- Salt - A straightforward seasoning for the pork before it hits the pan, don't skip it, it's doing more work than you'd think on a quick sear.
- Pepper - Divided between the seasoning for the meat and the cheese mixture, so you get a little heat in both layers.
- Garlic Powder - Whether you use powder or granulated, this is what rounds out the seasoning so the pork doesn't taste one-note under all that cheese.
- Italian Seasoning - This blend brings in the herby notes - basil, oregano, thyme - that pair naturally with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Olive Oil - Just enough to keep the pork from sticking and help it get that golden sear in the skillet.
- Green Onion or Parsley - Whichever you have on hand is fine; this is just for a pop of color and freshness on top, not a core flavor.
Variations
If you would like to change up this recipe a little, here are a couple of ideas.
- Spicy - add a little bit of red pepper flakes while you are seasoning the pork chops.
- Different Cheeses- maybe try some cheddar cheese or blue cheese.
- No Pork - no problem, use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead. Chicken needs to be cooked to 165° F.
If you prefer chicken, check out this recipe for Cheesy Spinach Topped Chicken.
How to Make Cheesy Pork Chops
A cast-iron skillet gives these pork chops the best sear, but honestly, any large skillet will get the job done.
In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Set aside.
Step One
Heat your skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Pat the pork chops dry, then season one side with salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and Italian seasoning before laying them in the pan. Season the second side once they're in the skillet.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom turns golden brown and you can see the sides starting to turn white, that's your cue to flip.
Step Two
Once flipped, cook for about 1 more minute, then heap the cheese mixture on top.
Cover with a lid and cook another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the pork reaches 145°F internally.
Let the chops rest for at least 3 minutes before topping with green onion or parsley and serving.
I first started making these pork chops after we received a similar meal from Green Chef. They inspired this recipe! I used different seasoning and cheese than their recipe used.
If you like this recipe, you might also like these other easy recipes; Panko Pork Chops with Creamy Dijon Sauce or Easy Baked Pesto Chicken. Great side dishes for this recipe would be Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Corn on the Cob with BBQ Spice!
Save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Leftovers / Storage
Leftovers keep well in a covered container in the fridge for a few days. For a quick reheat, the microwave on reduced power does the job. But our favorite method is the stovetop. Add a splash of water to the skillet, cover, and let the chops steam gently until warmed through, so they stay juicy instead of drying out.
More Recipes You Might Like
Mom Tip
Be careful not to overcook the meat. Use a meat thermometer and cook until the pork reaches a temperature of 145° F, then let them sit for 3 minutes. You should have perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy cheese pork chops.
Recipe FAQ's
Any large skillet will work fine. Cast iron just gives the best sear, but the recipe cooks the same way in a regular nonstick or stainless pan.
Use a meat thermometer and pull them at 145°F internally, then let them rest for 3 minutes before serving. The resting time matters just as much as the temperature for keeping them juicy.
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work as a swap, just cook to 165°F instead of 145°F.
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.
Complete Recipe
Easy Cheesy Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated or shredded
- 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic granulated
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 Green Onions mostly green part, sliced
Instructions
- Heat a cast-iron or other large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mozzarella, Parmesan, some of the pepper, and dijon mustard. Set aside.
- Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and Italian Seasoning.
- Add the olive oil to the skillet and then gently lay in the pork chops. Season second side.
- Cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes. You will notice the bottom of the pork chop is turning white on the side, and the bottom will be starting to turn golden brown.
- Turn the pork chops over and continue to cook for one minute.
- Heap the cheese mixture on the top of the pork chops. Cover the skillet with a lid and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 145-degrees F.
- Top the cheese pork chops with some freshly topped green onion or parsley for a nice finishing touch.
- Remove the Easy Cheesy Pork Chops from the skillet and let rest for at least 3 minutes.
Tobin says
I made this exactly as the recipe (except the salt), with scallions. I sided with a bed of white rice, with garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. As the pork chops rested, I seared halved cherry tomatoes. Easy, easy dish that looks like it came out of a great restaurant. Total cost was less than $4 per serving. Wow!
This is a beautiful dish on the plate, and was incredibly delicious. I will absolutely have this in regular rotation.
M says
The cheese top is fantastic in every creamy way. The most unexpected taste was in the tenderness of the chops. Certainly a pleaser, and will cook it again. Thank you for sharing it!