3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out
These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.
Crispy pork chops paired with creamy mac and cheese is a comforting dish that brings together the best of both worlds: tender, juicy meat and rich, cheesy pasta. This easy weeknight dinner is not only satisfying but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for families or casual gatherings. With a simple preparation process and a delightful combination of flavors, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a fantastic balance of textures and tastes, combining the crispiness of the pork with the creaminess of the mac and cheese. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Comforting flavors that everyone will love.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite cheeses or seasonings.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Crispy Pork Chop with Mac and Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Dredge each chop in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- While the pork chops are baking, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the mustard powder, black pepper, and cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Once the pork chops are done, serve them alongside a generous helping of creamy mac and cheese.
Tips for the Best Results
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in your favorite seasoning blend for a few hours before cooking.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the pork chops to achieve that crispy texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the pork chops after baking; this helps retain their juices.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham to the mac and cheese for a smoky twist.
- Incorporate vegetables like broccoli or spinach into the mac and cheese for added nutrition.
What to Serve With It
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables for a colorful addition.
- Garlic bread to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Steamed green beans for a fresh contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out
Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes and warm the mac and cheese on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place flour in a third shallow dish.
3. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
5. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
7. Add mustard powder, black pepper, and cheese, stirring until melted.
8. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and serve alongside pork chops.
Notes: For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in seasoning before cooking.
