Easy to prepare and quick to cook, pork chops are a delicious dinner idea—but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with the same-old recipes. Time to try these ranch pork chops! Slathered with rich, savory seasoning, they pack a flavor wallop. As a bonus, they come together in minutes and call for just five ingredients. Here’s how to cook ’em.
Ingredients for Ranch Pork Chops
- Ranch salad dressing mix: Lots of recipes start with a packet of ranch dressing. As the title suggests, ranch flavor infuses every bite.
- Pork chops: When choosing which pork chops to buy, look for a bone-in loin chop. The bone helps insulate the meat during cooking, ensuring that the pork stays moist and tender.
Directions
Step 1: Make the rub
Preheat oven to 450°F.
In a small bowl, stir together the seasonings.
Step 2: Rub
Rub the seasoning evenly over the chops.
Step 3: Bake
Place the pork chops on a greased rack in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Make sure to leave space between the chops so the heat can flow around them.
Bake until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork reads 145°, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 4: Rest
Let the pork chops stand for 5 minutes before serving or slicing. Cutting into a hot pork chop makes the juice run out quickly. Give it time to set, cool and let the juices redistribute.
Ranch Pork Chops Variations
- Change up the spice mix: Most spices and dried herbs taste great with mild pork chops. Think: a mesquite rub, Italian herb mix or smoked paprika and brown sugar.
- Slather on barbecue sauce: Before cooking, spread a bit of barbecue sauce over the chops.
- Add a twist of lemon: A squeeze of citrus livens up rich, savory pork chops.
How to Store Ranch Pork Chops
Store leftover pork chops, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to four days.
How to Freeze Ranch Pork Chops
Wrap each chop in aluminum foil and seal in a freezer bag. They will keep for three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Ranch Pork Chops Tips
How do you keep ranch pork chops from drying out?
Using bone-in pork chops will reduce the chance of dry pork. Keep a close eye on the temperature. For medium-rare chops, look for 145 to 150°F; 160° is well-done. Remember that the pork chops will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the heat.
How else can you cook ranch pork chops?
You can cook ranch pork chops in the air fryer, which will be quicker and yield a slightly crisper exterior. You can also cook ranch pork chops on the grill.
What do you serve with ranch pork chops?
Ranch pork chops are surprisingly versatile! Serve them with anything you’d serve with plain pork chops. Think cozy sides like mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and roasted carrots in the winter. In the summer, try grilled corn and potato salad. Snappy green beans, asparagus or a fresh side salad are also tasty vegetable side dishes that would work.
