Oh, now lemme tell ya somethin’ about these baked ranch pork chops! If you’re lookin’ for a meal that’s easy as pie but still tastes like somethin’ fancy, then you hit the jackpot here, let me tell ya. With a few simple ingredients and a hot oven, you’re gonna have pork chops so juicy, your family’s gonna be askin’ for seconds before they finish their first bite.
Alright, so first off, what do ya need?
- 4 boneless pork chops – go ahead, get the thicker ones if ya can, ‘cause they’re easier to keep juicy.
- 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix – ya can find this in any ol’ grocery store.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just a little drizzle is all ya need.
- Salt and pepper – always a must, but don’t go too heavy ‘cause the ranch mix already has flavor.
Now, that don’t look like a long list, right? That’s the beauty of it! All ya need is those few things and a bit of time, and you’ll be on your way to a real tasty supper.
Let’s get bakin’ then, shall we?
Alright, now first things first, set that oven to a hot 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up good. Don’t try puttin’ those pork chops in too early, or they won’t cook right. While the oven’s heatin’, take those pork chops and rub ‘em down with a lil’ bit of olive oil – not too much, just enough so they don’t dry out in the oven. Ya see, the oil is like a little trick to keep them chops nice and juicy!
Next, sprinkle on that ranch seasoning mix all over the pork chops. Give ‘em a good rub so the flavors stick right in. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and a shake of pepper to taste. Now, when you’re layin’ those pork chops on the baking sheet, make sure they’re not crowded, so each one gets cooked nice and even.
How long to bake ‘em?
Now, I know it’s easy to worry ‘bout pork gettin’ dry – especially the boneless kind – but here’s the trick, honey: cook ‘em hot and fast. Pop those chops into the 400°F oven and let ‘em go for about 15 to 18 minutes, dependin’ on how thick they are. Now, here’s a real important tip: once they’re done bakin’, let ‘em sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This lets the juices settle so when ya bite in, they’re as juicy as can be!
Now, how do ya know they’re done?
Well, ya can use a meat thermometer if ya got one. Stick that in the thickest part of the pork chop, and if it reads 145°F, they’re ready to go! If ya don’t have a thermometer, just cut into one – it should be white with just a hint of pink in the middle.
Serving Suggestions – Make It a Meal!
Oh, these pork chops go real nice with some mashed potatoes or a lil’ green salad on the side. Or, if ya wanna keep it real simple, a warm loaf of bread is all ya need to make it a hearty meal. Just imagine it, a hot baked pork chop with a little buttered bread – that’s good eatin’!
Now, a few tips to make ‘em just right:
- Covering vs. Uncovering: Now, don’t cover these pork chops while they’re bakin’. Leavin’ ‘em uncovered lets that ranch seasoning make a nice little crust on top, which gives ya that good flavor.
- Watch the Time: Remember, don’t go over 20 minutes, or they might dry out. If they’re thinner, ya might even check at 15 minutes.
- Leftovers: If you got any leftover pork chops, stick ‘em in the fridge and reheat ‘em for lunch. Just don’t go overboard with the microwave, or they’ll lose that good texture.
So there ya have it, baked ranch pork chops that’ll make everyone happy and won’t keep ya in the kitchen all night. Give it a try, honey – I bet you’ll be makin’ this dish again and again!
Tags:[baked ranch pork chops, easy pork chops recipe, juicy pork chops, oven-baked pork chops, ranch seasoning pork chops]