Pork chop sandwiches are a tasty and filling treat! Juicy pork chops are seasoned and cooked to perfection, then served between soft buns. Yum!
I love adding some tangy barbecue sauce and crunchy pickles to mine. Trust me, they really make the sandwich sing! Who can resist such a simple, delicious meal? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are easy to handle and cook quickly. If you can’t find them, bone-in chops work too. Just be aware they’ll take a little longer to cook evenly.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness to the pork. If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here, but you can swap it with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just note that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Cheese: I love using provolone or cheddar for that melty goodness. If you’re looking for something different, Swiss or even pepper jack can kick up the flavor!
How Do I Fry the Pork Chops to Make Them Perfectly Crispy?
Frying the chops can be tricky, but here’s how to get that perfect crisp! First, make sure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F). A good tip is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Heat the oil gently so it doesn’t smoke. Add your breaded chops without overcrowding the pan—this keeps the temperature steady.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a thermometer to check for doneness (145°F internally), or just watch for a golden brown crust.
- After frying, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps the chops crispy!
Pork Chop Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1/2-inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 sandwich rolls or buns, split
- 4 slices of white cheese (such as provolone or white cheddar)
- Dill pickle slices (about 12 slices)
- Mayonnaise or a simple sauce of choice
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the pork chops. Cooking will take another 15-20 minutes, and you’ll have delicious sandwiches ready in about 1.5 hours total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pound the pork chops gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to about 1/4-inch thickness. This step helps them cook more evenly and stay tender.
2. Marinate:
Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
3. Make the Breading:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. This mixture will coat the chops and give them a delicious crunch!
4. Bread the Chops:
Take the pork chops out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each chop in the seasoned flour mixture, gently pressing down to form an even coating. Set the breaded chops aside on a plate.
5. Fry the Chops:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (aim for around 350°F or 175°C). Fry each pork chop for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C). Once cooked, transfer the chops to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the pork chops are frying, lightly toast the sandwich rolls until they are just golden brown. This adds a nice texture for your sandwiches!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread mayonnaise or your favorite sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a crispy pork chop on each bun, followed by a slice of cheese. The heat from the chops will help the cheese melt just slightly!
8. Add Pickles and Garnish:
Top each sandwich with 3 pickle slices, and sprinkle with chopped chives if you like a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Close the sandwiches and serve them hot, either on their own or with your favorite chips or fries on the side. Enjoy your crispy, juicy Pork Chop Sandwiches, complete with tangy pickles and melty cheese!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops! Just be aware that they will take a bit longer to cook through, so you may need to adjust the frying time. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they’re safely cooked to 145°F.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the buttermilk marinade a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator with the pork chops submerged, and it will be ready when you are!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warming.
What Can I Serve with Pork Chop Sandwiches?
Pork chop sandwiches pair wonderfully with potato chips, fries, or even a fresh salad. You can also add a side of coleslaw for a nice crunch and contrast of flavors!
