Crispy Panko Pork Chop Sandwich (Printable)

Juicy panko pork chops paired with melty cheese and buttery toasted bread for a hearty meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pork Chops

01 - 2 boneless pork chops (approximately 1 pound total)
02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Vegetable oil for frying, about 1/4 inch deep

→ Grilled Cheese Assembly

10 - 8 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread
11 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
12 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for enhanced crispness)

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed thoroughly with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Dredge each pork chop sequentially in flour, egg wash, and panko, pressing breadcrumbs firmly to adhere. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 1/4-inch depth. Fry pork chops 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Drain on paper towels and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
02 - Lay out bread slices and evenly spread softened butter on one side of each slice. On the unbuttered side of four slices, place one slice of cheddar cheese, add a generous portion of sliced pork chops, and top with another slice of cheddar cheese. Cover each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward. Optionally, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the exterior for additional crispness.
03 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until bread achieves a golden brown crust and cheese fully melts, pressing gently with a spatula to promote even toasting. Allow sandwiches to rest for 2 minutes before cutting and serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Crispy pork and creamy melted cheese create an addictive texture combination that's impossible to stop eating.
  • Ready in under 40 minutes start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinner instead of takeout.
  • The panko coating stays golden and crackly even as the cheese melts, which is honestly the whole magic.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying the pork chops before breading—any moisture will cause the coating to slip off during frying.
  • The butter on the outside of the sandwich needs to be soft enough to spread easily, or you'll tear the bread trying.
  • Medium heat on the griddle is non-negotiable; too high and the outside burns before the cheese melts, too low and you get sad, pale bread.
03 -
  • Softened butter and a medium-heat griddle are what separate a pale, sad sandwich from one with a golden, crispy exterior.
  • The optional mayonnaise on the outside sounds strange until you try it—it creates a crust that stays crackly even after the cheese melts.
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