Crispy Panko Pork Chop Sandwich (Print Version)

Panko-crusted pork chops layered with cheddar and crisp buttered bread create a savory, satisfying melt.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pork Chops

01 - 2 boneless pork chops (approximately 1 pound total)
02 - 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
08 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Vegetable oil for frying, enough to cover 0.25 inch in skillet

→ Grilled Cheese

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 extra crispiness)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko combined with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Dredge each pork chop first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to cover about 0.25 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, then slice thinly.
02 - Lay out bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice. On the unbuttered side, layer one slice of cheddar cheese, a generous portion of sliced pork chop, and another slice of cheddar cheese. Top with another bread slice, buttered side facing out. Optionally, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for additional crispness.
03 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure even browning. Allow sandwiches to rest 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Its the kind of over the top comfort food that makes snow days feel cozy
  • The crunch from panko paired with melted cheese hits every satisfaction button
02 -
  • Dont skip resting the pork chops after frying, cutting too soon lets all the juices run onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat
  • The mayo trick sounds weird but it creates the crunchiest exterior imaginable, trust me on this one
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer for the pork, 145 degrees means juicy, anything higher dries it out fast
  • Low and slow grilling wins every time, rush the heat and you will burn the bread before the cheese melts
Go Back