Why This Sheet Pan Dinner Will Be Your New Favorite

This Sheet Pan Crusted Pork Chops and Brussels Sprouts recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a strategic move for efficient, flavorful cooking. Here’s why it stands out:

• Effortless Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this entire meal ready for the oven. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still crave a wholesome, homemade dinner.
• One-Pan Perfection: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, meaning minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
• Crispy, Flavorful Pork: The panko breadcrumb crust, infused with a homemade blend of herbs and spices like sage, rosemary, paprika, and garlic powder, delivers an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor to every bite of pork.
• Perfectly Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts transform in the oven, becoming tender on the inside with deliciously crispy, caramelized edges. A touch of brown sugar enhances their natural sweetness, balancing the savory pork.
• Nutrient-Rich Meal: Pork chops provide lean protein, while brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a well-rounded and healthy dinner option.

Tips for Success: Achieving the Best Crusted Pork Chops and Brussels Sprouts

To ensure your sheet pan dinner comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Pork Chop Selection: For best results, use medium-thick boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick). If your chops are thinner, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out. Evenly sized chops will cook more consistently.
• Brussels Sprout Prep: Trim the ends of your brussels sprouts and cut any larger ones in half to ensure they roast evenly with the smaller ones. This helps achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture.
• The Panko Advantage: Panko breadcrumbs are key for that extra-crispy crust. Their flakier texture absorbs less oil and stays crispier than traditional breadcrumbs. Press the panko mixture firmly onto the pork chops to create a robust coating that won’t fall off during baking.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your pork chops and brussels sprouts enough space on the sheet pan. If the pan is too crowded, the ingredients will steam instead of roast, leading to soggy results. Use two sheet pans if necessary to ensure everything gets proper air circulation and browns beautifully.
• Flipping is Key: Flipping both the pork chops and brussels sprouts halfway through the baking process ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. This contributes to a consistently crispy crust on the pork and wonderfully caramelized brussels sprouts.
• The Broiler Boost: For an extra layer of crispiness on your pork chop crust and a deeper char on your brussels sprouts, don’t skip the final broil. Keep a close eye on the oven during this step, as broilers can vary in intensity and food can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.

Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Sheet Pan Dinner

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

Customize Your Vegetables

• Broccoli or Asparagus: These vegetables roast beautifully alongside pork chops. Cut broccoli into florets and asparagus into 1-inch pieces. They generally cook in a similar timeframe to brussels sprouts.
• Sweet Potatoes or Butternut Squash: For a heartier meal, add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash. These will need to be cut into smaller pieces (about ½-inch cubes) and may benefit from a 5-10 minute head start in the oven before adding the pork chops, as they take longer to tenderize.
• Bell Peppers and Onions: Sliced bell peppers (any color) and red onions can add vibrant color and flavor. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Protein Swaps

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: If pork isn’t your preference, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or thinly pounded chicken breasts can be used instead. Adjust cooking time based on thickness. Chicken thighs generally take about 20-25 minutes, similar to pork chops, while thinner breasts might cook faster.
• Fish Fillets: For a lighter option, you could even try firm fish fillets like cod or salmon, adding them to the pan during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Note that fish may not hold a panko crust as well as pork or chicken, but it will still be delicious roasted with the vegetables.

Flavor Enhancements

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the panko mixture for a touch of heat.
• Herb Variety: Experiment with different dried herbs like thyme or marjoram in your panko crust. Fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or chives, can be sprinkled over the finished dish for a burst of freshness.
• Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked pork and brussels sprouts before serving can really brighten the flavors.
• Cheese Crust: Mix a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the panko mixture for an extra savory and cheesy crust.

What to Serve With Your Meal

This sheet pan dinner is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out further, consider these simple additions:

• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up any juices.
• Crusty bread for dipping.
• A dollop of apple sauce or a cranberry chutney for a classic pork pairing.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover crusted pork chops and brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method to retain crispiness is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is re-crisped. Microwaving is an option for convenience, but the crust will likely soften.