So Smalls has decided that he wants to be a chef…but only if he gets to be in charge of what we eat.
Which means that I’ve had to convince him that a steady diet of pizza and macaroni and cheese is not healthy, and will make him have a tummy ache.
…maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow…but soon.
Now, obviously, I like to encourage my boys when they show an interest in helping out with just about anything around the house.
Whether it’s cooking, wiping down the counters, vacuuming (which they fight over!), or setting the table (also a battle to see who gets to set the plates versus the silverware), I’m not about to tell them that they can’t.
Because honestly, moms, don’t we want to raise helpful, well-equipped children?
It can’t be just me.
So. Back to why you’re here. The Easy Baked Ranch Pork Chops.
Smalls only wanted to make pizza or macaroni and cheese (Annie’s shells and white cheddar, not that weird orange stuff), but that’s not well rounded, nor is it a good way to get my kiddos to expand their palates (which is a goal that I had over the summer).
So we started talking alternatives. We could make sausages and sauerkraut. Or pigs in a blanket. Or maybe a marinated pork roast…
…or ranch pork chops. Which Smalls thought was the best idea ever. Also, if you are a fan of pork chops, try my grilled pork chops, to die for!
Ranch on just about anything is delicious, and I enticed him with being able to make his OWN ranch mix (mom win right there).
He was totally sold.
Easy Baked Ranch Pork Chops
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large pork chops
- 2 Tablespoons butter or grapeseed oil
To start, you (the adult) will want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and get a medium-sized casserole pan
hen you (or your helper) can combine all of the herbs and seasonings together in a small bowl.
Use a small (kid-sized) whisk or fork to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed.
I like to rinse my pork chops, but you don’t have to. I do recommend that you gently pat each chop to ensure that they’re nice and dry so that your season will stick.
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add your oil or butter.
Easy Directions For Ranch Pork Chops
Gently sprinkle the seasoning on your pork chops on all sides, then (using clean hands) rub the seasoning into your pork chops, and place them in your hot pan for 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
Remove the seared pork chops to your casserole dish, and sear the last 2 pork chops.
Wash your hands with soap and water, then place the casserole dish into the hot oven.
Bake your ranch pork chops for 25-30 minutes, until an inserted thermometer reads 145 degrees.
Remove the pork chops from the oven and allow them to sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
You can serve these with a green salad (and ranch dressing) or some grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus, or other seasonal vegetables.
These are also delicious on the grill if it’s not raining outside.
Don’t want to bother with the seasoning blend? You can replace all herbs and spices with a packet of ranch seasoning and cut a few minutes off your prep time. Finish it off with some chocolate nut butter nice cream.
If you have kiddos helping you, be sure to be mindful of hot surfaces (Smalls is not allowed to use the stove or the oven yet), and make sure that you supervise the handwashing, especially if you allow them to help with the preparation of raw meat.
