Oven Baked Pork Chops are a simple one-sheet pan meal that comes with roasted vegetables and juicy, tasty pork chops. A perfect family-friendly meal for a quick weeknight dinner!.
The last time I did my grocery shopping, I realized I hadn’t used up all the meat in the freezer.
First off, I didn’t check out my freezer before I stepped out of the house. Second, I’m pretty thankful for how easy pork chops are to deal with. Agreed? And one of my favorite ways of preparing them is this Oven Baked Pork Chops with vegetables. Additionally, it really can’t get easier than this with a one sheet hearty recipe.
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Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil or baking paper. Lightly, oil baking sheet or use a baking spray to grease it .
Thoroughly dry pork chops, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Mix minced thyme, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and oil in a small bowl. This is how I make my own creole seasoning.
Season the pork with marinade then place on prepared cookie or baking sheet.
You can use green beans, asparagus, and potatoes in a different bowl. Add salt, oil, and creole seasoning. Then place next to the pork chops.
Put in the oven and roast until the pork is cooked all the way through, which should take 18 to 22 minutes or until an internal thermometer reads 145 degrees F in the thickest part. If desired broil for about 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
Cooking pork perfectly in the oven can seem tricky. Undercook it and you risk food poisoning from bacteria. Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, tough meat. So how long does pork need to cook in the oven to turn out juicy, flavorful and safe to eat? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Factors That Affect Pork Cooking Times
Several factors impact how long pork needs to cook in the oven
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Cut of Pork: The recommended internal temperature for safe pork is 145°F. But different cuts have different cooking times. Pork chops and tenderloins cook faster than pork shoulder or leg roasts.
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Bone-In vs Boneless Bone-in pork retains more moisture but takes longer to cook Boneless cuts cook faster
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Thickness: Thicker pork cuts take longer to cook than thinner pieces.
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Preparation Method: Breading or marinating adds time. Pre-seared or partially cooked pork will finish faster.
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Oven Temperature: Cooking at higher heat reduces cooking time but can dry out the exterior. Lower oven temps result in moister meat but longer cook times.
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**Resting:**Pork should rest 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute. The internal temperature will rise 5-10°F during resting.
Oven Temperatures for Pork
Most pork recipes call for oven temperatures between 300-425°F. Here are guidelines for different cuts:
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Pork tenderloin, chops: High heat, 350-425°F. Cooks fast to avoid drying out.
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Pork roasts, ham: Lower heat, 300-350°F. Slow roasting keeps meat moist.
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Breaded or bacon-wrapped pork: Start at high temp to brown exterior, then reduce heat to finish cooking.
Higher oven temperatures yield better browning and caramelization on the exterior of the pork. Lower, slower cooking is ideal for large pork roast to keep the interior juicy.
How to Tell When Pork is Done
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part is the most reliable way to tell when pork is fully cooked.
Recommended Minimum Internal Temperatures for Pork:
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Whole cuts (chops, roasts): 145°F
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Ground pork: 160°F
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Pre-cooked ham: 140°F
The safe internal temperature for pork was lowered from 160°F to 145°F by the USDA in 2011. Pork cooked to 145°F with a 3 minute rest will kill any parasites or bacteria. 160°F is still recommended for ground pork products.
If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual cues:
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The interior should show no signs of pink.
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The juices should run clear.
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The meat should feel firm when poked.
Cooking Times for Different Cuts of Pork
Here are general guidelines for how long different cuts of pork need to cook in the oven:
Pork Tenderloin
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1-1.5 lbs: 15-30 minutes at 400°F
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Marinated or breaded: Add 5 minutes
Pork tenderloin cooks very quickly because it is an extra lean cut. High heat is necessary to brown the exterior before the interior dries out. A 1-1.5 lb tenderloin will need 15-25 minutes in a 400°F oven.
Boneless Pork Chops
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1 inch thick chops: 15-20 minutes at 425°F
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1/2 inch thick chops: 10-15 minutes at 425°F
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Marinated or breaded: Add 2-3 minutes
Cook pork chops at high heat to sear the outside and lock in juices. Thinner chops will cook faster than thicker chops. Allow the safe 145°F internal temperature to be reached.
Bone-In Pork Chops
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1 inch thick: 18-22 minutes at 425°F
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1/2 inch thick: 13-17 minutes at 425°F
The bone insulates the meat and slows cooking. Bake an additional 3-5 minutes compared to boneless chops.
Pork Roasts
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Shoulder / Boston butt (6-8 lbs): 1.5-2 hrs at 325°F
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Loin roast (2-3 lbs): 45-60 minutes at 350°F
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Ham (cooked 5-7 lbs): 90-120 minutes at 325°F
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Fresh ham (uncooked 5-7 lbs): 18-24 minutes per lb at 325°F
Pork roasts require slow roasting at lower oven temperatures to keep the meat moist and tender. Cook to at least 145°F internal temperature.
Bone-In Pork Rib Roast
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4-6 bone rib roast (4-6 lbs): 1.5-2 hrs at 325°F
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8 bone rib roast (8-10 lbs): 2.5-3 hrs at 325°F
Rib roasts have a coveted fat cap that keeps them moist. Cook low and slow, allowing at least 15-20 minutes per pound.
Stuffed Pork Loin or Chops
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Stuffed chops: Add 5 minutes to unstuffed cooking time
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Stuffed loin: Add 15 minutes compared to unstuffed loin
The stuffing insulation increases required baking time. Use a thermometer to confirm safe internal temp.
Marinated or Brined Pork
- Add 2-5 minutes compared to unmarinated pork
Wet marinades and acidic ingredients can penetrate and tenderize the meat, resulting in slightly faster cooking. Brining also keeps pork moist.
Ground Pork
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Patties or meatballs: Cook to 160°F internal temp
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Meatloaf: 60-75 minutes cooked to 160°F
Ground pork must reach 160°F, so expect a bit longer cook time than whole cuts.
Pre-Cooked Ham
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Spiral cut ham (7-10 lbs): 10-15 minutes per lb at 325°F
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Bone-in ham (12-15 lbs): 18-24 minutes per lb at 325°F
Fully cooked hams just need to be heated through to 140°F. Calculate more time for larger hams.
Tips for Moist, Tender Oven Baked Pork
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Let pork sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
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Brine pork roasts overnight before cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
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Tent pork with foil and let rest before slicing.
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Add liquids like broth or apple cider to the baking pan.
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Coat pork tenderloin or chops with oil before baking for browning.
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For stuffed and breaded pork, bake at high heat initially then reduce temp to finish cooking.
Mastering the perfect oven bake for different cuts of pork just takes a little practice. Armed with a thermometer and these guidelines, you’ll be able to serve up tender, juicy pork every time.
How to season pork chops?
Pork chops are without a doubt one of the easiest meats to season. You can either marinate them or simply slather with a dry rub. No matter which one you pick, they always taste great and are great for busy weeknights or home dinner dates. As a matter of fact, even salt and pepper would do.
For warm flavors, I used my tried-and-true homemade creole seasoning, which has thyme, garlic, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. I also added some honey for sweetness and a beautiful caramelization. I baked the pork chops in the oven.
How long should I bake pork chops?
But because pork chops are soft and cook quickly, I always bake them in the oven. The oven’s gentle heat lets me control how fast they cook. Cooking them on a stovetop makes it easier to overcook them.
For a bone-in chop that is about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick, cook it at 400 F for 18 to 22 minutes, or until it reaches 145 F on the inside. Also, pork chops with bones are much juicier than pork chops without bones, so I strongly advise you to purchase pork chops with bones.
I made Oven-Roasted Pork Shoulder
FAQ
How long does it take to cook pork in the oven?
Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400?
How long to cook pork on 400?
How long do you cook a pork roast in the oven?
Rub liberally on all sides of the pork. Place seasoned pork roast, fat side up, on foil lined sheet pan and place in oven at 425° (F) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to 375° (F) and continue roasting for about 45 minutes or until internal temperature of the pork is 145° (F) at the center of the roast.
Can one eat pork?
A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).
How long do you cook a pork loin in the oven?
Internal Temperature: Cook pork loin to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on a food thermometer or instant read meat thermometer. Resting Time: Let it rest for at least 3 minutes before carving. Best Results Cooking Temperature: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Cooking Time: About 20 minutes per pound, but use a meat thermometer to be sure.
How long do you cook pork chops in the oven?
To achieve a perfectly cooked pork chop in the oven, it is essential to follow certain guidelines. **On average, pork chops should be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes**. However, this time can be adjusted depending on the thickness of the chops.