Dollop this 1 savory mixture over raw pork chops into a baking sheet for a simple supper that tastes like you put in way more effort

This is the kind of weeknight recipe I lean on when the day has been long but I still want dinner to feel a little special. These Southern-inspired ranch pork chops are all about one savory mixture—mayonnaise, a ranch seasoning packet, and grated Parmesan—that you simply dollop over raw pork chops on a baking sheet. As it bakes, the mixture melts into a creamy, salty, lightly tangy crust that makes the meat taste like you fussed with marinades and pan sauces, when in reality it’s a straight shot from mixing bowl to oven. Ranch seasoning is a relatively modern American pantry staple, but it borrows from the buttermilk-and-herb flavors that run through a lot of Midwestern and Southern home cooking, which is probably why it feels so comforting here.

Serve these pork chops with something that can soak up the extra drippings from the pan—mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or simple white rice all work beautifully. I like to add a green vegetable with some crunch to balance the richness: roasted green beans, a crisp salad with a sharp vinaigrette, or steamed broccoli tossed with lemon. If you want to lean into a more Southern-style plate, pair the chops with skillet-fried potatoes, coleslaw, and a slice of cornbread. A light, citrusy white wine or unsweet iced tea rounds out the meal without competing with the ranch and Parmesan flavors.

Servings: 4

4 boneless or bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet with the olive oil, spreading it with your fingers or a paper towel so the pork chops won’t stick.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each chop so they roast rather than steam.

Season the tops of the pork chops lightly with the black pepper. If using, sprinkle a pinch of paprika over each chop for a bit of color and mild warmth. The ranch seasoning and Parmesan are salty, so you don’t need to add extra salt.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ranch seasoning packet, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended; it should be thick and spreadable.

Using a spoon or small spatula, dollop the savory mayonnaise–ranch–Parmesan mixture onto the center of each raw pork chop. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it over the top surface of each chop in an even layer, going almost to the edges but not over the sides. This step should look like generous mounds of the mixture sitting on the pork chops on the baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pork chops, until the topping is bubbly and lightly golden and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part.

If you’d like a deeper golden crust on top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, watching closely so the topping doesn’t burn.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pork chops rest on the pan for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if using, and serve the chops directly from the baking sheet with any flavorful drippings spooned over the top or over your side dishes.

Bone-in vs. boneless: Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier and have a bit more flavor, but boneless work just as well; just start checking them for doneness on the earlier side. Thickness matters: For thinner chops (3/4 inch), start checking at 15 minutes; for very thick chops (1 1/2 inches), you may need up to 28 minutes. Cheese swaps: Try half Parmesan and half grated Romano for a sharper bite, or use finely shredded cheddar for a slightly more melty, casserole-style topping. Extra seasoning: Stir a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture if you like gentle heat, or add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for a more garlicky profile. Lighter version: Use light mayonnaise or a mix of half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt; the topping will be a bit tangier and may brown slightly less, but the overall effect is similar. One-pan meal: Scatter small, quick-cooking vegetables like halved green beans or thinly sliced bell peppers around the pork chops on the baking sheet, tossing them lightly with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt before baking. Chicken option: This same dolloped mixture works well on boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; adjust the cooking time so the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Leftovers: Slice leftover chops and reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or stock, then tuck into sandwiches or serve over rice for an easy second-day meal.