Crispy Baked Pork Cutlets

These Baked Pork Cutlets are so good. You will never believe that it actually a lightened up version of a fried pork cutlet or schnitzel. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it is a meal we eat all the time.

These simple and delicious crispy pork tenderloin cutlets will quickly become a go-to recipe in your weekly menus.

The basic concept couldn't be simpler - coat the pork in a thin layer of mustard, press it into some spiced Panko breadcrumbs, and lightly fry.

However, the thing I really love about this recipe is how many ways you can make it your own. Use a different type of mustard, try a jelly or jam, use Thai sweet chili sauce, swap in eggs or buttermilk, the possibilities are endless.

By swapping out the coating of the pork and spicing up the breadcrumbs, you can make so many different dishes.

Now before anyone asks, this can definitely be made with chicken instead. I like making it with pork since it is something we don't eat as often, but I know there are lots of people who don't eat pork or may just prefer chicken. Chicken breast tenderloins or sliced chicken breasts will work best for the recipe. It's also a huge hit for kids. I mean it's basically a baked chicken tender.

How long does it take to bake thin pork cutlets?

For crispy pork cutlets, they will take about 15 minutes total to cook. First, you will want to start by searing them in a pan so the outside gets nice and brown. Then they will finish in 8-10 minutes in 450 degree oven. If you simply want to bake them, place them on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes at 450 degrees. The baking time may change slightly depending on the thickness of the pork.

What cut of meat is used for pork cutlets?

Normally pork tenderloin is used for pork cutlets since you want a cut that is lean, thin, and tender. The loin is the most tender part of the meat and therefore is ideal for a cutlet style preparation.

How do you cook pork cutlets?

Traditionally pork cutlets are fried in vegetable oil or a deep fryer. To lighten things up, this recipes for baked cutlets starts in a hot pan so the outside breading cuts nice and crispy. Then the pork finishes cooking in the oven until the pork is cooked through.

Serving Ideas

There are so many different ways to use these cutlets. They are delicious on their own but you can get really creative as well. Consider:

• Pork Parmesan: Instead of using chicken, make this traiditonal Italian dish using lean pork instead. Make the cutlets, top with marinara sauce, and add mozzarella cheese.
• Sandwiches: These make the most delicious sandwiches. Add pickles, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, lettuce, and tomatoes. Delicious. You can also make an Italian style Parmesan sandwich with marinara sauce and cheese.
• Salads: Grab a big bowl of greens and add tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, apples, and Skinny Ranch dressing.
• With dipping sauce: Instead of making chicken tenders, slice the pork into strips and make pork tenders. Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or any of your go-to dipping sauces.

Recipe Ideas for Baked Pork Cutlets

• Dijon mustard and thyme: This is the version I included in the recipe. It's a classic combination and has just the right amount of spice and punchy herbal flavors.
• Sweet Thai Chili Sauce and shredded coconut: Swap in Thai sweet chili sauce for the mustard and add some shredded coconut to your Panko breadcrumbs.
• Buffalo sauce and ranch: Use buffalo sauce instead of the mustard and add dried ranch seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
• Italian dressing and spice: Use a light Italian dressing to coat the pork and then add some Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the breading.

• Eggs and cajun seasoning: Coat the pork in a traditional egg wash and then add lots of Cajun seasoning to the Panko breadcrumbs.
• Barbecue sauce and grill seasoning: Use barbecue sauce to coat the pork and then add some grill seasoning to the breadcrumbs mixture.
• Orange and rosemary: Lightly coat the pork in orange marmalade and add some rosemary to the breading.
• Pesto and Parmesan: Coat the pork in a store bought pesto sauce and throw some Parmesan into the Panko.

Looking for more healthy pork recipes?

• Crispy Almond Crusted Pork
• Slow Cooker Maple Pork Tenderloin
• General Tso's Pork
• Sheet Pan Pork Chops, Potatoes, and Green Beans

This recipe was originally posted in 2012 but has been updated with new pictures and recipe info.