Description
This Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops recipe offers a flavorful and elegant main course featuring tender lamb chops coated with a fragrant mixture of fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, then baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 8 lamb chops (about 1 inch thick)
Herb Mixture
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
Coating and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the lamb chops properly.
- Prepare lamb chops: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Mix mustard glaze: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to create a savory glaze for the lamb.
- Prepare herb breadcrumb coating: In another bowl, mix together chopped rosemary, thyme, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese if using, to create a flavorful crust mixture.
- Coat lamb chops: Brush each lamb chop on both sides with the mustard glaze, then press the chops into the herb-breadcrumb mixture to ensure even coverage on all sides.
- Arrange for baking: Place the coated lamb chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack, allowing air circulation for crispiness.
- Bake: Cook the lamb chops in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes to achieve medium-rare doneness. For more well-done meat, extend the baking time slightly.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
Notes
- For extra flavor and a deeper crust, sear the lamb chops in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before baking.
- If fresh rosemary and thyme are unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted at 2 teaspoons each.
- Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complete your meal.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs.