This Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is the perfect comfort food meal, combining juicy, flavorful pork chops with a rich, creamy potato bake that’s absolutely irresistible. The garlic butter adds a luscious, savory finish to the pork, while the cheesy potatoes melt together into a decadent side dish that complements the meat perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, special occasion, or just a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy all your cravings!
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Pork Chops:
4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick) 🍖
2 tbsp olive oil 🧴
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) 🧈
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped 🌿
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped 🌿
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂🌶️
1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋 (optional)
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 🥔
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1 cup heavy cream 🧴
1/2 cup milk 🥛
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌶️
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the Pork Chops: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Coat the Pork Chops: Return the cooked pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over them, letting the chops soak in the flavorful butter. Drizzle with lemon juice (optional) for a fresh finish. Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes to absorb all the flavor before serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Layer the Potatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in overlapping layers in the prepared baking dish. Season each layer with a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Pour the cheesy cream sauce over the layered potatoes in the baking dish, making sure they are all evenly covered.
Bake the Potatoes: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish: Once the cheesy potato bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 3: Serve
Place the garlic butter pork chops on plates and spoon some of the cheesy potato bake alongside. You can add a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs for garnish if desired.
Serve with your favorite vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, green beans, or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake:
Flavorful and Rich: The garlic butter on the pork chops is rich and savory, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy potato bake. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic elevates the flavors to a whole new level. 🧄🧈🦖
Comfort Food at Its Best: The cheesy potatoes are indulgent and creamy, and the succulent pork chops add a satisfying protein. Together, they create a balanced and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. 🥔🧀🍽️
Simple to Make: Despite its richness, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. The garlic butter pork chops cook quickly, and the cheesy potato bake can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. ⏱️
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or a family gathering, this dish will surely impress your guests and leave everyone satisfied. 🥳
Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe based on your preferences—add some bacon bits or extra herbs to the potatoes, or swap out the pork chops for chicken breasts or steaks if you prefer. 🌿🥓
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake:
Pork Chop Thickness: Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Thicker chops will take longer to cook, so make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. 🦖
Rest the Pork Chops: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender and juicy. 🍖
Layer Potatoes for Even Cooking: When layering the potatoes in the baking dish, make sure the slices overlap slightly but aren’t too packed in, allowing the sauce to permeate every layer for that creamy texture. 🥔
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the cheesy potato bake the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready. This will save you time on the day you’re serving the dish! 🕰️
Add a Crunchy Topping: For a little extra texture, you can top the cheesy potatoes with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking. This adds a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. 🍞
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is a truly indulgent and delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The tender, flavorful pork chops and rich, cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food combination. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. 🧄🧈🍽️
Enjoy your delicious feast! 😋
