Garlic butter pork chops are juicy and full of flavor, while the cheesy potato bake is creamy and comforting. Together, they make a lovely meal that’s perfect for any dinner!
Who can resist the combo of buttery garlic goodness and cheesy potatoes? It’s like a hug on your plate! I enjoy making this dish on weekends because it’s easy and makes me feel like a culinary hero.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are my favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful as they cook. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless pork chops or even chicken breasts can be used instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds amazing flavor to the dish. If you’re in a hurry, you might use garlic powder, but fresh will always give the best taste. One clove of garlic is about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Potatoes: I recommend Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the cheesy bake. If you prefer something healthier, sweet potatoes also work well, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a great cheese blend. If you want to mix it up, try gouda or Monterey Jack. You can also use low-fat options if you’re looking to reduce calories.
Heavy Cream: To lighten up the dish, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of Greek yogurt and milk for a healthier version. Just keep in mind it may alter creaminess.
How Do I Get Juicy Pork Chops Every Time?
Cooking pork chops perfectly can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll do great! Here’s how:
- First, let your pork chops sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. This helps bring out the flavors.
- Heat your skillet before adding the chops. A hot pan gives a nice sear, locking in that juiciness.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). That’s the sweet spot for juicy chops!
- Rest the chops for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops every time!
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- 4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of preparation time, followed by 1 hour of cooking time (40 minutes for the cheesy potato bake and 20 minutes for the pork chops). So, get ready to spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes for a delicious homemade meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until it smells fantastic and fragrant!
Next, add the heavy cream and whole milk. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Heat until it’s just about to simmer, then take it off the heat.
Now, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and layer half of your sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy mixture on top and repeat all those steps with the rest of the potatoes, cheese, and cream. Finally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor!
Cover the baking dish with foil and put it in the oven to bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the top looks golden and bubbly. Yum!
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Pork Chops:
While the cheesy potato bake is cooking, let’s get to the pork chops! Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for the best juiciness.
Once cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Spoon that melted garlic butter over the pork chops continuously for about 2 minutes until they are well coated and smell amazing. Then remove them from the heat.
3. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your meal! Plate the pork chops and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce from the skillet. Serve the cheesy potato bake alongside the chops, and if you like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives to make it fancy!
Dig in and enjoy this comforting Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake with your family or friends—it’s a sure winner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops work perfectly! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook a bit faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for best results.
Can I Make the Cheesy Potato Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the potato bake in advance up to the point of baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, let it come to room temperature before baking; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the creaminess of the dish but will still taste great!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave. If needed, add a splash of milk or cream to the potato bake before reheating to restore its creaminess.
