The Ultimate Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Garlic butter pork chops spark culinary magic in kitchens everywhere.

Rich flavors dance across savory ingredients waiting to delight your palate.

Tender meat meets creamy potatoes in a classic comfort combination.

Simple techniques merge delectable elements into one incredible meal experience.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate these straightforward yet impressive dinner solutions.

Hearty protein paired with smooth, melted cheese creates an irresistible plate.

You can find this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.

Explore a delicious adventure that promises warmth and incredible taste.

FAQ Guide: Pork Chops Meet Cheesy Bake

• Can I use a different type of cheese for the potato bake?

The recipe works best with cheddar, but you can substitute with mozzarella, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for similar melting properties.

• How do I know when the pork chops are perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork is juicy and safe to eat without being overcooked.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the potato bake and season the pork chops earlier in the day. Keep them refrigerated separately and combine just before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.

• What side dishes work well with this recipe?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli complement the rich flavors of the garlic butter pork chops and cheesy potatoes perfectly.

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Delight

• This recipe combines juicy pork chops with creamy, cheesy potatoes, creating a mouthwatering meal that delivers rich, satisfying flavors in every single bite.
• The recipe teaches simple yet impressive cooking methods like caramelizing onions, searing meat, and creating a delicious garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for home cooks looking to improve their culinary skills.
• With minimal cleanup and a streamlined cooking process that uses the same skillet and baking dish, this meal saves time and reduces kitchen mess while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.
• The combination of tender pork chops and cheesy potatoes appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that brings everyone together around the table with excitement and deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pork Chops & Cheesy Potatoes

• Pork Chops: Juicy main protein, choose thick-cut bone-in chops for better flavor and moisture, high-quality cuts preferred.

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• Potatoes, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy base with rich cheese flavor, russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best, sharp cheddar recommended for stronger taste.

• Milk, Sour Cream: Creates smooth, rich sauce for potato bake, whole milk provides better texture, full-fat sour cream enhances creaminess.

• Onions, Garlic, Garlic Powder: Adds depth and robust flavor, fresh garlic recommended for more intense taste, sweet onions preferred.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhances overall taste of dish, use kosher or sea salt for better flavor.

• Thyme: Adds earthy, aromatic notes, fresh thyme sprigs provide more intense flavor, dried thyme can be substituted.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps with cooking, unsalted butter recommended, extra virgin olive oil preferred.

• Parsley: Fresh, bright finishing touch, adds color and light herbal note, optional but recommended.

How to Bake Pork Chops with Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Potato Layer Base

• Sliced potatoes
• Cooked onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Repeat layering until all ingredients are used.

Step 3: Make Creamy Potato Sauce

Warm milk and sour cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently. Pour the smooth mixture evenly across potato layers. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Season And Sear Pork Chops

Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 5: Craft Garlic Butter Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Cook until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Return pork chops to skillet, coating with luxurious garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Combine And Final Bake

Remove foil from potato dish. Place seared pork chops atop potato layers. Drizzle remaining garlic butter sauce over everything. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until potatoes turn tender and pork reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve this mouthwatering combination of crispy pork chops and creamy potatoes.

Tips for Juicy Chops & Creamy Potatoes

• Potato Layering Pro: Create even, thin potato slices using a mandoline for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese directly from the block for superior melting and more natural texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Searing Secrets: Pat pork chops completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and lock in delicious juices.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach exactly 145°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining tender, juicy meat.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Let garlic bloom in butter for maximum depth, releasing its aromatic compounds and enhancing overall dish richness.

Reheating Pork Chop Dinners the Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pork chops and potato bake into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Store separately to maintain texture and prevent soggy potatoes. Consume within 3-4 days.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place portions in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and maintaining moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of milk or broth to prevent potatoes from becoming rubbery.

Pairing Ideas for Pork & Potato Perfection

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the garlic butter and cheese, refreshing your palate with its bright, zesty notes.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast to the heavy, creamy potato bake and helps balance the meal's richness.
• Match with Robust Red Beer: A malty amber ale or Belgian-style beer enhances the caramelized flavors of the onions and brings out the depth of the garlic butter pork chops.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Side: Quickly roasted asparagus or green beans with a touch of sea salt add a crisp, green element that cuts through the dish's richness and provides additional nutritional balance.

Variations on the Classic Pork Chop Bake

• Herb-Infused Pork Paradise: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage, and add fresh chopped herbs directly into the potato layers for an aromatic herb-packed experience.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace garlic powder with chipotle powder, add diced green chilies to potato layers, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Mediterranean Marvel: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle dried oregano, and add sliced kalamata olives to the potato bake for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Smoky Bacon Blast: Crisp up bacon bits and scatter them between potato layers, use bacon drippings instead of olive oil, and garnish with extra crispy bacon crumbles for an indulgent smoky version.

Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic butter pork chops with cheesy potato bake deliver a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy, golden pork chops nestled beside creamy, melted cheese potatoes promise a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4–5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly coating with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the finished dish.
2. Transform sliced onions into a golden, translucent base by sautéing in a large skillet over medium heat. Enhance with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
3. Create delectable potato layers in the prepared baking dish, alternating between sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, and generous sprinklings of cheddar cheese. Aim for two complete layers to maximize texture and taste.
4. Craft a creamy sauce by gently warming milk and sour cream together, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Carefully distribute this luscious mixture evenly across the potato layers.
5. Seal the potato dish with aluminum foil and slide into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Allow to bake for half an hour, developing rich flavors and softening the potatoes.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the pork chops by seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper. Achieve a golden sear in a hot skillet with olive oil, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes to lock in juices.
7. Infuse the skillet with aromatic garlic butter by melting butter and adding minced garlic and thyme. Let the herbs release their fragrant oils briefly before reintroducing the seared pork chops.
8. Remove the potato bake from the oven, uncover, and strategically place the seared pork chops on top. Lavish the entire dish with the fragrant garlic butter sauce.
9. Return to the oven uncovered, allowing the pork chops to finish cooking and the potatoes to achieve ultimate tenderness. Cook until pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Allow the dish to rest for several minutes, permitting flavors to meld and juices to redistribute. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Grease your baking dish thoroughly to prevent any stubborn sticking and ensure easy cleanup after cooking.
• Flavor-Building Technique: Caramelize onions slowly to develop a rich, sweet base that adds depth to the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly shredded cheddar for optimal melting and a more luxurious, creamy texture in the potato bake.
• Meat Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to check pork chops reach 145°F, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked meat without dryness.
• One-Pan Wonder: Reusing the same skillet for multiple cooking steps helps capture and layer incredible flavors throughout the entire recipe.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the potato layers and prepare pork chops in advance, making this a convenient weeknight dinner option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg