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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly coating with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the finished dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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