Looking for a simple and tasty meal that can provide comfort? Nothing can be better than making Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake! The beautifully juicy pork is seasoned with garlic butter while the potato bake is creamy, sinfully gratifying, and filled with tons of melted cheese layers. This is the ultimate meal for your family, a night in with friends, or any party you are hosting. Let’s get started on the elaborate recipe in detail!
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Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick) using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for even slices.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Cream Mixture: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, and add smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Potatoes: In a greased baking dish, arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Bake the Potatoes: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish: Once done, sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Pork Chops
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust. Reduce heat to medium.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Baste the Pork Chops: Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the garlic butter over the pork chops repeatedly for about 1-2 minutes. This keeps them moist and adds flavor.
- Cook Until Done: Continue cooking until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for a perfect, juicy finish. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped parsley.
Step 3: Serve the Dish
- Plate the Dish: Serve the garlic butter pork chops alongside a generous serving of the cheesy potato bake.
- Add Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley over the pork chops and chives over the potatoes for added color and flavor.
- Enjoy: Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
Servings and Storage-Serving: For best taste, serve the hot pork chops with the cheesy potato bake. Side the chops with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Storage: Leftovers could be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at most three days. Reheating should prevent pork chops from drying out by taking a skillet and keeping the fire low, or place pork in the oven for an extended period while keeping the temperature at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Potato bake, meanwhile, which may be reheated in the oven at about 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Helpful Notes
For choosing pork chops: both boneless and bone-in chops will do perfectly well. Bone-in chops keep more juice and flavour.
For cutting potatoes: A mandolin slides in even slices and ensures that the potatoes cook evenly.
For extra creamy potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are what you are looking for; they possess a creamy texture and hold up well while having a naturally buttery flavor.
To baste constantly, the pork chops with the garlic butter is to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Chef Ina Garten advises you to let the pork chops rest because this will help redistribute the juices, thus the chops will not dry out.
Chef Nigella Lawson opines to add a sip of lemon juice to the buttery sauce at the end, for a little zing of acid or freshness.
Chef Thomas Keller particularly likes using high-quality butter and fresh garlic for richening the flavor of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to use different kinds of meat in this recipe?
Yes, chicken, thigh, or even breast cuts can be used instead of pork chops. Please adjust the cooking time accordingly. These cuts must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Instead of heavy cream, what could I use for the potato bake?
You can thicken half-and-half or whole milk with some flour instead.
Can the cheesy potato bake accommodate vegetables?
Yes, it can. Thinly sliced mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli can add to the nutrition and taste of the dish.
How can I make sure my pork chops do not turn out dry?
Do not overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature, then rest them.
What type of cheese would make this dish even more agreeable?
Cheddar and Parmesan are pretty good, but Gruyère or mozzarella can provide additional flavor profiles.
Can I prepare the cheesy potato bake in advance?
Sure! You can have your dish assembled, seal, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before picking up from where you left off with baking.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Although this is very possible, take care to add the garlic to the skillet only after the butter melts and cook it over medium heat stirring constantly for about 10 seconds.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if all ingredients used to make this dish, including seasonings and cheese, are gluten-free, mix cornstarch to thicken the cream.
How to keep the potato bake from being too greasy?
Be very moderate in the use of the cheese and avoid too much butter or oil; the cream mixture will be good enough to fill perfumes.
What is a good side dish suggestion with this dish?
Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, fresh garden salad are nice.
That is the dreamiest offering to cradle satisfying one’s cravings for a cozy and appetizing meal with vibrant flavors and creamy texture, ensuring yourself an option at any occasion!
