If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy pork chops cooked in fragrant garlic butter paired with a rich, creamy, and cheesy potato bake makes for a dish that’s both homey and indulgent. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of garlic, butter, cheese, and herbs creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe is simple, yet every item plays a vital role. From the butter that adds luscious richness to the garlic that gives it a bold aroma, each element enhances the overall taste and texture, while the cheeses make the potatoes extra irresistible.
- 4 pork chops: Choose chops with a bit of marbling for juicier results and extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter: Butter is the star that brings moisture and a velvety texture to both the pork and potatoes.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses a brilliant savory kick that complements the pork beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and soak up all the delicious juices.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tangy richness to the potato bake.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan provides a nutty, salty finish that elevates this dish further.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The cream creates a luscious sauce that keeps the potatoes tender and makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds an earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with pork and potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon rosemary: Rosemary lends a piney, fragrant note that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pork Chops
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for perfect baking. While the oven warms up, season both sides of your pork chops generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial because it enhances the pork’s natural flavors and helps form a beautiful golden crust during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops in Garlic Butter
In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat, then add your freshly minced garlic. Allow it to cook just until fragrant—about one minute—so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its wonderful aroma. Then, place your seasoned pork chops in the skillet and let them brown for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This searing step locks in juiciness and builds flavor. After they’ve developed that perfect golden crust, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Herb Butter Mixture
Now, in a bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This fragrant mixture will later drizzle over your potatoes, infusing the dish with an herby, buttery goodness that makes every bite special.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesy Potato Bake
Grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly inside. Pour the herb butter mixture all over the potatoes, ensuring every slice is coated. Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This slow bake softens the potatoes and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cheese, Cream, and Pork Chops
After 45 minutes, remove the foil, and sprinkle both cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Pour the heavy cream evenly across the top, which will create a rich sauce as it bakes. Nestle the seared pork chops on top of the cheesy potato layer and return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 25 to 30 minutes. By then, the potatoes will be tender, the cheeses melted, and the pork chops perfectly cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe is baked to perfection, serve it hot right out of the oven. The combination of garlic butter pork with creamy, cheesy potatoes is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of extra melted butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the whole dish right before serving.
Side Dishes
Since the pork chops and cheesy potato bake are quite rich, side dishes that offer texture and acidity are a great balance. A crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a touch of lemon zest provide a refreshing contrast that complements the hearty main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating each pork chop individually atop a generous helping of the cheesy potato bake for an elegant touch. For a more rustic feel, serve family-style directly from the baking dish, inviting everyone to dig in. You could even add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on the pork for a subtle smoky aroma and extra visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place the pork chops and potato bake in an airtight container to preserve their moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal beyond a few days, you can freeze it. For best results, freeze the pork chops and potato bake separately, wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pork chops and cheesy potato bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps textures intact better than microwaving, which can make the potatoes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just as well and cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on their cooking time to avoid overcooking.
What kind of potatoes are best for the cheesy potato bake?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices because they have the right starch content to become tender without falling apart.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but keep in mind the bake might be less creamy and slightly less rich.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the potato bake?
Yes! Feel free to layer in thin slices of onion or sprinkle in chopped spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, with a slight pink center for juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels indulgent yet straightforward. The melding of juicy, garlicky pork with tender, cheesy potatoes is pure comfort food magic, and the best part is how easy it is to prepare. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a new favorite in your recipe box, too. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a fabulous meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Print
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and hearty meal featuring tender garlic butter pork chops paired with a creamy, cheesy potato bake infused with herbs. Perfectly seared pork chops are baked atop a rich blend of sliced potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, and heavy cream to create a comforting, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Pork Chops and Seasoning
- 4 pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cheesy Potato Bake
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the potato dish and finishing the pork chops.
- Season Pork Chops: Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Melt Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter to prepare for searing the pork and cooking the garlic.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, releasing its aroma into the butter.
- Sear Pork Chops: Place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Herb Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will top the potatoes and infuse them with flavor.
- Layer Potatoes: Grease a baking dish and layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly inside.
- Apply Herb Butter: Pour the butter and herb mixture over the potatoes, making sure the slices are well coated for rich flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the potatoes, then pour heavy cream on top to make the bake creamy and cheesy.
- Top with Pork Chops: Place the seared pork chops on top of the cheesy potato bake to cook together.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and pork chops are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, serve the garlic butter pork chops with cheesy potato bake hot, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal.
Notes
- For best results, use medium-starch potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy texture in the bake.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half if you want a lighter dish, but the bake may be less rich.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook through in the allocated baking time.
- Feel free to add other herbs like parsley or chives for additional flavor.
- Rest the pork chops a few minutes after cooking before serving to keep them juicy.
