Description
Savory garlic butter pork chops partner perfectly with a creamy cheesy potato bake for a hearty family dinner. Rich flavors from tender pork and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 4 tbsps butter (divided)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 4–5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to facilitate easy serving.
- Onion Foundation: Caramelize onions in a large skillet over medium heat, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base.
- Layering Potatoes: Construct two robust layers in the baking dish, alternating sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese for a rich, textured foundation.
- Creamy Infusion: Gently warm milk and sour cream, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Evenly distribute this luxurious mixture across the potato layers, ensuring complete coverage.
- Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften and flavors to develop.
- Pork Chop Preparation: Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side to seal in moisture and create a golden crust.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Create a garlic butter sauce by melting butter with minced garlic and thyme. Briefly let herbs release their essence before reintroducing seared pork chops to the skillet.
- Final Assembly: Remove potato bake from oven, uncover, and nestle seared pork chops on top. Generously drizzle the entire dish with fragrant garlic butter sauce.
- Finishing Touches: Return to oven uncovered, cooking until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and potatoes achieve ultimate tenderness. The dish should appear golden and bubbling.
- Serving: Rest the dish for several minutes to allow flavor melding and juice redistribution. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Potato Sticking: Coat the baking dish generously with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
- Layer with Care: Create two distinct layers of potatoes, onions, and cheese for maximum flavor complexity and textural contrast.
- Master Pork Chop Technique: Sear pork chops on high heat for 3-4 minutes per side to lock in juices and develop a beautiful golden crust.
- Temperature Safety: Use a meat thermometer to confirm pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg