Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender pork chops, creamy cheesy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce creates a meal that's both comforting and delicious. The dish involves preparing a cheesy potato bake with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce, then topping it with seared pork chops coated in a garlic butter sauce. After baking together, the result is a savory and mouthwatering meal. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a delightful dining experience.

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender pork chops, creamy cheesy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce creates a meal that's both comforting and delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• Pork Chops: 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick. These provide a juicy and flavorful main protein.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons. Used for searing the pork chops to create a golden brown crust.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided. Adds richness to both the pork chops and the potato bake.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Thyme: 2 sprigs. Adds a fresh, herbal note.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning the pork chops and potatoes.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional). Adds a touch of color and freshness.
• Potatoes: 4-5 medium, thinly sliced. Create the base of the cheesy potato bake.
• Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced. Adds sweetness and depth to the potato bake.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. Provides a creamy and cheesy topping for the potatoes.
• Milk: 1 cup. Helps create a creamy sauce for the potatoes.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup. Adds tanginess and creaminess to the potato bake.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds additional garlic flavor to the potatoes.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the cooked onions. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Cook over medium heat until warmed through. Pour this mixture evenly over the potatoes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops

While the potatoes are baking, season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over them.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

Remove the foil from the potatoes and place the browned pork chops on top. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops and potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake!

Serving and Storage Tips

Here are some tips on how to serve and store your Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake:

• Serve the dish hot, directly from the oven, for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and a burst of freshness.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven will help retain the crispy texture of the pork chops.

Helpful Notes

Here are some helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience:

• For a more decadent dish, you can add more cheese or use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce for the potatoes, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the milk and sour cream mixture before heating.
• Feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
• Using fresh thyme in the garlic butter adds a wonderful flavor, but you can substitute it with dried thyme if necessary.

Tips from well-known chefs

Here are some tips from famous chefs around the globe:

• Chef Julia Child: "Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor."
• Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Letting the meat rest before serving helps retain its juices."
• Chef Ina Garten: "Balancing flavors and textures in your dish is key to creating a memorable meal."