Description
Succulent garlic butter pork chops with potato bake deliver a comforting meal straight from home kitchens in the Midwest. Herbs and rich butter create a classic flavor profile you’ll savor with each hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for the potato and pork chop ensemble.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté sliced onions until they become translucent and soft, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Create the first layer of the potato bake by arranging half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, topping with half of the cooked onions and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese to build a rich, stratified foundation for the dish.
- Whisk together milk and sour cream in a saucepan, warming the mixture over medium heat until it’s smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered potatoes, ensuring complete coverage, then seal the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- While potatoes are baking, season pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- In the same skillet, create a fragrant garlic butter sauce by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic and thyme until aromatic.
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, basting them generously with the garlic butter mixture to enhance their flavor.
- Remove the foil from the potato bake, carefully place the garlic butter-coated pork chops on top, and drizzle any remaining sauce over the entire dish.
- Continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and pork chops are fully cooked through.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the flavors meld and makes for easier portioning.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh element to the rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- Opt for thick-cut pork chops to ensure juicy, tender meat that doesn’t dry out during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check pork chop doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect results.
- Consider using low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of the cheesy potato bake.
- Swap pork chops with chicken breasts or plant-based protein for alternative diet options like vegetarian or low-meat meal plans.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg