Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

This recipe for Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is a delicious and comforting combination of juicy pork chops and creamy potato bake on the side. It’s perfect for those nights when you need a hearty, filling dinner that’s guaranteed to wow everyone at the table without you spending all day in the kitchen.

The sheen of a garlic butter sauce drizzled atop the seared pork chops is the star here, an assertive taste that has a way of populating or amplifying the flavor of a cream, though i also think of red eye gravy. The pork chops are browned to golden deliciousness to seal its natural juices, then baked along with layers of tender, cheesy potatoes.

The Cheesy Potato Bake, made with sliced potatos and caramelized onions, to which there is another layer of cheddar cheese for a hot, gooey finish. To each layer, a mixture of milk and sour cream is poured, making every bite a creamy indulgence. Baking the pork chops on the potatoes, the better to combine their flavors, yields a dish as delicious as it is comforting.

After a last stay in the oven, this dish emerges bubbling and golden, with tender pork chops and a potato-cheese side that is ready to steal the show. Garnish it with a shower of fresh parsley for a bright finish, and you have a dish that’s perfect for any special meal or simply when you want a little extra comfort on your plate.

Why You’ll Love It

• One-Pan Wonder: We get to bake the pork chops right on top of the cheesy potatoes, panning them both together, which means fewer dishes to wash, and all the flavors in one place.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheddar cheese, sour cream and milk makes for an unbelievably creamy potato bake, while the garlic butter sauce keeps the pork chops nice and rich.
• Juicy Pork Chops: Searing the pork chops before baking them helps keep them juicy and tender. The last baking gives the garlic butter a chance to permeate the meat for a little more flavor.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This looks fancy but is easy to pull together, so it’s great for serving to guests. It’s a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish that goes nicely with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Key Ingredients

• Pork Chops: Here we use bone-in pork chops because they’re juicier and more flavorful. If you have only boneless pork chops, just decrease the cooking time, since they cook more quickly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a deep flavor to the potato bake but feel free to mix it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for another flavor profile.
• Potatoes: Both Russet and Yukon Gold make for creamy, fluffy centers — great for a potato bake.
• Fresh thyme: Sprigs of fresh thyme lend an aromatic note to the garlic butter. Use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme if you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, though you’ll get the best flavor using fresh herbs.
• Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and richness to the sauce. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead, but it will change the flavor somewhat.

Also see the complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions in the recipe card below.

Cheesy Potato Bake with Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
2. Layer the Potatoes:
   • Spread half the sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish.
   • Add half the cooked onions and top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
   • Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese, so that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
   • In a medium saucepan, add the milk and sour cream.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
   • Pour this cream mixture evenly over the layered potatoes.
   • Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops

1. Season the Pork Chops: Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear pork chops 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
   • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Coat the Pork Chops:
   • Add the seared pork chops back to the skillet.
   • Spoon the garlic butter sauce over them to coat evenly.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

1. Uncover the Potato Dish: Remove the foil from the potatoes.
2. Nestle the Pork Chops on Top: Place the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
3. Drizzle the Garlic Butter: Pour the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the pork chops and potatoes.
4. Bake: Cover and return to the oven for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Serve

1. Rest: Let the dish rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color.
3. Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite sides!

Serving Suggestions

• Green Beans or Asparagus — Lightens up the heaviness of pork chops and potatoes.
• Crisp Green Salad — A simple salad balances the richness of the dish.
• Dinner Rolls — Warm rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
• Wine Pairing — A buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir pairs well with the dish.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: The potato bake can be made ahead and frozen before baking for up to 2 months.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the potato bake and sear the pork chops ahead of time, then bake just before serving.
• Reheating Tips: To prevent the pork chops from drying out, add a splash of water or broth and cover with foil before reheating.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is the perfect dinner recipe for a cozy, home-cooked meal that feels a little special. The tender, juicy pork chops with creamy, cheesy potatoes create the ultimate comfort dish.

Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a new favorite. And with make-ahead options, it’s a reliable go-to recipe.

Happy cooking—enjoy every rich, savory bite! 😊

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

This Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is a hearty and comforting meal, combining tender pork chops seared in a garlic butter sauce with a rich, cheesy potato bake. Perfect for family dinners, this dish delivers layers of flavor that everyone will love.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 4 bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter divided
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
• 4-5 medium potatoes thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, top with half of the cooked onions, and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sour cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warmed through. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• While the potatoes are baking, season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and thyme sprigs, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them.
• Remove the foil from the potato dish in the oven. Place the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes and pour the garlic butter sauce over everything. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the pork chops with the cheesy potato bake for a hearty meal.

Notes

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. For a different twist, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the potato layers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcal

Keyword cheesy potato bake, comfort food, family meal, garlic butter, pork chops

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