Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is the perfect comfort meal that combines juicy, flavorful pork chops with a rich and creamy potato side dish. It’s ideal for those nights when you want a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at the table without spending all day in the kitchen.

The star of this dish is the garlic butter sauce that gets drizzled over the seared pork chops, adding a burst of rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy potato bake. The pork chops are seared to golden perfection, locking in their natural juices before being baked together with layers of tender, cheesy potatoes.

The Cheesy Potato Bake is made with thinly sliced potatoes and caramelized onions, layered with plenty of cheddar cheese for a rich, gooey finish. A blend of milk and sour cream is poured over the layers, ensuring that each bite is creamy and indulgent. Baking the pork chops on top of the potatoes allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting.

After a final bake in the oven, this dish comes out bubbling and golden, with tender pork chops and a cheesy potato side that’s ready to steal the show. Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for any special dinner or simply when you need a little extra comfort on your plate.

Why You’ll Love It:

One-Pan Wonder: This recipe allows you to bake the pork chops directly on top of the cheesy potatoes, which means fewer dishes to clean and all the flavors come together in one pan.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk creates an irresistibly creamy potato bake, while the garlic butter sauce adds a layer of richness to the pork chops.
Juicy Pork Chops: Searing the pork chops before baking ensures that they remain juicy and tender. The final bake allows the garlic butter to infuse the meat for an extra burst of flavor.
Perfect for Entertaining: This dish looks impressive but is simple to put together, making it great for serving to guests. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Key Ingredients:

Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are used here because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you only have boneless pork chops, just reduce the cooking time slightly, as they cook faster.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a robust flavor to the potato bake, but you can mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well for this dish because they have a balance of starchiness and creaminess, making them perfect for a potato bake.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs add an aromatic touch to the garlic butter. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, but fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tanginess and richness to the sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

How to Make Cheesy Potato Bake with Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the cooked onions and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sour cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warmed through. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered potatoes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops
While the potatoes are baking, season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This helps lock in their juices. Once browned, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the aromatic garlic butter sauce over them to coat them thoroughly.

Step 6: Combine and Bake
Remove the foil from the potato dish in the oven. Place the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the pork chops and potatoes, allowing the rich flavors to seep into every layer. 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 to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Serve
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to firm slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, if desired. Serve the pork chops alongside the cheesy potato bake for a satisfying and hearty meal. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

Green Beans or Asparagus: Serve this dish with a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete meal. The fresh, crisp vegetables balance the richness of the pork chops and potatoes.
Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the creamy potato bake and rich pork chops, adding a refreshing contrast.
Warm Dinner Rolls: A basket of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce and creamy potato bake. It’s a great addition if you’re serving this at a family gathering or dinner party.
Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir would complement the creamy, rich flavors of the dish without overpowering them.

Storage/Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezing: The cheesy potato bake can be made ahead and frozen. Assemble the potato bake up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Meal Prep: You can prepare the potato bake and sear the pork chops in advance, then combine and bake them just before serving. This makes it easier to put dinner on the table quickly after a busy day.
Reheating Tips: To prevent the pork chops from drying out when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the baking dish and cover with foil before warming in the oven.

Variations:

Smoky Cheddar and Bacon Potatoes: Add 1 cup of crumbled cooked bacon and swap the regular cheddar for smoked cheddar for a smoky twist on the cheesy potato bake.
Herb-Infused Pork Chops: Mix 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or sage into the garlic butter sauce for a more herb-forward flavor. These herbs complement the savory, rich flavors of the pork.
Mushroom Potato Bake: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the potato layers for an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce and cheese.
Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick that infuses the pork chops with a bit of heat. This balances nicely with the creamy potato bake.
Cheese Blend: Instead of using all cheddar, try a blend of Gruyère and mozzarella for a meltier, richer cheese layer in the potato bake.

Conclusion:

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is a perfect recipe for those nights when you want a satisfying, home-cooked meal that feels a little extra special. The combination of tender, juicy pork chops with rich, creamy potatoes is a match made in comfort food heaven. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for company.

Whether you’re making this dish for your family or to impress your dinner guests, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Plus, with the option to prep parts of it in advance, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe whenever you need a reliable, delicious meal. Happy cooking, and enjoy every rich, savory bite!