Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Peel and Boil the Potatoes:

• Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform chunks (about 1-inch pieces). Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

1. Cook the Potatoes:

• Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

1. Mash the Potatoes:

• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash them until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, you can use a hand mixer or a potato ricer.

1. Add Butter and Cream:

• Stir in the butter and gradually add the heavy cream (or milk), continuing to mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the mashed potatoes warm while you cook the pork chops.

2. Cook the Buttery Garlic Pork Chops:

1. Season the Pork Chops:

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

1. Sear the Pork Chops:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.

1. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

1. Finish Cooking the Pork Chops:

• Return the pork chops to the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and cook the chops for an additional 3-4 minutes, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top as they cook. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) when done.

1. Rest the Pork Chops:

• Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy chop.

3. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Plate the Dish:

• Spoon a generous portion of the smooth mashed potatoes onto each plate. Place a pork chop on top or beside the potatoes.

1. Garnish:

• Drizzle the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a lemon wedge on the side for a burst of fresh flavor (optional).

1. Dig In:

• Serve your buttery garlic pork chops with smooth mashed potatoes immediately while hot. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, mouthwatering meal!

Why This Meal is So Special

• Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: The key to this dish’s flavor is the garlic butter sauce. The garlic is sautéed in butter until it’s golden and fragrant, infusing the sauce with rich, savory goodness. This sauce brings a depth of flavor that makes the pork chops irresistible.
• Tender, Juicy Pork Chops: By searing the pork chops and finishing them in the garlic butter sauce, they stay tender and juicy while achieving a crispy, flavorful crust.
• Velvety Mashed Potatoes: The mashed potatoes are luxuriously smooth, creamy, and buttery, serving as the perfect base for the pork chops. They’re the ideal comfort food to complement the savory flavors of the meat.
• Quick & Easy: Despite its gourmet-like appearance, this dish is easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of time or advanced cooking techniques. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour!

Customization Ideas

• Herb Variations: While rosemary and thyme are traditional in this recipe, you can experiment with other fresh herbs such as sage, oregano, or basil to customize the flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: For a complete meal, consider serving some sautéed vegetables like green beans, roasted carrots, or Brussels sprouts alongside the pork chops and mashed potatoes.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or seasoning the pork chops with smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: For an indulgent twist, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes for added flavor.

Healthier Twist

While this recipe is already deliciously comforting, you can make it a bit lighter with a few simple adjustments:

• Use olive oil instead of butter for cooking the pork chops to reduce the overall fat content.
• Substitute low-fat milk for the heavy cream in the mashed potatoes to cut back on calories while still keeping them creamy.
• Consider using boneless, skinless pork chops for a leaner cut of meat, while still keeping all the flavor.

Conclusion

There’s no need to compromise on flavor when you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting. Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes is a simple yet elegant meal that brings together savory, juicy pork chops, creamy mashed potatoes, and a luscious garlic butter sauce into one irresistible dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare—this meal has it all. Try it today and experience the magic of perfectly cooked pork chops paired with the ultimate mashed potatoes! 🍖🧄🥔