Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes in the dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, but do not bring it to a boil.
• Once the cream mixture is heated, pour it evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure all the potatoes are covered with the cream mixture.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes. Drizzle the melted butter over the cheese and potatoes.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

2. Cook the Garlic Butter Pork Chops:

• While the cheesy potato bake is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary).
• Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Depending on the thickness of your pork chops, cooking times may vary.
• After the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Pour the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops just before serving.

3. Serve the Meal:

• Plate the garlic butter pork chops alongside a generous serving of the cheesy potato bake. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve with your favorite side vegetables like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Cheesy Potato Bake

• For Extra Flavor: Let the pork chops rest in the garlic butter sauce for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
• Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: For a creamier texture, use Yukon Gold potatoes, as they hold up well in the bake and become soft and velvety when cooked.
• Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add an extra handful of shredded cheese to the top of the potatoes just before the final baking step for an even cheesier crust.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the potato bake a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with chilled potatoes.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. The garlic butter pork chops are tender and juicy, while the cheesy potato bake is creamy and indulgent, with a crispy golden top. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend meal, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a delicious and filling meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in no time!