Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with comfort and flavor all in one plate with this Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe. Each juicy pork chop is seared to golden perfection, bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce bursting with fresh herbs. Paired alongside a luscious, creamy potato bake layered with not one but three kinds of melted cheese, this dish creates a feast for the senses. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or treat your family to a cozy dinner, this recipe hits every note — hearty, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential, combining fresh herbs, creamy dairy, and hearty potatoes to build layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays its part to elevate this dish from simple to something special.

• 4 bone-in pork chops: Choose thick chops, about 1.5 inches, for juicy, tender results after searing.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps create a beautiful crust on the pork chops without sticking.
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced: The aromatic heart of the butter sauce, exploding with flavor.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Used both for the garlic butter sauce and the cheesy potato bake, adding richness.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs: Classic herbs that infuse the pork with an earthy, fragrant aroma.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and potatoes.
• Optional pinch of red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick to brighten the pork’s richness.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness.
• 6 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for the creamy, cheesy bake.
• 1 large shallot or small yellow onion, finely minced: Builds the savory base for the cheesy sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an extra aromatic depth to the potato bake.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
• 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, warmed: These dairy elements make the sauce luxuriously creamy.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang to balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Assorted cheeses – sharp cheddar, Gruyère (or Swiss), and Parmesan: Their combined sharpness and creaminess make the potato bake irresistibly cheesy.
• Fresh chives, finely snipped (optional): Adds a lovely fresh finish to the bake.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and buttering a 9×13 inch baking dish. Wash and peel the potatoes if preferred, then slice them uniformly about 1/8-inch thick. Uniform slices are key to even cooking and that lovely creamy texture you want in your potato bake.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté the minced shallot or onion until soft and translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release that lovely garlicky aroma. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes—this step is crucial as it thickens your sauce without lumps. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk and cream until silky smooth and slightly thickened. Finally, add Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg for that complex, comforting undertone.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Now, fold in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning here — the cheese sauce should be rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, ready to bring your potato bake to life.

Step 4: Layer the Potato Bake

Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes evenly in the buttered dish, pour over one-third of your cheesy cream sauce, and sprinkle with one-third of the reserved cheese blend. Repeat this layering two more times, making sure the top layer is drenched in sauce and cheese for that golden crust after baking. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Brown the Top Layer

Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20-30 minutes. This step gives you that deliciously golden, bubbly top. If you want an extra golden crust, briefly broiling the dish works wonders—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Prepare the Pork Chops

While the potato bake cooks, remove the pork chops from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to bring them to near room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Step 7: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) on medium-high until it’s just beginning to smoke. Add olive oil to coat the pan, then carefully place the chops in without crowding them. Sear for 3-4 minutes, then flip and sear the other side until a deep golden crust forms, including the edges for full flavor.

Step 8: Finish Cooking with Garlic Butter

Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the remaining butter, along with the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and continuously baste the pork chops with the garlic-infused butter for 4-8 minutes. This slow, buttery baste locks in juicy flavor and infuses the meat with the fragrance of fresh herbs. Aim for an internal temperature of 145-150°F (63-66°C) for perfectly cooked, tender pork.

Step 9: Rest and Optional Pan Sauce

Remove the chops to a cutting board, loosely tent with foil, and let them rest for about 8-10 minutes. Resting keeps the meat succulent and tender. For an easy pan sauce, discard the herb sprigs and deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth, scraping up those flavorful browned bits. Reduce for a minute and drizzle over the pork just before serving.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Slice the pork chops against the grain or serve them whole. Plate with generous portions of the cheesy potato bake. Garnish pork chops with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle chopped chives over the potatoes for a fresh pop of color and mild oniony flavor. This final touch elevates the dish and makes it truly irresistible!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the pork chops lends a vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the golden crust. Finely snipped chives on the potato bake add a gentle onion flavor and a burst of freshness. These simple garnishes make the dish feel as special as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Although this pairing is complete on its own, a light side salad with a sharp vinaigrette or some steamed green beans tossed with lemon and a touch of garlic would complement the richness nicely. The bright acidity of a salad cuts through the creamy potato bake and buttery pork flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider serving the pork chops whole on rustic wooden boards alongside ramekins of additional garlic butter sauce. The potato bake can be portioned into individual cast iron skillets or ramekins for a charming touch. Layering a few sprigs of fresh herbs on top right before serving also makes for an eye-catching, aromatic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pork chops and potato bake store well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the bake is cooled completely before covering to prevent sogginess. Separating the components helps preserve textures.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesy potato bake either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble fully in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze pork chops individually wrapped tightly in foil or freezer bags. Both will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the potato bake covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes. Pork chops reheat best in a low oven (325°F) wrapped loosely in foil for about 15 minutes to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving to keep the pork tender and prevent the cheese bake from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work well too, though bone-in chops tend to stay juicier and cook more evenly. Just adjust cooking time slightly as boneless chops can cook faster.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is a great substitute because it melts similarly and has a mild, nutty flavor that complements cheddar nicely. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess, though the flavor profile will be less complex.

Is it okay to peel the potatoes?

Yes, peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds a rustic texture and a bit more nutrients. Just make sure to wash thoroughly if you choose to keep the skins.

Can I make the cheesy potato bake dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use unsweetened almond or oat milk. Nutritional yeast can add cheesiness without dairy, but the flavor and creaminess will be different from the classic version.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145-150°F (63-66°C) for medium. This ensures the pork is juicy and safe to eat without drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Cheesy Potato Bake Recipe is a celebration of comforting flavors and elegant simplicity. It’s the perfect dish to make when you want to impress without fuss, combining familiar ingredients into something truly unforgettable. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for family dinners and special occasions alike. Give it a whirl and enjoy every wonderful, cheesy, buttery bite!

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