If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that packs rich, creamy flavors, Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is your go-to dish. This recipe combines tender, juicy pork chops simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with a decadent cheesy potato bake on the side. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or even a weeknight treat. Whether you’re a fan of savory pork dishes or irresistible cheesy potatoes, this meal delivers everything you crave in one plate.
In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll cover why this dish works so well, what ingredients you’ll need, detailed cooking steps, tips for success, and even some creative serving suggestions. So, if you’re ready to wow your family and friends with Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake, let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe Works
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender pork. Here’s why it’s such a hit:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The garlic-infused cream sauce adds depth to the pork chops, while the fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note. The cheesy potato bake is a rich, indulgent side that complements the pork perfectly.
- Texture Contrast: The pork chops are seared to a golden brown, giving them a slight crispiness on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Paired with the soft, cheesy potatoes, it’s a meal that pleases the palate in every bite.
- Simplicity Meets Elegance: This dish is both comforting and sophisticated, making it perfect for a casual family meal or an elevated dinner for guests. It’s easy to prepare but feels indulgent enough for special occasions.
- One Oven, Two Dishes: Both components cook at the same temperature, simplifying your cooking process and making it easier to coordinate. The creamy sauce from the pork chops and the cheesy richness of the potatoes make this a cohesive and satisfying meal.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients for both the pork chops and the potato bake. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops: Boneless pork chops are tender and quick to cook, perfect for this creamy dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sear the pork chops to a golden brown.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides a rich, velvety texture to the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the cream with a savory depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped: Adds a fresh, earthy aroma to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the flavor of the pork and sauce.
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness to the potato bake, ensuring a silky texture.
- 1 cup milk: Helps to lighten the cream mixture while still maintaining richness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the potatoes, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a touch of garlic flavor to complement the pork chops.
- 1 tsp thyme: Fresh or dried thyme pairs beautifully with the cheese and cream.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the creamy mixture and enhancing the potatoes’ natural flavors.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake
This recipe is divided into two main components: the pork chops and the potato bake. By following these steps, you’ll achieve a balanced, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
For the Pork Chops:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is also the temperature for baking the potatoes, making it easier to cook both components simultaneously. - Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 4 boneless pork chops and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a nice crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside. - Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic (4 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. - Simmer the Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the garlic cream sauce. Cover the skillet and let the pork chops simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). The cream sauce will thicken as it simmers, becoming rich and flavorful.
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
Thinly slice 4 large potatoes (a mandoline works well for uniform slices). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar. - Heat the Cream Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, 1 minced clove of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. This step infuses the cream with garlic and thyme flavors. - Layer the Potatoes:
Arrange the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish in even layers. Pour the heated cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring the liquid is distributed evenly. - Add Cheese:
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes. The cheese will melt and form a golden crust as it bakes. - Bake the Potatoes:
Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Pork can easily dry out if overcooked, so use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for a creamy, tender potato bake. Thin slices help ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork chops before simmering adds flavor and texture. It also helps to lock in the juices.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: While dried thyme can work in a pinch, using fresh thyme will elevate the flavor of both the pork and potatoes.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the potato bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake
To serve this comforting meal, plate each pork chop with a generous spoonful of garlic cream sauce drizzled on top. Serve alongside a portion of the cheesy potato bake, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for color. For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon over the pork chops before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is a rich and filling
meal on its own, but you can elevate the dish by serving it with some lighter sides to balance the richness:
- Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and cheesy potatoes.
- Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pork chops and potatoes.
- Crusty Bread: Use a slice of toasted baguette to mop up the extra creamy sauce.
- Pickled Vegetables: Something tangy like pickled onions or cucumbers can complement the rich flavors and offer a refreshing bite.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
For a serving size of one pork chop with a portion of cheesy potato bake:
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 960mg
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Enjoy this delicious and comforting Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake at your next meal, perfect for when you want something hearty and indulgent yet easy to prepare!
Recipe Card
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake: A Comforting, Flavorful Feast
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that packs rich, creamy flavors, **Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake** is your go-to dish. This recipe combines tender, juicy pork chops simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with a decadent cheesy potato bake on the side. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or even a weeknight treat. Whether you’re a fan of savory pork dishes or irresistible cheesy potatoes, this meal delivers everything you crave in one plate.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- – **4 boneless pork chops**: Boneless pork chops are tender and quick to cook perfect for this creamy dish.
- – **2 tbsp olive oil**: Used to sear the pork chops to a golden brown.
- – **4 cloves garlic minced**: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the creamy sauce.
- – **1 cup heavy cream**: Provides a rich velvety texture to the sauce.
- – **1 cup chicken broth**: Balances the cream with a savory depth of flavor.
- – **1 tsp fresh thyme chopped**: Adds a fresh, earthy aroma to the dish.
- – **Salt and pepper to taste**: Enhances the flavor of the pork and sauce.
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- – **4 large potatoes thinly sliced**: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture.
- – **1 cup heavy cream**: Adds richness to the potato bake ensuring a silky texture.
- – **1 cup milk**: Helps to lighten the cream mixture while still maintaining richness.
- – **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese**: Melts over the potatoes creating a gooey, cheesy top layer.
- – **1 clove garlic minced**: Adds a touch of garlic flavor to complement the pork chops.
- – **1 tsp thyme**: Fresh or dried thyme pairs beautifully with the cheese and cream.
- – **Salt and pepper to taste**: Essential for seasoning the creamy mixture and enhancing the potatoes’ natural flavors.
Instructions
For the Pork Chops:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This is also the temperature for baking the potatoes, making it easier to cook both components simultaneously.
- Sear the Pork Chops:
- Heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the **4 boneless pork chops** and sear for about **3-4 minutes on each side** until they’re golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a nice crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the **minced garlic (4 cloves)** and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, pour in **1 cup of heavy cream** and **1 cup of chicken broth**, stirring to combine. Add **1 teaspoon of fresh thyme** and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Pork Chops:
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the garlic cream sauce. Cover the skillet and let the pork chops simmer for **10-15 minutes** on low heat until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). The cream sauce will thicken as it simmers, becoming rich and flavorful.
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Thinly slice **4 large potatoes** (a mandoline works well for uniform slices). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar.
- Heat the Cream Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine **1 cup of heavy cream**, **1 cup of milk**, **1 minced clove of garlic**, and **1 teaspoon of thyme**. Season with salt and pepper, and heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. This step infuses the cream with garlic and thyme flavors.
- Layer the Potatoes:
- Arrange the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish in even layers. Pour the heated cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring the liquid is distributed evenly.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle **2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese** over the top of the potatoes. The cheese will melt and form a golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven at **375°F (190°C)** for **40-45 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.