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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.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake
Yield: 4

Materials

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 9x13-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.