Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake – A Perfect Comfort Food Combo!
If you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this irresistible Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake. Tender, juicy pork chops seared to golden perfection and drenched in savory garlic butter sauce, served alongside creamy, cheesy potatoes that are baked until bubbly and golden – it’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
This dish combines bold flavors, comforting textures, and simple ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights, weekends, or even special gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh thyme for topping
Instructions – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake (Start First)
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make the cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and stir constantly until it begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
- Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and mix until melted and smooth.
3. Assemble and bake:
- Layer the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Pork Chops
1. Season the chops:
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the chops:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.)
- Remove the chops and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add the butter and minced garlic.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Return chops to the skillet:
- Spoon the garlic butter over the pork chops.
- Cover and let simmer on low heat for 5–7 more minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest and serve:
Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve:
Serve each pork chop on a plate next to a generous scoop of the cheesy potato bake. Add a side salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans for a complete and balanced meal.
Want to impress? Drizzle extra garlic butter from the skillet over the potatoes – thank us later.
Tips & Tricks:
- Thicker chops? Increase simmering time slightly or finish them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Extra cheesy? Top the potato bake with a sprinkle of cheese before the final 15 minutes of baking.
- No mozzarella? Use all cheddar or substitute with gouda or Monterey Jack.
- Meal prep friendly: Bake the potatoes a day ahead and just reheat while you cook the chops.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
- The potato bake also freezes well for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: High (thanks to all that cheese!)
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes! Boneless pork chops work perfectly. Just make sure not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than bone-in.
Can I make the potato bake without flour?
Yes. You can use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold milk) added to the warm milk instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
Can I cook everything in the oven?
Absolutely. After searing the pork chops, place them in a baking dish, pour the garlic butter on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake is more than just a meal – it’s a comforting experience. Perfectly cooked pork with rich, buttery garlic flavor, paired with indulgent layers of creamy potatoes and cheese… it doesn’t get much better than this.