When it comes to comfort food, it’s hard to beat the combination of juicy, herb-rubbed pork chops and creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes. This dish is as elegant as it is simple, bringing restaurant-quality flavors straight to your dinner table in just 35 minutes. With fragrant herbs, golden-brown pork chops, and buttery mashed potatoes, this meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a small gathering with friends.
I discovered this gem while browsing Chef Maniac for quick and hearty meals. Trust me—this recipe is a keeper! Let’s dive into how to create this balanced, savory dish step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Herb-Rubbed Pork Chops are seasoned to perfection with a flavorful blend of thyme, rosemary, parsley, and a touch of garlic and onion powder. Searing the chops in a skillet before roasting locks in the juices, creating a deliciously crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
Paired with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, the creamy texture and subtle garlic flavor perfectly complement the savory pork chops. It’s a meal that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to make.
Fun fact: Did you know that pork chops are one of the leanest cuts of pork, making them a great option for a satisfying yet health-conscious dinner?
How to Make Herb-Rubbed Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is straightforward, so even beginner cooks can wow their guests with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!
1. Prep the Pork Chops
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season 4 bone-in pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, mix together:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Rub this fragrant herb mixture evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they’re fully coated for maximum flavor.
2. Sear and Roast
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork chops for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from the oven and let the chops rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the pork chops to a baking dish after searing.
3. Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
While the pork chops are roasting, work on the mashed potatoes.
In a large pot, add:
- 2 pounds of peeled, quartered potatoes
- 4 peeled garlic cloves
Cover with water, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot. Add:
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk and butter to reach your desired texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: For an ultra-smooth consistency, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
4. Serve and Garnish
Plate the herb-rubbed pork chops alongside a generous serving of garlic mashed potatoes. Garnish both with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve warm and enjoy this cozy, flavorful meal with your family or friends.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of fresh and dried herbs gives the pork chops a rich, aromatic flavor, while the searing and roasting technique ensures they stay juicy and tender. Meanwhile, the garlic mashed potatoes add a creamy, buttery element to the dish, balancing out the savory notes of the meat.
This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Tips and Variations
- Upgrade the Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried for even more vibrant flavors. Just double the quantity since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
- Add Gravy: Want extra indulgence? Whip up a quick pan gravy with the pork drippings by deglazing the skillet with chicken broth, adding a splash of cream, and thickening with flour.
- Make It Creamier: For the mashed potatoes, substitute heavy cream for milk or add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Switch Up the Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes make for a creamier mash, while russet potatoes yield a fluffier texture.
Perfect Pairings
While this dish is satisfying on its own, a few simple sides or drinks can elevate it even further:
- Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add a fresh, crunchy element to the meal.
- Dinner Rolls: Serve with warm, buttery rolls to soak up any leftover juices.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the flavors beautifully.
Treat Your Family to Herb-Rubbed Pork Chops Tonight!
There’s something so comforting about a well-seasoned pork chop paired with creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes. This recipe is a celebration of simple, hearty ingredients brought together with care and attention.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you stick with the classic version or add your own spin? Drop a comment below and share your experience. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and hit the follow button for more delicious ideas from Chef Maniac.
Herb-Rubbed Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper to create a herb rub.
- Rub the herb mixture over both sides of the pork chops.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork chops. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes until creamy and smooth.
- Serve the pork chops alongside the creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
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