Get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying and incredibly flavorful meal that brings together tender, perfectly seasoned pork chops and creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes, all baked to golden perfection in one dish! This Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavors and hearty satisfaction with surprisingly minimal fuss. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion that feels gourmet yet is simple to achieve.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is a consistent winner in my kitchen for its sheer deliciousness and convenience. What I love most is how it combines the best of both worlds: the savory, tender pork chops, crusted with garlic and Parmesan, and the incredibly creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes that cook to fork-tender perfection underneath. Baking everything together means minimal cleanup, and all the flavors meld beautifully as it cooks. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal (after a quick sear!) that delivers maximum comfort and always leaves everyone feeling happy and full.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick) tend to stay juicier. Boneless pork chops can also be used, but watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt beautifully and form a delicious crust on the pork chops.
- Olive Oil: For searing the pork chops.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a lovely earthy, herbaceous note that complements pork well. Dried rosemary or a blend of Italian seasoning can also be used.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great for scalloped potatoes. Thinly slicing them is crucial for even cooking and a creamy texture. A mandoline slicer is very helpful here.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works great. Other good melting cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a mix would also be delicious for the scalloped potatoes.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for the rich, creamy sauce for the potatoes. Do not substitute with milk, as it may not thicken properly.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste throughout the recipe.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes baked!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Pork Chops: Season both sides of the 4 pork chops generously with half of the minced garlic (2 cloves), the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Press the seasonings lightly into the pork chops to ensure they adhere.
- Sear Pork Chops: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or a large stainless steel pan works well for transitioning to the oven) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until they are beautifully browned and have a nice crust. Remove the seared pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Prepare Scalloped Potatoes: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the contents of the pan (or lightly wipe it out and use a 9×13-inch baking dish). Arrange the 4 cups of thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish. You can overlap them slightly.
- Assemble Potatoes & Cream Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of heavy cream with the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour this creamy cheese mixture evenly over the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring the potatoes are well coated.
- Nestle Pork Chops & Bake: Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop. The top should be golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices from the pork chops to redistribute and the potatoes to set slightly.
Tips for Success
- Thinly Slice Potatoes: This is crucial for evenly cooked and creamy scalloped potatoes. A mandoline slicer is ideal for consistent 1/4-inch slices.
- Don’t Overcook Pork Chops: Pork chops should be cooked to 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness and juiciness. They will carryover cook slightly. Overcooking leads to dry pork.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the pork chops before baking creates a delicious browned crust and adds depth to the dish.
- Heavy Cream is Key: Don’t substitute heavy cream with milk for the potatoes; heavy cream provides the necessary richness and ensures the sauce thickens properly.
- Season in Layers: Season both the pork chops and the potato mixture for best overall flavor.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the pork chops stay juicy and the potatoes set, making for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a complete and satisfying meal, perfect for a hearty dinner:
- Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: For an added fresh vegetable.
- Crusty Bread: To soak up any remaining creamy sauce.
- For other incredibly comforting pork and potato dishes, consider our Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes for a hands-off approach.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken considerably.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger amounts, you can cover it loosely with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot and bubbly. The potatoes might soften slightly.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish due to the cream-based sauce (which can separate) and the cooked potatoes (which can become mealy upon thawing).
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the savory, cheesy, and comforting nature of this pork chop and potato bake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic hearty and flavorful recipes:
- For another incredibly flavorful skillet meal with Southern charm, try This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of rich, savory rice dishes, our Texas Pecan Rice is a unique side.
- And for a complete, hearty chicken and potato meal all cooked in one pan, check out our One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes with Buttery Herb Sauce!
- Finally, for another incredibly tender meat dish served with creamy potatoes, our Lamb Shank with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a luxurious choice.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising tender pork, creamy potatoes, and rich, cheesy goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite way to prepare pork chops? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
Leave a Reply