Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer Potatoes and Onions: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes and onions.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the potatoes and onions. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer with the remaining potatoes and onions. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream with minced garlic and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot (do not boil). Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish: Once done, let the cheesy potato bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Pork Chops
- Season Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear Pork Chops: Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter over the pork chops, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, basting with the butter, until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle the lemon juice over the pork chops just before removing from the skillet.
- Garnish: Garnish the pork chops with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Cheesy Potato Bake
- Even Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure the potatoes are evenly sliced, which helps them cook uniformly.
- Resting: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
- Customizable Cheese: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese in the potato bake for varied flavors.
- Garlic Butter: For an extra garlicky flavor, you can add more minced garlic to the butter mixture.
Why This Recipe Works
Combining the succulent garlic butter pork chops with a rich, cheesy potato bake creates a balanced and satisfying meal. The savory flavors of the pork complement the creamy, cheesy potatoes perfectly, making this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and delicious.
Variations to Try
- Herb Variations: Try different herbs like sage or oregano in the garlic butter for the pork chops.
- Vegetable Additions: Add thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers to the potato bake for extra vegetables.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda in the potato bake.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake, a perfect meal for any occasion that’s sure to impress!