Looking for a delicious dinner that combines juicy, flavorful pork chops with rich, cheesy potatoes? This Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food combo. The pork chops are seasoned with garlic and Parmesan, then perfectly seared and baked, while the cheesy scalloped potatoes are creamy, rich, and packed with layers of flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special family meal, offering a wonderful balance of juicy meat, creamy cheese, and savory potatoes. Ready to treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable meal? Let’s dive into the recipe!
What Are Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a hearty, comfort food dish featuring pan-seared pork chops topped with a flavorful garlic-Parmesan crust, paired with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. The potatoes are thinly sliced and layered with a rich cheese sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a balanced meal with savory, juicy pork and indulgent cheesy potatoes that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
To make the perfect Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1 inch thick): Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier during baking, but boneless also works great.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The key ingredient for that crispy, cheesy coating.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: For the garlic flavor that complements the pork perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the pork chops.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the pork chops before baking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the pan when searing.
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
To make the ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, you’ll need:
- 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ¼ inch thick): Russets hold their shape well when baked.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a rich, creamy sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Helps balance the richness of the cream.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For the cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds extra depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a nice garlic flavor to the cheese sauce.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing the garlic and starting the cheese sauce.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the sauce and potatoes.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Optional Add-ins)
Want to add even more flavor and texture? Here are some optional ingredients you can include:
- Sliced onions: Layer some thinly sliced onions between the potato layers for extra sweetness.
- Crumbled bacon: For added smokiness and richness, sprinkle cooked bacon between the layers of potatoes.
- Chopped chives or green onions: Sprinkle on top of the scalloped potatoes for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pork chops: You can substitute pork chops with chicken breasts or thighs for a different protein option.
- Cheese options: Try using Gruyère, mozzarella, or a cheese blend to switch up the flavor of the scalloped potatoes.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version of the dish.
- Gluten-free: Omit the flour in the cheese sauce or use a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get started on making this delicious meal. We’ll prepare the cheesy scalloped potatoes first, followed by the garlic Parmesan pork chops.
How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and thick.
- Layer the potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Add the remaining potatoes on top and cover them with the remaining cheese sauce.
- Bake the scalloped potatoes: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Let the potatoes rest while you prepare the pork chops.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
- Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the pork chops generously with the seasoning mixture on both sides.
- Sear the pork chops: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake the pork chops: Once the pork chops are seared, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking or overcooking the pork chops: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to avoid dryness.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Keep an eye on the scalloped potatoes once they’re uncovered. You want a golden-brown top, but avoid drying out the dish.
- Too thick or too thin potato slices: Aim for uniform slices around ¼-inch thick for even cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This dish is all about comfort and indulgence, so serve it family-style or on individual plates with complementary sides.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Family-style: Serve the pork chops and scalloped potatoes directly from the skillet and baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves at the table.
- Plated meal: Plate one pork chop with a generous scoop of cheesy scalloped potatoes alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
- With sides: Pair this dish with steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh side salad to round out the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the pork chops and scalloped potatoes for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Rustic serving: Serve the pork chops on a wooden board or in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, hearty presentation.
- Layered plating: Place a spoonful of cheesy scalloped potatoes in the center of the plate and top with a garlic Parmesan pork chop for a more elegant presentation.
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can prepare the scalloped potatoes up to a day in advance. Simply bake, let cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat covered in the oven when ready to serve.
- Double the recipe: If you’re cooking for a larger group, simply double the recipe and bake the scalloped potatoes in a larger dish or two smaller dishes.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork chops and scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain their crispiness and creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe? Yes, boneless pork chops work well, but they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Check the internal temperature after 8-10 minutes in the oven.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pork chops and scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Can I freeze the scalloped potatoes? Yes, scalloped potatoes freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese? You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor.
- How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce, or replace it with cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is the perfect meal for when you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and full of flavor. The combination of crispy, flavorful pork chops and rich, creamy potatoes makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Pork Chops With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a comforting, flavor-packed meal. The pork chops are crusted with garlic and Parmesan, then baked until crispy and golden, while the scalloped potatoes are layered with rich, creamy cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, combining the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and melted cheddar cheese in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Russet potatoes
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Onion (thinly sliced)
- Garlic powder
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and minced garlic. Coat the pork chops with olive oil, then press them into the Parmesan mixture.
- Arrange the pork chops on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- For the potatoes, layer thinly sliced potatoes and onions in the baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until warm. Pour over the potatoes, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the scalloped potatoes alongside the pork chops for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve pork chops with cheesy scalloped potatoes and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Add extra herbs like rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for more flavor.
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère in the potatoes for a richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with potatoes
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
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