Irresistible Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Potato Bake

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight hero – these Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Creamy Potato Bake! This dish has saved me from countless “what’s for dinner?” meltdowns. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone come running when they smell that garlic butter sizzling in the pan.

I first made this for a busy Tuesday night when I needed something hearty but didn’t want to fuss. The magic happens when those juicy pork chops meet the creamy, cheesy potatoes – it’s comfort food perfection. My kids go crazy for it (even the picky one!), and my husband always asks for seconds. The best part? It all comes together in one pan with ingredients you probably already have!

That golden crust on the pork chops? Divine. The way the potatoes soak up all that garlicky butter? Heaven. And when that cheese gets all bubbly in the oven… well, let’s just say you’ll want to grab a fork right now!

Why You’ll Love This Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Creamy Potato Bake

Trust me, this dish is about to become your new weeknight superstar! Here’s why:

• That garlic butter crust – it gives the pork chops an irresistible golden sear that locks in all the juices
• Creamy, dreamy potatoes – they soak up all the delicious pan drippings and garlic butter goodness
• One-pan wonder – from stovetop to oven, minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal
• Family-approved – my picky eaters gobble this up every single time (even the potatoes!)
• Comfort food magic – it’s hearty, satisfying, and smells absolutely incredible while baking

Seriously, what’s not to love? The aroma alone will have everyone asking “when’s dinner?” before it’s even ready!

Ingredients for Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Creamy Potato Bake

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing fancy here! This is all about simple staples coming together for something magical. I always divide my shopping list into three parts (because that’s how my brain works in the kitchen):

The Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick) – trust me, bone-in gives SO much more flavor
• 1 teaspoon paprika – for that beautiful color and smoky depth
• Salt and black pepper – to taste, but don’t be shy!

The Potato Layers

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick) – a mandoline makes this breeze if you have one!
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – the richer, the better for that luscious texture
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – packed, please! More cheese never hurt anyone
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – my secret herb that makes everything taste fancy

The Garlic Butter Goodness

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided) – real butter makes all the difference
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder works in a pinch

See? Nothing complicated – just good, honest ingredients that make magic happen in the oven. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Here’s what I always grab:

• A trusty oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my go-to)
• 9×13 baking dish – or any similar size you’ve got
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for prepping those potatoes
• Optional but awesome: A mandoline slicer for perfectly even potato slices (watch those fingers!)

That’s it! Simple tools for seriously delicious results.

How to Make Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Creamy Potato Bake

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens – that glorious moment when simple ingredients transform into something spectacular. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sitting down to the most comforting meal in no time.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork Chops

First things first – heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, pat your pork chops dry (this helps them get that perfect crust!) and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling but not smoking. Add the chops – don’t crowd them! – and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden. They won’t be fully cooked yet – that’s okay! We’re just building flavor here. Transfer them to a plate and try not to nibble on them while you work on the potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Potato Layers

Now, let’s tackle those potatoes. You want them sliced about 1/8-inch thick – thin enough to cook through but thick enough to hold their shape. Arrange them in overlapping layers in your baking dish, like you’re making scalloped potatoes. Drizzle the heavy cream evenly over the top, then sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Don’t worry if it looks like there’s not enough cream – the potatoes will release moisture as they bake!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Here comes the best part! Nestle your seared pork chops right on top of the potatoes. In the same skillet you used for the chops, melt the remaining butter and sauté the garlic just until fragrant – about 30 seconds. Drizzle this golden goodness over everything in the baking dish. Top with that glorious shredded cheese (be generous – I won’t tell!) and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Tips for Perfect Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Creamy Potato Bake

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make it foolproof every single time:

• Bone-in chops are best – they stay juicier and add incredible flavor to the potatoes underneath
• Let it rest! Those 5 minutes after baking make all the difference – the juices redistribute perfectly
• Watch the cheese – if it’s browning too fast, just tent loosely with foil
• Slice potatoes evenly – this ensures everything cooks at the same rate
• Don’t skip the sear – that golden crust is flavor gold!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have restaurant-worthy results right from your own kitchen!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Listen, I know we don’t always have exactly what a recipe calls for – and that’s okay! Here are my favorite ways to switch things up when needed:

• Cheese swap: No cheddar? Mozzarella works beautifully, or try Gruyère for something fancier
• Potato options: Sweet potatoes add a fun twist (just slice them extra thin)
• Herb variations: Rosemary or sage instead of thyme – whatever’s fresh in your garden!
• Dairy alternatives: Half-and-half works if you’re out of heavy cream

The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this beauty! A simple green bean almondine or crisp garden salad cuts perfectly through the richness. For wine lovers, a chilled Chardonnay pairs magically with the garlic butter flavors. And don’t forget – crusty bread is mandatory for soaking up every last bit of that creamy potato goodness!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk leftovers – not that there’s usually much left with this dish! If you’re lucky enough to have some, store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – trust me. Pop it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. The pork stays juicy, and the potatoes keep their creamy texture. Pro tip: sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven magic all over again!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates! Nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. For one generous serving (that’s a pork chop with potatoes), you’re looking at about:

• 520 calories
• 35g protein (hello, muscle fuel!)
• 30g carbs
• 32g fat (that’s where all the flavor lives!)

Not too shabby for such a satisfying, comforting meal, right? Just adjust portions if you’re watching your intake – though good luck stopping at just one serving!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about this recipe – let me answer the most common ones so you can make it perfectly every time!

Can I use thin pork chops instead?

You can, but I recommend sticking with 1-inch thick chops if possible. Thin chops dry out faster during baking – if that’s all you have, just reduce the initial searing time to 2 minutes per side and check them 5-10 minutes earlier in the oven.

How do I prevent dry pork chops?

The secret is in the sear and the rest! Getting that golden crust locks in juices, and letting the dish rest after baking allows the meat to reabsorb them. Also – don’t skip the bone! Bone-in chops naturally stay more moist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the potatoes and sear the chops up to a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready. You might need a few extra minutes in the oven since everything will be cold.

What if my potatoes aren’t cooking through?

Make sure they’re sliced thin (1/8-inch) and arranged in an even layer. If they’re still firm, just cover with foil and bake 10 minutes longer – the steam will finish them off without over-browning the top.

Share Your Experience

I’d love to hear how your Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Creamy Potato Bake turned out! Snap a photo and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. Did your family go crazy for it like mine always does? Drop a comment below and let me know!

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