This comforting and flavorful dish pairs juicy garlic Parmesan pork chops with rich and creamy scalloped potatoes. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops: Choose thick, boneless pork chops for the best results. They should be about 1-inch thick to ensure they stay juicy during cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the pork chops.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the pork chops to create a golden-brown crust.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the pork chops.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps create a crispy crust.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs: Provides texture and a crunchy coating for the pork chops.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes a slightly minty, peppery flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild sweetness to the breading.
For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape while becoming tender.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Forms the base of the roux for the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Creates a creamy sauce for the potatoes.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a rich, cheesy flavor. You can also mix in some Gruyère or Parmesan for added depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
- Season the pork chops: Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the Parmesan mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, dried thyme, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the pork chops: Press each pork chop into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
- Sear the pork chops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
- Rest the pork chops: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate while you prepare the potatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the scalloped potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Bake the potatoes: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Step 3: Serve the Meal
- Plate the dish: Serve the garlic Parmesan pork chops alongside a generous portion of the cheesy scalloped potatoes.
- Enjoy: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the meal.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape well and become tender and creamy when baked.
- Don’t overcook the pork chops: Pork chops can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Layer the potatoes evenly: When assembling the scalloped potatoes, try to layer the slices evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The combination of juicy, flavorful pork chops and creamy, cheesy potatoes makes for a perfect dinner, whether you’re hosting guests or just enjoying a cozy night at home. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
