Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Pork chops paired with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes create the perfect comfort meal! This Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also quite simple to prepare, making it a hit for family dinners or even casual gatherings. Each bite is packed with savory garlic and parmesan flavor, combined with tender pork and velvety potatoes baked to perfection. Let’s get cooking! Read on to discover everything you need to know to nail this recipe from start to finish.

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What Are Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the tender, juicy goodness of pork chops with the rich, cheesy layers of scalloped potatoes. The pork chops are coated in a delicious garlic and parmesan crust, while the potatoes are baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. It’s a one-pan dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

Here’s what you’ll need to make the pork chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat

Additional Ingredient Notes:

• Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops work best for this recipe as they remain tender and juicy when cooked. However, boneless chops can be substituted if preferred.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred over pre-grated for better flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, gather the following:

• 4 large russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Additional Ingredient Notes:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes because they hold their shape and have a starchy texture that thickens the sauce.
• Cheese: Cheddar is commonly used, but you can also mix it with Gruyère or mozzarella for extra richness.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate various dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Here are some ideas:

• Pork Chop Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of pork, you can substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts or thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking times as chicken may cook faster.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to switch out the cheddar for Gruyère, gouda, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles. A blend of cheeses will add even more depth to the scalloped potatoes.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make the recipe gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs (if using breadcrumbs to coat the pork chops).
• Herb Variations: Thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added to the garlic parmesan coating on the pork chops or in the potatoes for more flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick). In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and stir until warmed through.
3. Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
4. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
5. Prepare the Pork Chops: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the pork chops. In a shallow dish, mix the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat each pork chop with olive oil, then press both sides of the chops into the Parmesan mixture to coat evenly.
6. Cook the Pork Chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil, then sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Step 2: Mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Step 3: Rub the pork chops with olive oil and coat them in the Parmesan mixture.
• Step 4: Sear the pork chops in a skillet until golden brown on each side.
• Step 5: Bake the pork chops in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Step 6: Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pork Chops: Pork chops can become tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.
• Undercooking the Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly so they cook through in the allotted time. Thicker slices may require additional time.
• Not Layering the Potatoes Properly: Distribute the cheese and cream evenly between the layers to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautifully plated dish enhances the dining experience. Here are some tips for serving and presenting your Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

• Garnish: Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be used to garnish both the pork chops and potatoes. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Plating: Serve the pork chops on top of a bed of cheesy scalloped potatoes or alongside them for a neat, organized presentation. Drizzle a bit of extra cream sauce from the scalloped potatoes over the pork chops for added flavor.
• Side Dishes: Round out the meal with a fresh green vegetable like roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple garden salad.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• Place one pork chop on each plate with a generous serving of cheesy scalloped potatoes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• Serve the pork chops on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look, with the scalloped potatoes arranged in individual ramekins or bowls.
• For a more elegant presentation, slice the pork chops and fan the slices over the potatoes, finishing with a drizzle of cream sauce and fresh herbs.

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe Tips

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: You can marinate the pork chops in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before coating them in the Parmesan mixture for an extra boost of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: The scalloped potatoes can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Crust Variation: For a crispier crust, you can coat the pork chops in panko breadcrumbs along with the Parmesan mixture before searing and baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the scalloped potatoes in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. The pork chops are best cooked fresh, but you can coat them with the Parmesan mixture ahead of time.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?
A: Yes, boneless pork chops can be used. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster than bone-in chops.

Q: What other cheeses can I use for the scalloped potatoes?
A: You can substitute or combine cheddar with Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda for a more complex flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal that delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. With crispy, juicy pork chops and rich, creamy potatoes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out for your next dinner and watch everyone ask for seconds!

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