Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake
1. Introduction to the Dish
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with these Creamy Garlic Pork Chops paired perfectly with a Cheesy Potato Bake. This dish brings together tender pork chops simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce and creamy, cheesy potatoes that make for a satisfying side.
2. Gathering Ingredients
To create this culinary delight, gather the following ingredients: four boneless pork chops, olive oil, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, fresh thyme, and seasonings for the pork. For the potato bake, you’ll need large potatoes, additional heavy cream and milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic, thyme, and seasonings.
3. Preparing the Pork Chops
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the pork chops. Once ready, place the pork chops in the skillet, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown crust.
4. Creating the Garlic Cream Sauce
After browning the pork chops, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, sautéing it until fragrant. This will infuse the oil with delicious garlic flavor, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
5. Simmering the Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring in fresh thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This creamy sauce will envelop the pork chops, adding richness to the dish.
6. Cooking the Pork Chops
Return the pork chops to the skillet, making sure they are nestled in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This slow cooking ensures the pork is juicy and fully cooked through, soaking up all the flavors from the sauce.
7. Preparing the Cheesy Potato Bake
While the pork chops are cooking, turn your attention to the Cheesy Potato Bake. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, heating it until just simmering. This creamy mixture will serve as the foundation for your cheesy potatoes.
8. Layering the Potatoes
Grease a baking dish and begin layering the thinly sliced potatoes. Arrange them evenly to ensure each layer cooks thoroughly. Pour the heated cream mixture over the potatoes, allowing it to seep between the slices, infusing them with flavor.
9. Adding Cheese
To finish off the Cheesy Potato Bake, generously sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese. This will melt into a bubbly, golden layer as the dish bakes, adding a rich flavor and creamy texture that complements the pork chops perfectly.
10. Baking and Serving
Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once ready, serve the creamy garlic pork chops alongside the cheesy potato bake for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Here’s the detailed recipe for Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake:
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear the Pork Chops: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake: While the pork is cooking, grease a baking dish. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat until just simmering.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, overlapping slightly to create even layers.
- Add Cream Mixture: Pour the heated cream mixture over the layered potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes.
- Bake and Serve: Place the potato bake in the oven alongside the pork chops. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve together for a delightful meal.
Enjoy your creamy and cheesy dinner!