This recipe combines juicy, tender pork chops with flavorful new potatoes, all seasoned to perfection and baked together in one pan. The potatoes absorb all the delicious flavors from the pork, making this dish both simple and incredibly tasty. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops (bone-in or boneless, as preferred)
- 1.5 lbs New Potatoes (small to medium-sized)
- 1 tablespoon Season-All Salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Aluminum Foil
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature for baking the pork chops and potatoes evenly.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the new potatoes thoroughly. Slice each potato in half, or into quarters if they are larger. This helps them cook more evenly and allows them to absorb the flavors better.
- Place the sliced potatoes in the center of a large baking pan or oven-safe dish.
- Season the Potatoes:
- Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil if desired (this helps with browning but is optional).
- Sprinkle the season-all salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and fresh parsley over the potatoes. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Season the pork chops with additional salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings. If you want, you can use the same seasoning blend as the potatoes for consistency.
- Arrange the pork chops on top of the seasoned potatoes in the pan. This allows the pork juices to flavor the potatoes as they cook.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. This will help the pork chops stay moist and tender while allowing the potatoes to cook through.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The foil helps to trap steam and cook the potatoes evenly.
- Uncover and Broil:
- After 1 hour, remove the foil from the pan. This will allow the pork chops and potatoes to brown and crisp up.
- Switch your oven setting to broil and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and the pork chops are nicely browned. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
- Check for Doneness:
- Ensure the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve:
- Once the pork chops and potatoes are nicely browned and cooked through, remove the pan from the oven.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices.
- Serve the pork chops alongside the seasoned potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Size: Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Resting Time: Allowing the pork chops to rest after baking helps them retain their juices, making them more tender.
- Broiling: Adjust the broiling time based on your oven’s strength and how golden you want the potatoes and pork chops to be.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the pan for a more hearty meal.
- Spice Variations: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pork Chops with Seasoned New Potatoes recipe is a fantastic way to create a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The potatoes’ ability to absorb the pork’s flavors makes them a perfect side dish, enhancing the overall taste of the meal. Enjoy this easy, one-pan dinner that’s sure to please the whole family!
