Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops paired with creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This recipe combines tender pork chops seasoned with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, alongside layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a decadent cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion, these dishes are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pork Chops:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Coat with Garlic and Parmesan Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, dried thyme, dried oregano, and paprika. Coat each pork chop evenly with this mixture.
- Sear Pork Chops:
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Finish in Oven:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- Prepare Potatoes:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning:
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer Potatoes and Cheese Sauce:
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot alongside the garlic Parmesan pork chops.
Cooking Notes
- Pork Chop Thickness: Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your pork chops to ensure they are cooked through but still juicy.
- Potato Slicing: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform potato slices for even cooking.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: Adjust the milk and cheese ratio to achieve your preferred thickness for the cheese sauce.
Variations
Herb-Crusted Pork Chops
For a herbier flavor profile, add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the bread crumb mixture.
Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin
Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version of the scalloped potatoes. Adjust baking time as needed.
Keto Version
Ingredients for Keto Version
- Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced turnips or rutabaga.
- Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs for the pork chops.
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for the cheese sauce.
Low Carb Version
Ingredients for Low Carb Version
- Use sweet potatoes or a mix of sweet potatoes and turnips for the scalloped potatoes.
- Replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Opt for a lower-carb milk alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk in the cheese sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes offer a delightful balance of savory flavors and creamy textures that make every bite a true culinary delight. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to please. Experiment with different herbs and variations to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent dish, and savor the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing a meal that brings joy and warmth to the table.
