Are you searching for a hearty, comforting meal that will impress your family or dinner guests? Look no further than my Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe. This mouthwatering combination features juicy, tender pork chops coated in a crispy garlic Parmesan crust, paired with layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Follow along as I share my secrets to creating this unforgettable dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to prepare this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
What are “Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes”?
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a classic comfort food pairing elevated to new heights. The pork chops are seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a savory crust that locks in moisture and delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Alongside these perfectly cooked chops, the scalloped potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy cheese sauce, creating a rich, indulgent side dish that complements the pork beautifully. This combination creates a complete meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious meal requires attention to both components. I’ll walk you through preparing each element separately, then bringing them together for perfect timing.
Preparing the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Place the sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, all of the Gruyère, and the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the fresh thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
3. Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes:
- Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Layer one-third of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Pour one-third of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat with two more layers of potatoes and sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
4. Start Baking:
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- While the potatoes are baking, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good crust.
2. Create the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic.
3. Coat the Pork Chops:
- Brush each pork chop with the garlic olive oil mixture, ensuring they’re well coated on all sides.
- Press each oiled pork chop into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat evenly and pressing the mixture onto the meat to adhere well.
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
- About 20 minutes before the potatoes are done, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the butter and let it melt.
- Place the coated pork chops in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven (which is already at 375°F for the potatoes) and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
5. Serve:
- Garnish the pork chops with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve each pork chop alongside a generous portion of the cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’d like to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Pork Chops: Substitute with boneless pork chops, but reduce cooking time slightly. You could also use chicken breasts or even thick-cut pork tenderloin medallions.
- Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option, or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
- Cheese: For the scalloped potatoes, you can substitute the Gruyère with Swiss, Fontina, or more cheddar. For a sharper flavor, try using aged white cheddar.
- Milk and Cream: For a lighter version, use all whole milk instead of heavy cream, or substitute with half-and-half.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried (use three times the amount), and you can experiment with sage, basil, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes make excellent scalloped potatoes with a buttery flavor and creamy texture. Red potatoes also work well and hold their shape nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Not Patting the Pork Chops Dry: Moisture prevents proper browning and makes it difficult for the coating to adhere. Always pat your pork chops dry before seasoning.
- Overcooking the Pork: Modern pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C). Cooking beyond this temperature can result in dry, tough meat.
- Skipping the Resting Period: Allowing the pork chops to rest after cooking is crucial for juicy results. This gives the meat time to reabsorb its juices.
- Slicing Potatoes Unevenly: Inconsistent potato slices will cook at different rates. Using a mandoline ensures even slices that will cook uniformly.
- Not Testing Potato Doneness: Always check that your potatoes are fork-tender before serving. Undercooked potatoes will ruin an otherwise perfect dish.
- Skimping on Seasoning: Both components of this dish benefit from proper seasoning. Taste your cheese sauce before assembling the scalloped potatoes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
This hearty meal is essentially complete on its own, but I like to serve it with a simple green vegetable or salad to balance the richness. A side of steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast to the creamy, savory main course. For a special touch, consider a glass of medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the flavors of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
To make your dish look as appetizing as it tastes, try these presentation ideas:
- Layered Plating: Place a portion of scalloped potatoes on one side of the plate and lean the pork chop against it on the other side.
- Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle the pork chops with finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves just before serving for a pop of color.
- Sauce Artistry: Drizzle a small amount of good quality extra virgin olive oil around the plate for an elegant touch.
- Vertical Interest: Stack thinly sliced pork (if you’re cutting the chops before serving) for height on the plate.
- Complementary Colors: Add a bright vegetable side like green beans or roasted red peppers for color contrast.
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Pork Chop Selection: Choose pork chops of equal thickness to ensure even cooking. Bone-in chops tend to have more flavor and stay juicier.
- Temperature Matters: Bringing the pork chops to room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
- Dual Cooking Method: The sear-then-bake method for the pork chops ensures a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Potato Preparation: Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, which helps prevent the sauce from becoming gluey.
- Make-Ahead Option: The scalloped potatoes can be assembled the day before and refrigerated. Just allow an extra 15 minutes of cooking time if baking from cold.
- Cheese Grating: Always grate your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Herb Infusion: For an extra flavor boost, infuse the milk and cream with a sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf while heating, then remove before adding the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
A: Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work well, but they cook faster than bone-in chops. Reduce the oven time by about 2 minutes and monitor the internal temperature closely.
Q: How can I tell when my pork chops are done without a meat thermometer?
A: While a meat thermometer is the most accurate method, you can also check doneness by making a small cut into the thickest part of the chop. The meat should be slightly pink in the center and the juices should run clear.
Q: Can I make the scalloped potatoes without heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with more whole milk or half-and-half. The dish won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.
Q: My cheese sauce is lumpy. How can I fix it?
A: If your sauce develops lumps, remove it from heat and blend it with an immersion blender, or transfer to a standard blender and pulse until smooth. Return to low heat and continue cooking.
Q: Can I prepare both components of this meal in advance?
A: The scalloped potatoes can be fully assembled and refrigerated a day ahead. For the pork chops, you can prepare the coating mixture and trim the meat in advance, but I recommend coating and cooking them just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: For leftover pork chops, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil, until just warmed through (about 10-15 minutes) to prevent drying out. Scalloped potatoes can be reheated covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
My Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. The juicy, flavorful pork chops with their crispy, herbaceous coating pair beautifully with the creamy, indulgent layers of cheesy potatoes. While the dish requires some preparation and attention to detail, the results are well worth the effort and are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.
This recipe is versatile enough for both special occasions and family dinners, and with the tips and variations I’ve provided, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences. The key to success lies in selecting quality ingredients, properly timing each component, and paying attention to the small details that elevate a good dish to a great one.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal as much as I do. There’s nothing quite like watching someone take that first bite and seeing their face light up with appreciation. Happy cooking, and may your Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring warmth and satisfaction to your table!
