Savor Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!

If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to throw together, look no further than these Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This all-in-one dish combines tender, juicy pork chops seasoned to perfection with a garlic-Parmesan crust, nestled atop a bed of creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. It’s a dinnertime winner that’s sure to have your family raving!

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Why Garlic and Parmesan Work So Well Together

The dynamic duo of garlic and Parmesan cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. Garlic’s bold, savory notes perfectly complement the salty, nutty flavors of Parmesan, creating a flavor profile that’s irresistible. When you coat pork chops in this garlicky Parmesan mixture, it forms a delectable crust that seals in the juices, resulting in pork that’s incredibly moist and flavorful.

The Comfort of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

No Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops dish would be complete without a hearty side of cheesy scalloped potatoes. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the savory pork, while the tender potato slices soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s a comforting, satisfying combination that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Pork Chops

For this recipe, you’ll want to use thick-cut, 1-inch pork chops, either bone-in or boneless. The thickness ensures the pork stays juicy and tender as it bakes. Boneless chops are a bit easier to work with, but bone-in chops add an extra layer of flavor.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients

To create the cheesy scalloped potatoes, you’ll need:

• Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

The key is to slice the potatoes evenly so they cook through perfectly and soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

To truly elevate this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops dish, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and thinly sliced potatoes will make all the difference in the final result. Take the extra time to prep your ingredients, and you’ll be rewarded with a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish

Before you get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure your potatoes and pork chops cook evenly and the cheese sauce doesn’t stick to the pan.

Layering the Potatoes for Optimal Flavor

Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in overlapping rows in the prepared baking dish. This layered approach allows the potatoes to cook through and soak up all the cheesy goodness.

Making the Cheese Sauce: Tips and Techniques

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, along with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy, cheesy sauce is the key to making your scalloped potatoes irresistible.

Seasoning the Pork Chops to Perfection

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful mixture all over both sides of the pork chops, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Baking the Scalloped Potatoes

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potato slices in the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the cheese sauce to thicken.

How to Nestle Pork Chops for Even Cooking

After the potatoes have baked for 30 minutes, remove the foil and nestle the seasoned pork chops right on top of the potatoes. This allows the pork chops to cook alongside the potatoes, ensuring everything is done at the same time.

Achieving the Perfect Internal Temperature

Continue baking the dish, uncovered, for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork is cooked through and still deliciously juicy.

Understanding the Broiling Process

For the final touch, switch your oven to the broil setting and let the dish cook for 2-3 minutes. This will lightly brown and crisp up the tops of the pork chops and potatoes, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Letting the Dish Rest Before Serving

Once the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops and scalloped potatoes are done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist and flavorful.

Garnishing with Fresh Parsley

For a final touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish before serving. This optional garnish adds a vibrant pop of flavor and makes the dish even more visually appealing.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

These Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are a complete meal in themselves, but you can also serve them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the delicious juices. For a beverage pairing, a crisp white wine or a bold red would both complement the dish beautifully.

Storing Leftovers: Tips for Best Results

If you have any leftovers, store the pork chops and scalloped potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pork chops will keep for 3-4 days, while the potatoes can be enjoyed for up to 5 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth to the potatoes to revive their creamy texture.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Potatoes
• Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops
• Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

FAQs

How far ahead of time can you make scalloped potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes can be made up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to serve, bake as directed in the recipe.

How to keep pork chops moist after cooking?

The key to keeping pork chops moist after cooking is to let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from drying out. Basting the chops with the pan juices or a bit of butter or olive oil can also help retain moisture.

What goes well with parmesan crusted pork chops?

Parmesan crusted pork chops pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. The nutty, savory Parmesan crust complements hearty, comforting side dishes perfectly.

What meat goes with cheesy scalloped potatoes?

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic pairing with pork, making this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops dish a match made in heaven. Baked ham, roasted chicken, and sausage also make delicious companions to the creamy, cheesy potato dish.

Conclusion

When you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love, look no further than these Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. The irresistible combination of savory pork, garlic-Parmesan crust, and creamy, cheesy potatoes is sure to become a new dinnertime staple. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s worthy of a standing ovation!

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