Garlic Herb Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

A hearty and comforting meal all in one dish—tender, golden-seared pork chops infused with garlic and herbs, paired with a rich, creamy cheddar potato bake. This satisfying dinner comes together beautifully in the oven with minimal prep.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 boneless pork chops

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Potato Bake:

• 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized ovenproof dish.

2. Sear the Pork Chops

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Season pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic.

• Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through.

• Transfer to a plate and set aside. They will finish cooking in the oven.

3. Assemble the Cheesy Potato Bake

• In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer.

• Season lightly with salt, pepper, and ¼ tsp garlic powder.

• Sprinkle half the cheese over the potatoes.

• Repeat with remaining potatoes, garlic powder, and cheese.

• Pour ½ cup heavy cream evenly over the top.

• Dot with butter pieces.

4. Bake the Potatoes (Part 1)

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Add Pork Chops & Bake Again

• After 30 minutes, remove the foil.

• Place the seared pork chops directly on top of the partially cooked potatoes.

• Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until:

  • Potatoes are fork-tender.

  • Pork chops are cooked through (internal temp of 145°F/63°C).

  • The top is bubbling and golden.

6. Rest & Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes for easier slicing.

️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• A crisp green salad (vinaigrette or ranch)

• Steamed green beans or roasted carrots

• A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, chives) on top

Variations & Tips

• Add onions: Thinly sliced onions can be layered with the potatoes for extra flavor.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the pork seasoning.

• Swap cheeses: Try gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

• Make it one-pan: If your skillet is oven-safe, sear the chops and bake everything in the same pan.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through (15–20 minutes). The microwave also works in short bursts, but potatoes may soften.

• Freezer: You can freeze the potato bake portion for up to 2 months. Pork chops may dry out after freezing and reheating, so fresh is best.

Quick Recipe Recap

Garlic Herb Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

• Sear seasoned pork chops with garlic and herbs.

• Layer thin potatoes with cheddar, cream, and garlic powder.

• Bake potatoes covered 30 min → add chops → bake uncovered 15–20 min.

• Rest, serve, and enjoy the cheesy, savory comfort!