Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes will be a guaranteed hit with your family and friends. Combining the rich, savory taste of garlic and Parmesan with tender pork chops and creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. Keep reading to discover the ingredients, detailed instructions, and pro tips to make this mouth-watering meal. Let's dive into this irresistible dish!

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What Are Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops?

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are thick, juicy pork chops coated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. This simple yet satisfying recipe offers a delicious combination of crispy, cheesy crust on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. The addition of cheesy scalloped potatoes as a side completes the meal, making it a comforting and well-balanced dish.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients List for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

To prepare the perfect side dish, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds great flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
• Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

To tailor this recipe to your liking, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• For the Pork Chops:
  • You can use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor, or boneless for a quicker cooking time.
  • For a lighter option, use chicken breasts instead of pork chops.
• For the Breadcrumbs:
  • Swap out regular breadcrumbs for Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
  • You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• For the Cheese:
  • Try mixing different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella in both the pork chop coating and the scalloped potatoes for varied flavor.
  • Add a bit of blue cheese or goat cheese to the scalloped potatoes for a tangy kick.
• For the Potatoes:
  • Sweet potatoes can be used in place of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
  • You can add sautéed onions or crispy bacon bits between the potato layers for additional depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This recipe is broken down into two parts: preparing the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops and the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Let’s start with the scalloped potatoes since they take a bit longer to cook.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

1. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Potatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all potatoes are covered.
5. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to allow the top to brown and become bubbly.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Dip each chop into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to coat both sides evenly.
3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops on each side for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. This step locks in the juices and creates a nice crust.
4. Bake the Pork Chops: Transfer the seared pork chops to a baking sheet or a separate oven-safe skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the cooking process for the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the breadcrumb coating by mixing Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Coat the pork chops thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Sear the pork chops in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
5. Transfer the pork chops to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
6. Serve the pork chops hot with a side of cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pork Chops: Pork can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Undercooking the Potatoes: Ensure the potato slices are thin and even so they cook uniformly. If they’re too thick, they may not soften properly.
• Skipping the Searing Step: Searing the pork chops locks in moisture and gives them a nice crispy crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Using Cold Ingredients: For best results, make sure the butter, milk, and cream for the scalloped potatoes are at room temperature to prevent the sauce from curdling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, presentation matters! Follow these tips to impress your guests:

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• Place the pork chops on a large platter and arrange the cheesy scalloped potatoes on the side.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
• Serve with a light, fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• Stack the pork chops slightly overlapping on a platter, with the golden-brown crust visible.
• Serve the scalloped potatoes in a cast-iron skillet or rustic baking dish for a homestyle touch.
• Drizzle a bit of extra cheese sauce over the pork chops or serve it in a small gravy boat on the side for dipping.

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe Tips

• Resting Time: After baking, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices and enhances the flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the scalloped potatoes a day in advance. Simply refrigerate and bake when ready.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so check the internal temperature after 15-20 minutes in the oven.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones, and check that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the scalloped potatoes?

Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed onions between the potato layers can add flavor and nutrition.

4. How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from curdling?

Make sure to warm the milk and cream slightly before adding them to the sauce, and avoid boiling the mixture to prevent curdling.

5. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the pork chops crispy.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a delightful, hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The combination of crispy, flavorful pork chops and creamy, cheesy potatoes is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re following the recipe as-is or trying one of the suggested variations, this meal is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Try it out today, and don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with your loved ones!

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