Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

1. Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
3. Make the Cream Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer Potatoes: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the layering process until all the potatoes and cream mixture are used.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool: Let the potato bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

2. Cook the Garlic Butter Pork Chops

1. Season Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook Pork Chops: Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the pork chops are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
5. Add Herbs: Stir in the fresh rosemary and thyme. Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Serve

1. Plate the Meal: Serve the garlic butter pork chops alongside a generous portion of the cheesy potato bake.
2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional cheese.

Tips for Success

• Tender Pork Chops: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
• Even Potato Slices: Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible for uniform cooking.
• Cream Mixture: Adjust the amount of garlic and seasoning in the cream mixture to suit your taste.

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers or onions to the potato bake for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on the cheesy potato bake.
• Herb Variations: Customize the herb blend in the garlic butter sauce based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

This meal combines the rich flavors of garlic butter pork chops with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a potato bake, making it a hearty and satisfying option for dinner. Enjoy!