Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Before pork chops became a dinner staple, they were considered a less desirable cut of meat in early American cuisine. You'll want to master this garlic parmesan pork chop recipe that transforms an ordinary protein into a restaurant-worthy dish. These golden, crispy chops paired with creamy scalloped potatoes promise a meal that'll impress your family and elevate your weeknight cooking. Curious how a few simple ingredients can create such magic in your kitchen?
Recipe Highlights
- A classic comfort food recipe combining tender pork chops seasoned with garlic and parmesan, paired with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes baked to golden perfection.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, pan-sear pork chops to achieve a deep golden color, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal doneness.
- Layer thinly sliced potatoes (1/8-inch thick) in a buttered baking dish, creating overlapping rows and seasoning generously with cheese, herbs, and cream.
- Achieve crispy, flavorful pork chops by generously seasoning with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese before cooking.
- Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, and serve on a warm plate with scalloped potatoes garnished with fresh herbs.
History
While pork chops and parmesan have long been staples in culinary traditions, the specific garlic parmesan pork chop recipe represents a modern fusion of Italian and American cooking techniques.
You'll find that this dish evolved from traditional European flavor combinations, where peasant cooking techniques merged with regional ingredients. Italian immigrants brought parmesan cheese and garlic-forward recipes to America, while local meat preparation methods transformed classic European dishes.
The scalloped potato technique traces back to French cuisine, specifically the "gratin" method of layering thinly sliced potatoes with cream and cheese.
American home cooks adapted these techniques, creating more accessible, hearty versions that could feed large families. By the mid-20th century, this recipe became a quintessential comfort food, blending cultural culinary influences into a simple, satisfying meal.
Recipe
This classic comfort food dish combines the rich, savory flavors of garlic and parmesan with tender pork chops and creamy, cheesy potatoes.
The recipe is designed to create a satisfying meal that's both impressive and relatively simple to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
The key to success lies in careful preparation and layering of ingredients. By taking the time to slice potatoes uniformly and season the pork chops properly, home cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality meal that's sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Begin by preparing the scalloped potatoes. Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife, ensuring uniform thickness. In a greased baking dish, create alternating layers of potato slices, cream, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese. Start with a layer of potatoes, then pour half the cream, sprinkle half the garlic and cheese, and repeat the layers.
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the pork chops. Season the chops with salt, pepper, and remaining minced garlic. Coat the chops with the remaining parmesan cheese. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
The potatoes should bake for approximately 45 minutes until they're tender and the top is golden and crispy.
Pro tips for success include letting the pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even doneness, and allowing both the potatoes and pork chops to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
This resting period helps the meat retain its juices and allows the potato layers to set. For added convenience, the scalloped potatoes can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake, making meal preparation more flexible.
Cooking Steps
You'll want to start by preheating your oven to 375°F and carefully layering those thin potato slices in a baking dish, creating alternating layers of cream, cheese, and garlic.
Next, generously season your pork chops with the remaining parmesan and minced garlic, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
When you're ready to cook, pan-sear the chops for 4-5 minutes per side until they're beautifully golden brown.
Then let both the pork chops and scalloped potatoes rest briefly before serving this mouthwatering meal.
Step 1. Preheat and Prep Oven
Because perfectly cooked garlic parmesan pork chops start with precise oven preparation, grab your baking dish and preheat the oven to 375°F, which creates the ideal roasting temperature for both the potatoes and pork chops.
Position your oven rack in the center position to ensure even heat distribution. Take a 9×13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Confirm your oven's accuracy by using an oven thermometer, which helps guarantee consistent cooking temperatures.
- Check oven rack placement
- Prepare baking dish
- Verify temperature accuracy
Arrange your ingredients nearby, ensuring your sliced potatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and minced garlic are ready for layering. A well-organized mise en place will streamline your cooking process and help you execute the recipe smoothly.
Step 2. Layer Potato Slices Carefully
Precisely layering potato slices determines the success of your scalloped potatoes, transforming a simple side dish into a creamy, indulgent masterpiece. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly thin, aiming for 1/8-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
Key layering techniques:
- Start with a thin butter or cream base in your baking dish.
- Arrange potato slices in overlapping, slightly angled rows.
- Alternate between potato layers and cheese/garlic sprinkles.
- Press down gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Ensure each slice is slightly covered by cream or cheese.
The first layer sets the foundation for your entire dish.
Take your time, work methodically, and focus on creating uniform, compact layers that will meld together into a rich, cohesive side dish.
Precision here guarantees a luxurious scalloped potato experience.
Step 3. Season Pork Chops Generously
Four essential elements transform ordinary pork chops into a mouthwatering main course: seasoning, coating, searing, and resting.
Start by thoroughly patting the chops dry with paper towels, which helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. Season generously with:
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Minced garlic
- Grated parmesan cheese
Press the seasoning mixture firmly into both sides of the meat, ensuring even coverage. Your goal is to create a flavorful crust that'll caramelize beautifully during cooking.
Let the seasoned chops sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking, allowing the spices to penetrate and the meat to cook more evenly.
Select bone-in or boneless chops around 1-inch thick for optimal tenderness. Remember, generous seasoning is the key to developing rich, complex flavors that'll elevate your pork chops from simple to spectacular.
Step 4. Pan-Sear Pork Chops Evenly
Pan-searing pork chops requires precision and a few key techniques to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and juicy interior.
Start by heating a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point like avocado or grapeseed.
Place room-temperature pork chops in the pan, ensuring they're not overcrowded, which prevents proper browning. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, watching for a deep golden color and hearing a consistent sizzle.
Flip only once, using tongs to avoid piercing the meat and losing precious juices. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, checking with a meat thermometer.
Let the chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent result.
Step 5. Rest and Serve Dishes
After carefully preparing your garlic parmesan pork chops and scalloped potatoes, you'll want to ensure they're served at their absolute best. Remove the pork chops from the pan, letting them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
This crucial resting period prevents moisture loss, ensuring each bite remains succulent.
For optimal serving:
- Slice pork chops against the grain
- Plate scalloped potatoes first
- Arrange sliced pork chops alongside potatoes
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
When plating, use a warm dish to maintain temperature. The scalloped potatoes should be slightly set but still creamy, with a golden-brown cheese crust.
Serve immediately to capture the dish's peak flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Though simple in execution, this garlic parmesan pork chops recipe offers a delightful culinary experience that'll transform your weeknight dinner routine.
You'll find the combination of crispy, herb-crusted pork and creamy, cheesy potatoes creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
The key is precise technique: uniform potato slicing, proper protein seasoning, and careful timing.
Pro tips for success:
- Let meats rest after cooking
- Use fresh parmesan for maximum flavor
- Check internal pork temperature (145°F)
- Allow potato dish to set before serving
Mastering this recipe means elevating your home cooking skills, impressing family and guests with minimal effort.
With practice, you'll confidently create this sophisticated yet approachable dinner that balances rich flavors and textural contrasts perfectly.
