Savory Garlic Butter Pork Delight– Dinnertime just got a whole lot better with these Savory Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake! 
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
☑️4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
☑️3 tablespoons olive oil
☑️4 tablespoons butter (divided)
☑️4 cloves garlic, minced
☑️2 sprigs fresh thyme
☑️Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Potato Bake:
☑️4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
☑️1 medium onion, thinly sliced
☑️2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
☑️1 cup milk
☑️1/2 cup sour cream
☑️2 tablespoons butter
☑️1 teaspoon garlic powder
☑️Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1️⃣. Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣. Make the Cheesy Potato Bake
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Layer half the potatoes, cooked onions, and cheddar cheese in the prepared baking dish.
Warm the milk and sour cream together and pour evenly over the layers. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3️⃣. Sear the Pork Chops
While the potatoes bake, season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops until golden brown on both sides.
In the same skillet, make the garlic butter by melting the remaining butter, adding minced garlic and thyme. Spoon the garlic butter over the pork chops.
4️⃣. Combine and Finish
After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the potato bake. Arrange the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes and drizzle with garlic butter.
Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes, until the pork chops are fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
5️⃣. Serving
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy creating this irresistible dish in your kitchen—it will become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520 per serving
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Savory Garlic Butter Pork Delight
1. What cut of pork is best for Savory Garlic Butter Pork Delight? The best cuts for this recipe are pork chops, pork tenderloin, or boneless pork loin. These cuts cook quickly and stay juicy, especially when seared and coated with garlic butter.
2. Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless? Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops. However, keep in mind that bone-in cuts may take a little longer to cook than boneless ones. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
3. How do I prevent the pork from drying out? To keep your pork juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer and remove the pork from the heat as soon as it reaches 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to retain moisture.
4. Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes, you can marinate the pork with garlic, butter, and seasonings ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
5. What sides pair well with Savory Garlic Butter Pork Delight? This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh side salad. Garlic bread or dinner rolls can also be a great addition.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low to medium heat with a small amount of butter or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid using the microwave as it may dry out the meat.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
8. Can I cook this in an air fryer? Absolutely! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Cook the pork for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. How much garlic should I use? The recipe typically calls for 4-6 garlic cloves, minced, but you can adjust this amount according to your personal taste preferences.
10. Can I add other seasonings or herbs? Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper can add depth and spice to the dish.
11. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all the ingredients you use (like seasonings and butter) do not contain gluten. Always check product labels to be sure.
12. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze cooked pork in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
13. How long does it take to cook? The cooking time depends on the cut and thickness of the pork. For pork chops, it typically takes 4-5 minutes per side when pan-seared. Pork tenderloin may take 20-25 minutes when roasted in the oven.
14. What cooking method works best for this recipe? Pan-searing is one of the best methods as it creates a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. You can also bake, grill, or air-fry the pork for similar results.
15. Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar? Fresh garlic is recommended for maximum flavor, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavor might not be as robust.
16. How do I know if the pork is done? The most accurate way to check doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the pork, ensuring it reads 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the heat.
17. Can I add vegetables to cook with the pork? Yes, vegetables like carrots, green beans, asparagus, and potatoes can be cooked alongside the pork. Add them to the pan once the pork is partially cooked to avoid overcooking them.
18. What can I use instead of pork? If you’d like a substitute, you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or turkey cutlets. Cook them using the same garlic butter technique but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
19. Is this dish spicy? No, the Savory Garlic Butter Pork Delight is not inherently spicy. If you’d like to add heat, you can sprinkle in some chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot paprika.
20. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double or triple the recipe as needed. Ensure you do not overcrowd the pan if searing, as it may prevent proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
