Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops With Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

If you're looking for a meal that combines crispy, savory pork chops with rich and cheesy scalloped potatoes, this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe will satisfy all your cravings. The pork chops are seasoned with garlic and Parmesan for a burst of flavor, while the scalloped potatoes are layered with a creamy cheese sauce that makes this dish irresistibly comforting. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a weekend treat, this combo is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, comforting meal step by step!

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What Are Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes?

This recipe brings together two hearty and flavorful dishes in one: Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops, which are seasoned and baked until crispy and golden, and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, where thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked until bubbly. The garlic Parmesan flavors of the pork complement the richness of the scalloped potatoes, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or holidays.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup milk (or buttermilk, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

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Ingredients List for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon gold or Russet potatoes work best), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon thyme (optional, for added flavor)

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Ingredients List for Garnishes (Optional)

• Chopped parsley – Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Extra grated Parmesan – For sprinkling over the top.
• Crumbled bacon – Adds extra flavor and crunch to the potatoes.

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible and easy to customize to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Cheese options: Use Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese for different flavors in the scalloped potatoes.
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based milk alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
• Vegetable add-ins: You can add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to the scalloped potatoes for extra nutrition and texture.
• Meat variations: For a lighter option, you can use chicken breasts or thighs in place of pork chops.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. Make the cream sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Add the cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, if using.

4. Layer the potatoes
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Layer the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce.

5. Bake the scalloped potatoes
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top. Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

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For the Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops:

1. Prepare the breading station
In one shallow dish, whisk together the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and milk.

2. Bread the pork chops
Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the pork chops.

3. Sear the pork chops
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You’re not fully cooking the pork chops at this stage—just giving them a nice crust.

4. Bake the pork chops
Transfer the skillet with the seared pork chops to the oven (or place them on a baking sheet if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Bake in the preheated oven alongside the scalloped potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).

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5. Rest the pork chops and finish the potatoes
Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Check the scalloped potatoes—if they aren’t yet golden and bubbly, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

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How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

This quick guide will help you achieve perfectly crispy pork chops and tender, cheesy scalloped potatoes:

1. Make the cream sauce first: Start by preparing the cheesy cream sauce for the potatoes to save time while prepping the rest of the dish.
2. Layer the potatoes evenly: Overlapping the potato slices helps them cook evenly and ensures they are fully covered by the creamy cheese sauce.
3. Bread and sear the pork chops: Searing the pork chops before baking gives them a crispy crust while ensuring they cook fully in the oven without drying out.
4. Bake both together: Save time by baking the pork chops and scalloped potatoes together in the oven.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Undercooking the potatoes: Make sure to bake the scalloped potatoes until they are tender. Use a fork to check if the potatoes are soft all the way through.
• Overcooking the pork chops: Pork chops can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and no higher.
• Not stirring the cheese sauce enough: Stir constantly when adding the milk to the roux to avoid lumps. Make sure the cheese is fully melted into the sauce for a smooth consistency.
• Too thick potato slices: Slice the potatoes thinly (about ⅛-inch) to ensure they cook evenly. If they’re too thick, they may remain undercooked in the center.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some tips to serve and present your Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in a way that looks as good as it tastes:

1. Serve family-style: Place the pork chops on a platter and serve the scalloped potatoes straight from the baking dish for a casual, family-friendly presentation.
2. Garnish for color: Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top of the pork chops and potatoes for a pop of color.
3. Add a green side: Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add freshness and balance to the rich dish.

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How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This dish is a hearty, complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to round it out:

• With a green vegetable: Serve with sautéed spinach, roasted Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a touch of brightness and color.
• With a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the potatoes and pork chops.
• With crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up any leftover cheesy sauce from the potatoes.

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Elevate the presentation of this comforting meal with these tips:

• Platter presentation: Serve the pork chops on a large platter with the cheesy scalloped potatoes alongside them for a family-style meal.
• Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the pork chops and potatoes for a fresh finish and added color.
• Serve in individual ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, serve the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets.

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Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can assemble the scalloped potatoes up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Reheat leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork chops in the oven at 350°F to keep them crispy, and reheat the potatoes in the microwave or oven.
• Add extra toppings: For a twist, top the scalloped potatoes with crumbled bacon or extra cheese before baking for an extra indulgent dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked.
2. Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
   Yes, boneless pork chops work just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless chops tend to cook faster.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   The pork chops can be frozen, but scalloped potatoes don’t freeze well due to the dairy content. It’s best to enjoy the potatoes fresh or reheated from the fridge.
4. What’s the best cheese for scalloped potatoes?
   Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic, but you can mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food meal—rich, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With crispy, flavorful pork chops paired with creamy, cheesy potatoes, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy this hearty, satisfying meal with your favorite sides, and get ready for rave reviews!

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