A Perfectly Juicy and Flavorful Meal
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen. The pork chops are seared to perfection, then bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a tender and juicy bite. Paired with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, this meal is both satisfying and elegant enough for a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Juicy & Flavorful – The garlic butter sauce enhances the pork chops with rich, savory notes.
- Creamy Comfort – The mashed potatoes are velvety smooth and pair perfectly with the pork.
- Customizable – Can be adjusted with different seasonings and sides to fit your preference.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Add butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in sour cream if using, and mix until fully incorporated. Cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the pork chops to the pan and spoon the garlic butter over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and place the garlic butter pork chops on top.
- Drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the pork chops.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes – Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Herb Butter Pork Chops – Mix fresh parsley, basil, or chives into the butter for a more aromatic dish.
- Smoky Flavor – Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Keto Option – Replace mashed potatoes with creamy cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative.
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the pork seasoning.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months; pork chops freeze well for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Warm pork chops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep them moist. Microwave mashed potatoes with a little milk to maintain their creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer and remove the pork chops from heat once they reach 145°F. Let them rest before serving.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Bone-in pork chops add more flavor and stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may take a bit longer.
What’s the best potato variety for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes create the creamiest texture, while russet potatoes give a fluffier consistency.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and reheat them with extra milk. The pork chops are best served fresh but can be reheated gently.
What other sides go well with this dish?
Steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad make excellent sides.
Can I cook pork chops in the oven instead?
Yes, sear them first, then bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until they reach 145°F internally.
How do I make mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Use warm milk and melted butter, and don’t over-mash to avoid a gluey texture. Adding sour cream helps too.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter provides a richer flavor. If using margarine, choose one without too much water content.
What’s a good substitute for sour cream in mashed potatoes?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used for a tangy and creamy texture.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter alternatives and unsweetened almond or oat milk for the mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a simple yet indulgent meal that brings together rich, buttery flavors with tender, juicy pork. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of savory and creamy goodness!
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy garlic butter pork chops seared to perfection and paired with creamy mashed potatoes. A rich, flavorful, and easy comfort food dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
- Add butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in sour cream if using. Cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and stir in minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return pork chops to the pan, spooning garlic butter over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the mashed potatoes and top with the garlic butter pork chops.
- Drizzle remaining butter sauce over the pork chops.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs if desired.
Notes
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
- Herb Butter Pork Chops: Mix fresh parsley, basil, or chives into the butter.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika for a deeper taste.
- Keto Option: Replace mashed potatoes with creamy cauliflower mash.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: pan searing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, creamy mashed potatoes, easy pork chops recipe, skillet pork chops, comfort food recipe
