A Simple Yet Flavorful Dinner Recipe!
When it comes to easy, hearty meals, baked pork chops with potatoes are a classic choice that combines flavor, simplicity, and wholesome ingredients. In this recipe, bone-in pork chops and tender potatoes come together with aromatic herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering dish. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients Breakdown for the Perfect Baked Pork Chops with Potatoes
To make sure that your baked pork chops and potatoes are packed with flavor and perfectly cooked, here’s a detailed breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles in the dish:
- Bone-in Pork Chops: Opt for pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. Bone-in chops are ideal because they offer more flavor and moisture retention compared to boneless options. The bone helps the meat cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Potatoes: We recommend using medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges. This shape allows the potatoes to crisp up beautifully in the oven while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.
- Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, olive oil adds a rich, smooth flavor to both the pork chops and the potatoes. It also helps the seasonings stick and enhances the browning process.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses both the meat and potatoes with a deep, savory aroma. Garlic also provides antioxidant properties, making this dish not only delicious but nutritious as well.
- Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs offer earthy and woodsy flavors that complement the pork beautifully. Dried rosemary and thyme work well, but fresh herbs will give the dish a more vibrant and robust taste.
- Paprika: This spice adds a mild warmth and an appealing golden-red hue to the pork chops. Paprika also brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple, yet essential. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the pork and potatoes, while pepper adds a slight heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Dijon Mustard (Optional): For those who like a bit of tang, a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the pork chops offers an additional layer of complexity. It pairs particularly well with pork and herbs.
- Lemon Wedges (Optional): Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the pork and potatoes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Pork Chops and Potatoes to Perfection
1. Preheat the Oven
The first step to ensuring evenly cooked pork chops and potatoes is preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows for the perfect combination of tenderness and crispiness, cooking the potatoes until golden brown and the pork chops until juicy and flavorful.
2. Season and Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into wedges. Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the seasonings and herbs. This step ensures that the flavors permeate every bite of the potatoes.
Once coated, spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or large baking dish. Spreading them out ensures that they roast evenly, developing a deliciously crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
3. Prepare and Season the Pork Chops
Next, it’s time to prep the star of the show: the bone-in pork chops. Rub the chops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic. For an extra flavor boost, you can spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each pork chop, especially if you enjoy a tangy kick.
4. Assemble the Dish
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Lay the seasoned pork chops directly on top of the potatoes on your baking sheet or in the dish. By placing the pork on top of the potatoes, the pork juices will drip down as they cook, infusing the potatoes with even more flavor.
5. Bake Until Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), ensuring they are fully cooked but still tender and juicy. Meanwhile, the potatoes will turn golden brown and fork-tender. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the pork chops. This ensures you don’t overcook them, which could lead to dry meat.
6. Let the Pork Chops Rest and Serve
Once your pork chops and potatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven and allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes. This rest period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite succulent. Serve the dish with lemon wedges on the side if desired, for a zesty finish that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes
- Choose the Right Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier and are more flavorful than boneless varieties. They also cook more evenly in the oven, making them the perfect choice for this dish.
- Add Vegetables for a One-Pan Meal: To turn this into a complete meal, add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes so they cook evenly.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a crispier finish on both the pork chops and potatoes, you can switch the oven to the broil setting for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the dish to avoid burning.
- Experiment with Herbs and Spices: While rosemary, thyme, and paprika are the recommended spices, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as oregano, sage, or even Italian seasoning for a different twist.
- Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re short on time, you can season the pork chops and potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the dish and bake as directed.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—tender, juicy pork chops and crispy, seasoned potatoes—all in one pan. The combination of garlic, herbs, and paprika gives the dish depth of flavor without being overpowering. The addition of Dijon mustard and lemon wedges adds brightness and complexity, making the dish feel more refined than your typical weeknight dinner.
By baking everything together in the oven, the natural juices from the pork seep into the potatoes, creating a deliciously savory side. Plus, the one-pan method makes cleanup simple and quick, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of washing multiple dishes.
In conclusion, this baked pork chops and potatoes recipe is a perfect go-to for busy nights or when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete, well-rounded dinner that will impress everyone at the table.