Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Classic

 Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Classic

There’s something undeniably irresistible about a perfectly seared pork chop bathed in a buttery garlic sauce, served alongside a cloud-like pile of creamy mashed potatoes. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, these Buttery Garlic Pork Chops will never disappoint.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich and Flavorful – The combination of butter, garlic, and thyme creates a decadent sauce that enhances the natural savoriness of the pork.

✔️ Tender and Juicy Pork Chops – A perfect sear locks in moisture, while a brief simmer in chicken broth keeps them ultra-tender.

✔️ Smooth and Creamy Mashed Potatoes – With butter and heavy cream, these mashed potatoes are velvety soft and incredibly satisfying.

✔️ Quick and Easy – This dish is ready in under 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients & Their Role in the Recipe

For the Pork Chops:

4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick) – Bone-in pork chops retain moisture and flavor better than boneless.

Salt and pepper (to taste) – Enhances the pork’s natural flavor.

4 tablespoons butter – Creates a rich, nutty base for the sauce and helps achieve a golden sear.

3 cloves garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with deep, savory warmth.

1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried) – Adds a subtle earthy aroma that complements the butter and garlic.

½ cup chicken broth – Keeps the pork moist and forms the base of a light pan sauce.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds potatoes (peeled and quartered) – Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best creamy texture.

4 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor.

½ cup heavy cream – Creates an ultra-smooth and luxurious consistency.

Salt and pepper (to taste) – Balances and enhances the potatoes' natural sweetness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the potatoes – In a large pot, add peeled and quartered potatoes to salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

2. Drain and mash – Once tender, drain the potatoes and return them to the warm pot.

3. Add butter and cream – Stir in butter and heavy cream, mashing until completely smooth.

4. Season to perfection – Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix well. Keep warm while preparing the pork chops.

2. Cook the Pork Chops:

1. Season and sear – Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Golden crust – Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the garlic butter sauce – Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining butter, garlic, and thyme, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze with broth – Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.

5. Simmer the pork chops – Return the pork chops to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).

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Pro Tips for Perfect Pork Chops & Mashed Potatoes

✅ Use bone-in pork chops – They cook more evenly and stay juicier than boneless ones.

✅ Let the meat rest – After cooking, let pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them tender and juicy.

✅ Mash potatoes while warm – Cold potatoes won’t absorb butter and cream as well, leading to a gluey texture.

✅ For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a traditional masher.

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Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these delicious side pairings:

✔️ Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts – A fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the rich pork and potatoes.

✔️ Crisp green salad – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

✔️ Garlic bread – For an extra indulgent touch, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread.

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Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Comfort Meal

This Buttery Garlic Pork Chops with Smooth Mashed Potatoes recipe is the perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and creamy textures. With just a handful of ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Try this recipe tonight and experience th

e magic of buttery garlic pork chops! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and pictures in the comments below!