– **Title**: Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Potatoes
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
– 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are well coated.
3. Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large sheet pan.
4. In the same bowl, rub the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the pork chops and season with salt, pepper, and any remaining spice mixture.
5. Nestle the pork chops among the potatoes on the sheet pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
8. garnished with chopped fresh parsley, serve hot. Enjoy your meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops provide great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using boneless pork loin chops or chicken breasts instead. Just remember, cooking times may vary.
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect because they’re bite-sized and cook evenly. If you’re short on baby potatoes, any small potatoes, like red or Yukon Gold, work just as well. For a low-carb version, you can substitute with cauliflower florets.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add wonderful flavor. If they’re not available, dried versions can be used—just remember to use less, about a teaspoon each, since dried herbs are more concentrated. My personal favorite swap is using Italian seasoning for a different twist!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for yellow mustard or even honey mustard. For a vegetarian version, consider using a grainy mustard for texture in salads or hearty dishes.
Honey: It balances the spices nicely. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you need a vegan sweetener, or skip it for a healthier option, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Tender?
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, but there are ways to keep them juicy! First, let the pork marinate for at least 15 minutes in a mixture of olive oil and spices. This helps infuse flavor while tenderizing the meat.
- Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before inserting the sheet pan; this ensures even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
- Let them rest after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in moist and flavorful chops.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Potatoes:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook, plus an extra couple of minutes if you want to broil for crispiness. So, in total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to perfectly roast the pork chops and potatoes.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the pork chops to the bowl and toss them well until they are nicely coated with the marinade. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes; this will help to enhance the flavors.
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
On a sheet pan, arrange the halved baby potatoes in a single layer. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over them and season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Toss the potatoes around to coat them evenly with the seasoning.
4. Create Space for the Pork Chops:
Now, gently push the seasoned potatoes to the sides of the sheet pan to create a space in the center for the pork chops. This will help them to cook evenly alongside the potatoes.
5. Brush the Mustard and Honey Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and honey. Mix them together, then brush this mixture generously over the top of each pork chop, giving them a delicious glaze.
6. Bake Everything:
Place the marinated pork chops in the center of the sheet pan. Now, bake everything in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll want the pork chops to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the potatoes to be tender and golden brown.
7. Optional Broil for Crispiness:
If you like your pork chops extra crispy, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Let Rest and Garnish:
Once they’re done, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. If you wish, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your sheet pan pork chops and potatoes are ready to serve! Dish them up while they’re warm, and enjoy this delicious and easy meal—perfect for any night of the week!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless pork chops, pork loin, or even pork tenderloin in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times – boneless chops will generally cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.
What Can I Use Instead of Baby Potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes on hand, feel free to use regular potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces. Sweet potatoes also work well for a different flavor! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different potato types may vary the time needed for tenderness.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Yes, marinating the pork chops overnight is a great idea! Just make sure to keep them covered in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors and make the meat even more tender. If you marinate for more than a few hours, decrease the salt a bit, as it can draw out too much moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops and Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the pork chops in the oven to maintain their juiciness, or you can warm both the chops and potatoes in the microwave until heated through.
