This dish is all about easy cooking and tasty flavors! Juicy pork chops roast with crispy potatoes, all on one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
Who doesn’t love a meal that takes little effort but feels special? I like to toss in a few herbs for extra flavor—because we all want a little fancy in our lives, right? 😄
Cooking everything on one sheet means more time to relax and enjoy dinner. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) are so good for lunch the next day! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use boneless chops or even chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster!
Baby Potatoes: These are great because they cook evenly and are naturally sweet. If they’re not available, try using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just cut them into smaller chunks to match the cooking time of baby potatoes.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use less; about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary bring wonderful aroma. If you have fresh herbs, those will elevate the dish even more! You can substitute herbs with Italian seasoning if you need to simplify.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the pork chops is crucial for juicy, flavorful meat. This process allows the flavors from the marinade to infuse into the pork. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place pork chops in this marinade and turn to coat evenly.
- Let them sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for a few hours if you have more time. The longer the marination, the more flavor they’ll soak up!
Don’t forget to check the internal temperature. Pork is best enjoyed at 145°F. Let it rest after taking it out of the oven so the juices redistribute for extra tenderness.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes for cooking. If you choose to marinate the pork chops for longer in the fridge, plan for an extra 15-20 minutes. In total, you should expect to spend about 45-60 minutes making this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting both the pork chops and the potatoes together. While the oven heats up, you can get the rest ready!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and some salt and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are coated evenly. They’ll roast beautifully in the oven!
3. Make the Marinade:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, the remaining thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This combination will add a lot of flavor to the pork chops!
4. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Put the pork chops into the bowl with your marinade. Make sure each chop is well-coated. Let them sit in the marinade for about 15-20 minutes. If you have time, you can place them in the fridge for a longer marination for even more flavor!
5. Arrange on the Sheet Pan:
Take a large sheet pan and spread the potatoes out evenly. Then, place the marinated pork chops right on top of the potatoes. This helps the flavors blend together as they cook!
6. Roast in the Oven:
Pop the sheet pan into the preheated oven. Roast everything for about 25-30 minutes. Check to ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and the baby potatoes should be tender and golden brown.
7. Optionally Add Cheese:
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the pork chops during the final few minutes of cooking. It adds a delicious touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After cooking, take the sheet pan out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. However, they typically cook faster, so reduce the roasting time by about 5-10 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature still reaches 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
What Can I Substitute for Baby Potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes—just chop them into evenly sized pieces. Alternatively, you could use sweet potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrition!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the texture better than microwaving.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Sheet Pan Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or green beans. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the potatoes so that everything cooks evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the type of veggies you choose.
