Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a classic meal featuring tender pork chops, flavorful greens, and creamy mashed potatoes. This baked pork chop recipe delivers all that and more, making it a perennial favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
The key to this dish’s popularity lies in its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The pork chops emerge from the oven perfectly juicy and golden brown, complemented by the earthy, nutrient-dense greens and the rich, velvety mashed potatoes. It’s a true taste of home that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This baked pork chop recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, thanks to its winning combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. The pork chops are a breeze to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, while the greens and potatoes come together effortlessly to create a complete, balanced meal.
What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the way the flavors and textures interplay. The juicy, tender pork chops provide a delightful contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes and the satisfying crunch of the sautéed greens. Plus, with its nutrient-dense ingredients, this dish delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
And the best part? This recipe is endlessly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a dairy-free version, or a way to amp up the protein, there are plenty of easy modifications that can transform this classic dish into your new go-to.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bunch of greens (such as kale, spinach, or Swiss chard), chopped
• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender pork, nutrient-rich greens, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a comforting, flavor-packed meal that has made it a perennially popular choice for busy families and home cooks alike.
📝 How to Make Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the pork chops for 12-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Step 3: While the pork chops are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Step 4: Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash them until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: In a separate skillet, sauté the chopped greens over medium heat until wilted and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Step 6: Serve the baked pork chops warm, accompanied by the mashed potatoes and sautéed greens. Enjoy your delicious and well-balanced meal!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
Compared to traditional pork chop recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes dish saves you 10% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors and a complete, nutritious meal.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 520mg
These Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 25% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in the mashed potatoes and olive oil instead of butter.
• Added protein: Top the pork chops with a sprinkling of toasted nuts or seeds for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté the greens with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
• Complement the dish with a hearty tomato or vegetable soup for a cozy, comforting dinner.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the pork chops, greens, and mashed potatoes on a large platter, accompanied by rolls or crusty bread.
• Create a festive holiday platter by arranging the pork chops, greens, and potatoes alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and warm apple cider.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooked potatoes: Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, as undercooking can lead to gritty, unpleasant mashed potatoes.
• Overseasoning the pork chops: While seasoning is essential, be mindful not to overload the pork chops with too much salt, pepper, or spices, as this can overwhelm the natural flavors.
• Overcooking the greens: Sauté the greens just until they are wilted and tender, but still maintain a slight bite, to preserve their texture and nutrient content.
• Skipping the searing step: Don’t be tempted to skip the initial searing of the pork chops, as this essential step helps to lock in the juices and create a delicious, golden-brown crust.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the pork chops and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked pork chops, greens, and mashed potatoes to cool completely. Wrap each component individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the pork chops in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, the greens on the stovetop over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, and the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The pork chops, greens, and mashed potatoes can all be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step for the pork chops, then refrigerate the components separately for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, bake the pork chops and reheat the greens and potatoes. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Can I substitute a different type of pork chop?
Yes, you can use boneless or bone-in pork chops in this recipe. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless chops will also work well. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as boneless chops may cook slightly faster than bone-in.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
To make this recipe lower in carbs, you can swap the mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower or roasted sweet potatoes. These substitutions will reduce the overall carbohydrate content while still providing a creamy, satisfying side dish.
What should I do if my pork chops are overcooked?
If your pork chops end up a bit dry or tough, try slicing them thinly and serving them alongside the mashed potatoes and greens. The moisture from the potatoes and the tenderness of the greens can help balance out any dryness in the pork.
Can I add any additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to sauté the greens with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. You can also roast or steam extra vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, to serve alongside the pork chops and mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
These Baked Pork Chops with Greens and Mashed Potatoes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, they’re sure to impress with their juicy pork, tender greens, and creamy mashed potatoes. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these baked pork chops demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So why not give this delicious and nutritious dish a try? Your family is sure to thank you for it.
