Are you tired of dry, bland pork chops that leave you disappointed at the dinner table? Get ready to transform your weeknight cooking with this mouthwatering Pork Chops Baked with Sweet Potatoes recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! This simple yet elegant dish combines the rich, savory flavor of perfectly seasoned pork chops with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, creating a one-pan meal that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 sweet potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat.
- Slice sweet potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
- Peel and slice the onion into thin rings or half-moon shapes.
- Grease a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer at the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
- Distribute the sliced onions over the sweet potatoes.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the sweet potatoes and onions, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the sweet potato and onion layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, with the sweet potatoes and onions as a flavorful accompaniment to the pork chops.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach the perfect 145°F (63°C). This guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat meat every time.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Exterior: The secret to beautiful browning is removing excess moisture from the pork chops before seasoning.
- Even Slicing Matters: Cut sweet potatoes and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Don't Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Customize Your Seasonings: While this recipe uses thyme, feel free to experiment with rosemary, sage, or your favorite herb blend to make the dish your own.
- Maximize Flavor: Pressing the seasonings gently into the meat helps create a more intense and deeply flavored crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 343kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
