There’s something truly magical about the harmony of sweet and savory flavors, especially when they come together in a rustic yet elegant dish like Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic Scalloped Potatoes. This dish delivers the best of both worlds: tender, juicy pork chops bathed in a sticky-sweet apricot glaze, paired with rich, creamy scalloped potatoes infused with roasted garlic. It’s a comfort food feast that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish offers impressive flavor and presentation without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The golden caramelized glaze and luscious layers of potatoes create a visually stunning and soul-satisfying meal.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet-savory contrast – balanced and bold flavor
- Hearty and satisfying – comfort food at its finest
- Perfect pairing – glaze and potatoes complement beautifully
- Impressively easy – ideal for weeknight or weekend meals
- Make-ahead option – prep potatoes early and reheat
🛒 Ingredients
For the Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves or jam
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Garlic Scalloped Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
✅ 1. Prepare the Scalloped Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce. Top with remaining Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15–20 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
✅ 2. Make the Apricot Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
✅ 3. Cook the Pork Chops
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops 3–4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Brush with apricot glaze and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Bake in oven at 375°F (or broil briefly) for 5–7 minutes to finish cooking and caramelize the glaze.
✅ 4. Serve
- Plate pork chops with a generous serving of scalloped potatoes.
- Drizzle extra glaze over the pork and sprinkle parsley on the potatoes.
- Serve hot with a side of green beans or steamed broccoli.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
- Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted carrots
- A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crusty bread to soak up every bit of glaze and sauce
🧠 Pro Tips
- Use a mandoline for even potato slices.
- Bone-in chops stay juicier and offer more flavor.
- Make ahead: Scalloped potatoes can be made up to a day in advance and reheated.
- Glaze the pork last-minute for best texture and shine.
🍷 Wine Pairing
- A fruity white like Riesling or Gewürztraminer enhances the apricot glaze.
- For red wine lovers, try Pinot Noir or a light Merlot.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat potatoes covered in oven or microwave. Pork chops can be reheated gently on stovetop or oven to avoid drying out.
✨ A Feast of Flavor and Comfort
Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic Scalloped Potatoes is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of textures and tastes. The tender pork glazed with sweet, tangy apricot sauce pairs effortlessly with the rich, garlicky potatoes to create a well-rounded, unforgettable dish.
Whether you’re serving guests or treating your family, this comforting classic delivers gourmet-level satisfaction with the warmth of a home-cooked meal. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a new favorite.