I’m so excited to share this Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe with you-it’s quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want dinner to feel special but not complicated. What I love most about this recipe is how the fragrant rosemary and garlic blend with buttery pork chops to create this rustic yet elegant flavor combination. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family or guests will be asking for seconds.
Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual weekend meal, these pork chops work beautifully. They’re tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, and the best part? You can make this recipe using just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. After trying and tweaking it a few times, I found this Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe strikes the perfect balance between fuss-free and impressively delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet flavorful: Garlic and rosemary infuse the pork chops with fresh, rich aroma without needing tons of ingredients.
- Juicy, tender chops every time: Using butter in the oven step locks in moisture and creates a golden crust.
- One-pan dinner: From stovetop sear to oven baking, cleanup is minimal and stress-free.
- Family favorite: It never fails to please at my dinner table, even picky eaters give it thumbs up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe works together to build layers of flavor without being intimidating. Fresh rosemary and garlic are game changers here-make sure to use fresh for that punch of herbal brightness.
- Center cut bone-in pork chops: About an inch thick is ideal-it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Kosher salt: Enhances natural pork flavor; I adjust depending on my salt preference.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a sharp bite that complements rosemary well.
- Unsalted butter: Melted, it creates a luscious baste and crust.
- Fresh rosemary: Minced finely for distributing that lovely piney herb aroma.
- Fresh garlic: Minced, it adds depth and just the right amount of bite.
- Olive oil: For searing-helps get that golden color without burning.
Variations
I love customizing this Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe depending on what I have in the kitchen or the mood I’m in. You can easily switch up flavors or techniques-it s one of those recipes that feels like a cozy canvas.
- Herb swap: I once tried thyme instead of rosemary for a slightly earthier note-still delicious, so feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture gives it a subtle heat that my family really enjoyed.
- Mustard glaze: Mixing a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the butter mix creates a tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with pork.
- Boneless option: If you prefer boneless chops, just reduce baking time by a few minutes and watch closely.
How to Make Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Season and prep your pork chops
Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels-this helps them sear nicely. Then season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I like to sprinkle just enough so the flavors come through without overpowering the pork. Set them aside while you prepare the butter mixture.
Step 2: Mix your garlic and rosemary butter
In a small bowl, stir together melted unsalted butter, minced fresh rosemary, and minced garlic. This fragrant, buttery mixture is what makes the pork chops sing-it bastes and infuses them during baking. Set this aside-you ll be spooning it over the chops right after searing.
Step 3: Sear the pork chops on the stovetop
Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear without moving them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Resist the urge to poke or flip too often! Use tongs to turn the chops so you don t pierce the meat and lose juices. Once browned on both sides, remove the skillet from heat carefully.
Step 4: Baste and bake until juicy perfection
Immediately spoon the garlic rosemary butter mixture over the hot pork chops, coating them evenly. Then, with an oven mitt on, transfer the skillet straight into your preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F-this is key to juicy, safe-to-eat pork. Remember, carryover cooking will raise the temperature a couple of degrees after you remove from the oven.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe
- Use an instant-read thermometer: Nothing beats this tool for perfect doneness; I trust it every time to avoid overcooking.
- Don t overcrowd the pan: If making more than two chops, use a large 12-inch oven-proof skillet to ensure even searing and baking.
- Butter mixture distribution: Spoon the butter mixture slowly so every chop gets coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Rest before serving: Let the pork chops rest 3-5 minutes after baking to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish with some fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a lovely brightness that balances the richness of the butter.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby carrots-they soak up every bit of that buttery garlic rosemary sauce. A simple green salad or garlic sautéed spinach rounds out the plate nicely without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I ve plated the chops over a bed of garlic risotto and garnished with a drizzle of browned butter mixed with fresh herbs. It also makes for a beautiful family-style platter served alongside grilled asparagus and sliced bread to mop up juices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I wrap leftover pork chops tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them flavorful but I recommend reheating gently to maintain juiciness.
Freezing
This Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe freezes well if you skip the baking step beforehand. Freeze them raw after seasoning, and then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
I like reheating leftovers in a low oven (around 275°F) covered loosely with foil to slowly warm without drying out. Alternatively, reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth helps keep the meat tender.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless pork chops for this Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that boneless chops cook faster, so reduce your oven baking time to around 8 to 10 minutes and keep a close eye on temperature to avoid drying out.
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What if I don t have an oven-proof skillet?
No worries! You can sear the pork chops in a regular skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish to finish in the oven. Just be careful moving the butter mixture and the hot chops to avoid burns.
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How do I know when the pork chops are done?
The safest and best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly cooked at 145°F, and letting it rest a few minutes after baking will keep it juicy.
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Can I prepare the garlic rosemary butter mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the butter, garlic, and rosemary a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until ready to use. Just warm it slightly before spooning it over the chops so it spreads easily.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it s so approachable yet feels like a little treat. Every time I make it, I fall in love with how those simple ingredients transform into something so flavorful and comforting. If you re looking for a pork chop recipe that s reliable, delicious, and not fussy, give this one a try-you ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a favorite in your own kitchen too.
PrintGarlic Rosemary Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops recipe features tender, bone-in pork chops seasoned with fresh garlic and rosemary, then seared to a golden crust and finished in the oven for juicy, flavorful results. Perfectly balanced with butter and olive oil, it’s a simple yet elegant meal ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 2 to 4 center cut, bone-in pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Garlic Rosemary Butter Mixture
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
Cooking Oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for finishing the pork chops after searing.
- Season Pork Chops: Evenly season both sides of the pork chops with kosher salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced fresh rosemary and minced fresh garlic. Stir thoroughly and set aside to infuse flavors.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear Pork Chops: Add the seasoned pork chops to the hot skillet and cook them until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Use tongs to carefully flip the chops for even searing.
- Add Butter Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat using an oven mitt. Spoon or carefully pour the garlic rosemary butter mixture over the pork chops to evenly coat them.
- Bake Pork Chops: Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven using oven mitts. Bake the pork chops for 10 to 12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145 degrees F for medium doneness.
Notes
- You will need a larger 12-inch oven-proof skillet if preparing 3 to 4 pork chops to ensure even cooking.
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and avoid overcooking the pork chops.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute for extra tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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