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This Crock Pot Parmesan Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is a cozy, hands off dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pork chops and baby potatoes slow cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce create a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. It s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and leaves you with minimal cleanup, all while yielding rich flavors.
I first made this recipe on a hectic weeknight and was amazed at how much flavor developed with so little effort. Now it s a favorite in our house whenever we want a satisfying meal without much fuss.
Ingredients
- Garlic powder onion powder and paprika: Combined to season the pork chops for a balanced savory and slightly smoky flavor. Salt free blends work well to control seasoning levels
- Boneless pork chops: About one to one and a half inches thick which stay juicy during slow cooking. Bone in pork chops or even chicken breasts or thighs can be swapped in if preferred
- Butter or oil: Used for browning the pork chops which enhances flavor and locks in moisture but can be skipped if short on time
- Baby gold potatoes: Hold their shape well during the long cook. Yukon gold or baby red potatoes can be used as substitutes while russets might get mushy unless mashed potatoes are your goal
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Offers a quick shortcut to creamy garlic parmesan flavor. If unavailable make a homemade sauce using butter garlic flour heavy cream and parmesan cheese as detailed in the notes
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the sauce and can be replaced with half and half or evaporated milk if needed
- Grated parmesan cheese: Delivers the sharp salty note that defines the sauce can also swap for romano or asiago cheeses
- Chopped parsley: For fresh garnish adding a bit of color and brightness to the dish
Instructions
- Season the Pork Chops:
- In a small bowl mix together garlic powder onion powder and paprika. Pat the pork chops dry and coat both sides evenly with the seasoning blend. This creates a flavorful crust and layers complexity into each bite.
- Brown the Pork Chops:
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the pork chops carefully without overcrowding and brown each side for about two to three minutes until golden. This step is optional but helps seal in juices and adds color and flavor. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Potatoes:
- Place the baby potatoes cut in half at the bottom of a five to five and a half quart slow cooker. The potatoes act as a cozy bed for the pork chops and absorb delicious flavors as they cook.
- Place Pork Chops on Potatoes:
- Arrange the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- Mix and Pour Sauce:
- In a bowl combine the bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce with the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until blended. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the pork chops and potatoes in the slow cooker, covering everything well.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for six hours or on high for four hours. This gentle cooking tenderizes the pork and potatoes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for freshness and color. Spoon some of the luscious sauce from the slow cooker over the pork chops on each plate. It pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad.
The parmesan cheese is my favorite part of this dish. Its salty sharpness enhances the creamy sauce and brings everything together. Once I served this at a family dinner and everyone asked for seconds, even my picky eaters could not get enough of the tender pork chops smothered in sauce.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce looks thick or separated. For longer storage freeze portions for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use homemade garlic parmesan sauce made from butter garlic minced garlic flour heavy cream and parmesan cheese if you prefer to avoid store bought sauces. Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can replace pork chops for a different but equally delicious option. Swap baby gold potatoes for Yukon gold or baby red potatoes which also hold up well in slow cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed broccoli roasted green beans or a crisp side salad to balance the richness of the sauce and pork. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls make great mop up for the creamy sauce. Alternatively serve with rice to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
This cozy slow cooker dinner yields tender pork chops and flavorful potatoes with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. It s an easy make ahead option for busy weeknights.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I skip browning the pork chops?
Yes, browning adds extra color and flavor but is optional. Skipping it saves time without compromising tenderness.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or dinner rolls complement the creamy pork and potatoes nicely.
- → How can I tell when the pork chops are fully cooked?
Slow cooking tenderizes the meat, and using a meat thermometer to reach 145°F ensures perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops.
- → Why does the sauce sometimes separate?
Separation is normal during cooking. Simply stir the sauce well before serving to blend it back smoothly.
- → What can I add to customize the dish?
Try adding mozzarella or provolone cheese on top, mix in spinach or mushrooms during the last hour, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream if needed.