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Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe – Easy Creamy Garlic Mash Dinner

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Juicy pork chops caramelized in a sweet brown sugar glaze, served with ultra-creamy garlic mashed potatoes. This comforting dinner is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, 1.21.5 lbs)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed; light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
  • 4 cloves garlic (peeled and smashed)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces cream cheese (softened, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Place potato chunks and smashed garlic cloves in a medium saucepan. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat (8–10 minutes), then reduce to medium and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, 15–18 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and softened butter until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add pork chops. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Spread brown sugar-butter mixture evenly over each pork chop. Add apple cider vinegar to the pan (not directly on the chops). Cook for another 2–3 minutes per side, spooning glaze over the chops as it bubbles and thickens.
  6. Check doneness: Pork should reach 145°F internally. Remove from pan and let rest on a plate, tented loosely with foil.
  7. Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to the hot pan and mash until mostly smooth. Add butter, cream cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and warm milk. Mash or mix until creamy and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve: Spoon a generous portion of creamy garlic mash onto plates. Top with brown sugar pork chops and drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Let pork chops come to room temperature before cooking for juicier results. Watch the brown sugar glaze closely to prevent burning. For extra creamy mash, use Yukon Gold potatoes and blend in cream cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Mash can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar pork chops, creamy garlic mash, easy pork chop recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, mashed potatoes, skillet pork chops, family meal