Smoked Paprika Pork Chops with Bacon Broccoli Mashed Potatoes

Baked boneless pork chops with smoked paprika rub and bacon broccoli mashed potatoes.

This is a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that combines tender and juicy pork chops with a flavorful and creamy side dish. The pork chops are seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, which add a rich and savory flavor to the meat. The chops are then baked in the oven until cooked through and tender, with a delicious smoky flavor that is sure to please any meat lover. The side dish is a creamy and comforting combination of mashed red potatoes, crispy diced bacon, steamed broccoli, and sliced green onions, which add a fresh and colorful touch to the dish.

Servings

2

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

  • 2 boneless pork chops
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 1 1/4 lbs red potatoes, halved
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp better than bouillon chicken broth base
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • Broccoli, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Pork Chops:

  • In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Rub the pork chops thoroughly with the spice mix on both sides and edges. Allow them to rest at room temperature.

Prepare Bacon and Potatoes:

  • In a skillet, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Once cooled, dice and set aside.
  • Place the halved potatoes in a pot with salted water. Boil for approximately 15 minutes or until they become fork-tender.

Bake the Pork Chops:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
  • Bake the pork chops for about 18 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63°C). Once done, let them rest for at least 3 minutes.

Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture:

  • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter, cream cheese, bouillon paste, and milk together.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the broccoli pieces with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave for 45 seconds to steam.
  • After draining the boiled potatoes, return them to the pan and mash them.
  • Gradually stir in the melted butter mixture until fully incorporated.
  • Fold in the diced bacon, steamed broccoli, and sliced green onions.

Serve:

  • Let the pork chops rest for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
  • Plate the pork chops alongside a generous serving of the bacon broccoli mashed potatoes.

Mix together the seasoning and rub the pork chops on both sides and edges and let rest at room temp while preparing the bacon and potatoes.

Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Let cool and then dice.

Cut the potatoes into halves and boil in salted water about 15 minutes or until fork tender.

Heat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the pork chops about 18 minutes or until quick probe reaches 145 and rest at least 3 minutes.

In another saucepan, melt the butter, cream cheese, bouillon paste, and milk.

Cut broccoli into small pieces with 2 tablespoons water and microwave 45 seconds to steam.

Drain the potatoes and return to pan to steam and mash.

Stir the melted butter mixture into the potatoes.

Add the diced bacon, broccoli, and green onions and stir.

Remove the pork and let rest about 5 minutes. Serve with the mashed potatoes.