Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this family-friendly and tangy recipe for Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes. The Test Kitchen at Taste of Home has crafted a delightful dish that combines the unique flavors of root beer with tender pork loin chops, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Served alongside creamy smashed potatoes, this stick-to-the-ribs meal is perfect for any weeknight dinner.

The recipe starts by boiling small red potatoes until tender and preparing a tangy root beer sauce, combining root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. The bone-in pork loin chops are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, creating a deliciously crispy crust.

Cooked to perfection in olive oil, the chops are then simmered in the root beer sauce until tender and flavorful. The sauce is reduced to a delectable glaze, complementing the pork chops with its tangy sweetness.

Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes enhanced with butter and garlic powder, this meal promises to be a hearty and satisfying treat for the whole family.

INGREDIENTS:

SMASHED POTATOES:

• 1½ pounds small red potatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• ¾ teaspoon pepper, divided

SODA POP CHOPS:

• 1 cup root beer
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 bone-in pork loin chops (7 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

PREPARATIONS:

1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder; set aside. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add pork chops, one at a time, and shake to coat.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chops in oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until chops are lightly browned; drain. Add root beer mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 6-8 minutes or until a thermometer reads 145°. Remove the pork and keep warm. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Bring the sauce to a boil; cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Meanwhile, drain potatoes; mash with the butter, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper. Serve with pork chops and sauce.

YIELD:

Makes 4 servings.

COOKING TIME:

Prep: 25 minutes, Cook: 15 minutes.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the root beer sauce.
• If preferred, use boneless pork chops for a quicker cooking time.

TIPS:

• Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables to complete the meal with a burst of vibrant flavors.

Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes offer a delightful and tangy taste that will satisfy the entire family. The Test Kitchen at Taste of Home has created a family-friendly recipe that combines the unique flavors of root beer with tender pork loin chops, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.

The recipe starts with boiling small red potatoes until tender and preparing a tangy root beer sauce that complements the pork chops perfectly. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture, the bone-in pork loin chops are cooked to a crispy brown in olive oil before being simmered in the root beer sauce until tender and flavorful.

Served alongside creamy smashed potatoes, enhanced with butter and garlic powder, this stick-to-the-ribs meal promises to be a hearty and satisfying treat for any weeknight dinner.

For those looking to add a kick of spice, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the root beer sauce. Additionally, using boneless pork chops can speed up the cooking time, making it even easier to enjoy this delicious meal.

Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. For a well-rounded meal, serve a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables, adding a burst of vibrant flavors to the plate.

So, prepare to delight your taste buds with Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes. This recipe promises to be a flavorful and satisfying dinner option, bringing the tangy goodness of root beer to your dining table in a family-friendly and delicious way.