This meal features juicy pork chops smothered in a creamy sauce and cheesy scalloped potatoes that melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
I love how the cheesy potatoes soak up the sauce from the pork chops. It’s hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds)! Enjoy it with a side salad for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for quick cooking, but you can substitute bone-in chops if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time, as bone-in may take longer.
Onions: I recommend using yellow onions for their sweetness. If you don’t have any, red onions are a good alternative, offering a slightly different flavor.
Heavy Cream or Milk: While heavy cream gives a rich taste, you can use half-and-half or whole milk if you’re looking to lighten the dish a bit. Non-dairy milk can be an option but may affect the creaminess.
Potatoes: Yukon Golds are creamy and delicious for scalloped potatoes. However, Russet potatoes are also great. Just make sure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang. If you want to mix it up, feel free to try Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Creamy Scalloped Potatoes?
The key to creamy scalloped potatoes is in the sauce and layering. Start by making a roux, which thickens the sauce. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent lumps. When layering the potatoes, allow enough space for the sauce to soak in.
- Preheat your oven properly; this helps the potatoes cook evenly.
- Use thinly sliced potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick) for the best texture.
- Cover with foil during the first half of baking to keep moisture in; uncover for the last part to achieve a nice golden top.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pork Chops So They Stay Juicy?
To keep pork chops juicy, sear them briefly over high heat. This technique locks in moisture. After searing, simmer them in the flavorful sauce, which helps to keep them tender. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
- Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to maintain heat.
- Let pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
These tips should help you create delicious Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4–5 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of cooking and baking time. You’ll have delicious smothered pork chops alongside creamy cheesy scalloped potatoes, perfect for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and butter it to prevent sticking. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream or milk to ensure no lumps form. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using), and keep cooking until the sauce thickens, usually about 4-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish, then pour half of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes and sauce. Top it all off with the last 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Cooking the Pork Chops:
While the potatoes are baking, pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown but not completely cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor. Stir in the cream (or milk), Dijon mustard (if using), and thyme, letting it simmer for around 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the flavorful sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the pork chops are fully cooked (they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
3. Finishing the Scalloped Potatoes:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the potato dish. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
4. Serve:
To plate, arrange the pork chops with a generous helping of the creamy onion sauce spooned over the top. Serve alongside a hearty portion of the cheesy scalloped potatoes. Garnish both dishes with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.
Enjoy your hearty, comforting Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!
FAQ for Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will add even more flavor, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the scalloped potatoes and pork chops in advance. Assemble everything, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake the potatoes and reheat the pork chops in the sauce until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to the scalloped potatoes if they seem dry.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With This Meal?
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Roasted broccoli or green beans would complement the flavors well!
