This dish brings together juicy pork chops and creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. It’s a warm and filling meal that will have everyone coming back for more!
I love how the cheese gets all bubbly and golden while the pork stays tender. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes a chilly day feel cozy. Perfect with a side of laughter! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Choose bone-in for juicy flavor or boneless for easy serving. If you prefer, you can swap with chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust cooking time as chicken may take longer.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet work best, thanks to their starch content. If you’re short on potatoes, sweet potatoes can offer a unique twist, just adjust cooking time to ensure they soften properly.
Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different texture. If you need it dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese option!
Broth & Cream: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth works in a pinch. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free cream for a lighter touch or special diets.
How Do I Get Juicy Pork Chops Every Time?
Searing the pork chops is key for locking in moisture and flavor. Here’s how to make sure they turn out perfectly:
- Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
- Heat the skillet well with a mix of oil and butter until hot, then add the chops. This creates a nice crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; give each chop enough space to brown. If needed, cook in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Remove them at 145°F for juicy results!
Don’t forget to let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps redistribute the juices for that perfect bite!
Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting meal will take about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 hour to cook, including baking time. Set aside a little over an hour and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Peel and slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce for the Potatoes:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, whisking constantly until it bubbles but doesn’t brown. Now, slowly whisk in the milk, continuing until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, around 3-5 minutes.
3. Mix in the Cheese:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Mix until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
4. Assemble the Potatoes:
Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over them evenly. Add the rest of the potato slices and pour the remaining cheese sauce on the top.
5. Sprinkle More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top of the potatoes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Cook the Pork Chops:
While the potatoes are baking, season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and sizzling. Add the pork chops and sear them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chops from the pan and set them aside.
7. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook them until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
8. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Return the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
10. Finish the Scalloped Potatoes:
After the initial covered baking, take off the foil and bake the potatoes uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Serve:
Plate a pork chop with a generous drizzle of onion gravy alongside a helping of cheesy scalloped potatoes. Finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your comforting and satisfying Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes! Everyone will love this hearty meal! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops in This Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw them completely before cooking. The best method is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
Can I Make the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the whole dish in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use whole milk or 2% milk mixed with a bit of melted butter to mimic the richness of heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and scalloped potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in small intervals, stirring occasionally.
