These easy smothered pork chops are juicy and full of flavor, covered in a creamy sauce that will make you want to lick the plate! And those cheesy scalloped potatoes? Irresistible!
Honestly, what’s not to love? They pair perfectly together for a cozy dinner. I always make extra potatoes because leftovers are the best part! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are perfect for this recipe as they’ll stay juicy during cooking. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops will work too, just reduce the cooking time a bit.
Onion: A small yellow onion adds flavor. If you prefer something milder, use shallots instead. They give a lovely sweet taste!
Chicken Broth: Don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth or even water can be used in a pinch. It might change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes can be used for creamy scalloped layers. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using sweet potatoes for a different twist.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up! Gruyère or Monterey Jack can add different flavors. I sometimes like to add a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra gooeyness!
How Can You Achieve Flawless Pork Chops?
The secret to perfectly cooked pork chops is in the sear. Start by getting your skillet nice and hot to lock in those juices.
- Season your pork chops generously.
- Sear on medium-high for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown—don’t rush this step!
- Flip and sear the other side, then lower the heat to finish cooking in the sauce. This ensures tenderness.
What’s the Best Method for Creamy Scalloped Potatoes?
Layering is key for cheesy scalloped potatoes. Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice your potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. A mandoline slicer is a great tool for this.
- Make a smooth cheese sauce by whisking in the milk gradually to avoid lumps.
- Layer half the slices, then half the sauce. Repeat for the best cheesy bites!
How Long Should You Bake the Scalloped Potatoes?
Covering the casserole at first traps steam, which helps cook the potatoes evenly. Once you remove the foil, let it bake longer until bubbly and golden. Perfectly tender potatoes usually take about 60 minutes total!
Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smothered Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk or half & half
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour to cook and bake. You’ll spend some time searing the pork chops and making the rich smothering sauce, as well as layering and baking the cheesy scalloped potatoes. It’s a meal that’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops on both sides with a good amount of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This adds flavor! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork chops and sear them until they’re golden brown on each side, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. When done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Making the Smothering Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously to form a roux; cook it for 1-2 minutes without letting it burn. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, then follow up with the cream or milk. Stir in the thyme and let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Once thickened, place the pork chops back in the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
3. Preparing the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:
While the pork chops simmer, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a medium casserole dish and butter it generously. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens—this should take around 5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add 1 cup of shredded cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Start layering: place half of the potato slices at the bottom of the buttered casserole dish, pour half of the cheese sauce over it, then repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
4. Baking the Potatoes:
Cover the casserole with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a fork easily pierces the potatoes, confirming they’re cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, spoon some of the delicious smothering sauce over the pork chops and garnish both the pork and scalloped potatoes with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
Enjoy your Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!
FAQ for Easy Smothered Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless pork chops! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. They may only need about 5-7 minutes on each side for a nice sear, followed by a shorter simmer.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
To make it low-carb, substitute the potatoes with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower. These veggies can still provide a delicious texture, and they’ll absorb the cheesy sauce nicely without the carbs!
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pork chops and the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake the scalloped potatoes and reheat the pork chops in the sauce until warmed through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork chops on the stove with extra sauce if needed, and heat the scalloped potatoes in the oven for the best results. Enjoy!
