Juicy Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: A Hearty Combo

Creamy, hearty pork chops with scalloped potatoes offer a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Our classic recipe brings together tender meat and velvety potato layers.

Crispy edges and soft centers create a perfect balance in every bite.

Seasoned with simple herbs, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful combination of proteins and starchy goodness.

Cheese melts between potato slices, adding richness that makes you want to savor each forkful.

Pork Chops With Scalloped Potatoes Offer A Rich, Filling Plate

• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Transforms basic ingredients into an elegant dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing delicious solutions.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for searing meat and creating a creamy sauce, saving precious time and energy.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customizable with different cheese types or added herbs, making it versatile for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s In Pork Chops With Scalloped Potatoes

• Pork Chops: Classic meat cut with rich flavor, best when bone-in for juiciness and extra taste.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and sharp flavor to the dish, sharp cheddar works best for bold taste.

• Potatoes: Starchy base that creates hearty texture, medium-sized potatoes recommended for even slicing.
• Onion: Provides sweet and savory background notes, white or yellow onions work perfectly.
• Garlic: Enhances overall depth of flavor, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Flour: Creates smooth roux for sauce thickening, all-purpose flour provides ideal consistency.
• Butter: Helps create rich sauce base and adds luxurious flavor.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid for sauce, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful color to the dish.
• Dried Thyme: Brings herbaceous undertone and complements pork's natural taste.

Pork Chops With Scalloped Potatoes Cooking Plan

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 375°F.

This warm temperature will help create a perfectly golden and bubbling dish.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Ensure every inch of the meat gets some flavor love.

Step 3: Brown the Pork Chops

Warm a skillet over medium heat and sear the pork chops.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Once done, transfer the chops to a temporary plate.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook for one minute.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Stir in cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce that will make mouths water.

Step 7: Layer the Potatoes

• Sliced potatoes
• Cheese sauce

Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a sauce layer.

Step 8: Top and Bake

Arrange the seared pork chops on top of the potato layers.

Sprinkle fresh thyme over the dish for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 9: Cover and Bake

Wrap the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious meal!

Pork Chops With Scalloped Potatoes Like A Pro

• Select pork chops with minimal fat for a healthier dish while maintaining tenderness and flavor.
• Cut potatoes to equal thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Whisk milk slowly and steadily into the flour mixture to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that won't separate.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or sharp cheddar to add complexity and richness to the sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to check pork chops reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.

Pork Chops With Scalloped Potatoes Storing With Care

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed leftovers at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Heat individual servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain texture.

Sides That Go With Scalloped Pork Chops

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy potato sauce and cut through the richness of the pork chops.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a crisp amber ale or a malty lager that balances the savory flavors of the dish, enhancing the caramelized notes from searing the pork.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the dish to add a bright, clean flavor that contrasts with the heavy, creamy potato sauce and helps lighten the overall meal.
• Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, hearty main course and cleanse the palate between bites.

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potato Combos

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without sacrificing creamy sauce texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the casserole's hearty appeal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace pork chops with thick-cut portobello mushroom steaks, seasoned similarly and layered with potatoes for a plant-based main course.

FAQs

• Why sear the pork chops before baking?

Searing locks in the meat’s juices and creates a delicious golden-brown crust, enhancing the flavor and texture of the pork chops before they finish cooking in the oven.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a standard cheese, you can experiment with cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack to add your personal touch and create a unique flavor profile.

• How do I know the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

• Is it necessary to use fresh thyme?

Fresh thyme provides the best flavor, but dried thyme works well too. If using dried, use about one-third the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe.

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern “Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes” bring comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across America. Creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled with tender pork chops promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 bone-in pork chops

Vegetables:

• 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy, Spices, and Other Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) milk
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter
• 3 tablespoons (23 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal cooking temperature for the dish.
2. Enhance the pork chops with a robust seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, creating a flavor foundation.
3. Transform the pork chops to a golden-brown perfection by searing them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a rich exterior.
4. Utilize the same skillet to craft a flavor base, melting butter and gently sweating onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
5. Introduce flour to the skillet, allowing it to cook briefly, then methodically whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, smooth consistency.
6. Incorporate cheese into the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a velvety, rich coating.
7. Construct the dish’s base by arranging a strategic layer of potato slices in a greased baking dish, followed by an even distribution of the prepared sauce, repeating the process to create a harmonious blend.
8. Position the seared pork chops atop the layered potatoes and sprinkle with fragrant thyme for an additional depth of flavor.
9. Shield the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together.
10. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring the potatoes achieve a tender texture and the pork chops reach complete doneness.
11. Allow the dish to rest briefly, permitting the flavors to settle and making it ready for a satisfying serving.

Notes

• Sear pork chops quickly to lock in juicy flavors and create a delicious golden-brown crust that adds extra depth to the dish.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for optimal creamy texture and better sauce absorption during baking.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.
• Consider gluten-free adaptation by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg