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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal cooking temperature for the dish.
- Enhance the pork chops with a robust seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, creating a flavor foundation.
- 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.
- Utilize the same skillet to craft a flavor base, melting butter and gently sweating onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
- 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.
- Incorporate cheese into the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a velvety, rich coating.
- 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.
- Position the seared pork chops atop the layered potatoes and sprinkle with fragrant thyme for an additional depth of flavor.
- Shield the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- 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.
- 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