These Cheesy Smothered Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes are a tasty treat! Juicy pork chops are covered in creamy sauce and cheese, paired perfectly with soft, cheesy potatoes.
I can’t get enough of this dinner; it’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love how the cheesy sauce makes everything feel cozy, and who can resist those irresistible scalloped potatoes? 🥔💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend bone-in pork chops for added flavor. If you prefer boneless, you can use them too, just adjust the cooking time as they’ll cook faster.
Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for a fluffy texture. If you want a quicker option, try Yukon golds; they’re creamy and work well too.
Onion: Yellow onions are my favorite here. You could replace them with shallots for a milder flavor or omit if you’re not an onion fan.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great taste, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Gouda are nice alternatives, providing a different flavor profile.
Milk: Whole milk makes everything richer, but 2% works if you’re looking to cut down on calories. You can also use almond milk or another plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version, just ensure it’s unsweetened.
How Do You Make Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
The cheese sauce can be a common challenge, but it’s pretty straightforward! The key is making a roux, which thickens the sauce. Here’s how:
- Start with melted butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk it for a minute; this helps cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until it thickens!
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses until melted, leading to a smooth, creamy sauce.
This technique ensures your cheese sauce is velvety and perfect for smothering the pork chops and potatoes!
Cheesy Smothered Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to cook. This includes baking time to allow the flavors to meld perfectly, making it a wonderful warm meal for family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready when you’re done prepping the dish.
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each pork chop for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Layer the Potatoes and Onions:
In a buttered baking dish, begin layering half of the sliced potatoes and onions evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder over them to enhance their flavor.
4. Add the Pork Chops:
Place the seared pork chops right on top of the potato layer. Then, finish by arranging the rest of the sliced potatoes and onions over and around the chops, creating a beautiful layered dish.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the pork chops, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Add the Cheeses:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, thyme (if you’re using it), and the rest of the garlic powder. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the pork chops and potatoes, making sure everything is nicely covered. This will create that deliciously gooey texture!
8. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the pork chops are fully cooked, and the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving!
Enjoy this comforting and cheesy meal that’s perfect for a delightful dinner! The combination of tender pork and creamy, cheesy potatoes is sure to please everyone at the table. 🐖🧀🥔
FAQ for Cheesy Smothered Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so reduce the searing time to about 2-3 minutes per side to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up until the baking step and then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have All-Purpose Flour?
No worries! You can substitute with cornstarch by using half the amount required (1.5 tablespoons) and mixing it with the milk before adding it to the skillet. Alternatively, gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work nicely as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy and delicious!
