Description
This Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole features tender, browned pork chops nestled between creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops
- 6 boneless pork chops
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese Sauce and Casserole
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the casserole.
- Season the pork chops: Season the boneless pork chops evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor.
- Brown the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them from skillet and set aside.
- Cook onions: In the same skillet, melt butter then add sliced onions. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Make a roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until lightly browned and fully incorporated.
- Prepare cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps. Continue whisking for around 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add seasonings and cheese: Stir in dried thyme, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Assemble casserole – first layer: Grease a large baking dish. Spread half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Add pork chops and second potato layer: Arrange browned pork chops over the first potato layer. Then, layer the remaining potatoes on top of the pork chops.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered to finish: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use boneless pork chops for easier layering and cooking.
- Covering the casserole during most of the baking helps potatoes cook thoroughly without drying out.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pork chop casserole, scalloped potatoes, cheesy pork chops, baked pork casserole, comfort food, family dinner
