Cozy Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe
Hearty comfort food meets pure deliciousness in this irresistible smothered pork chop scalloped potato casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.
Golden, tender pork chops nestled among creamy, cheesy potatoes create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
Each layer tells a story of rich, savory goodness that melts in your mouth.
The combination of succulent meat and velvety potatoes makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Layers of love and flavor await you in every single bite.
Let’s find out this comforting classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal
Servings: 7
Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole Ingredients
For Protein:
Pork Chops: Boneless cuts provide lean, tender meat that absorbs seasonings beautifully and creates a hearty main protein for the casserole.
Chicken Broth: Adds deep, savory flavor and helps tenderize the pork while keeping the dish moist and rich.
For Base and Texture:
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes create creamy, layered foundation that soaks up delicious sauce and provides comforting, substantial texture.
Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, complementing the rich meat and cheese flavors.
For Flavor Enhancers and Binding:
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into luscious, golden blanket that adds sharp, tangy richness and creamy consistency.
Milk: Creates smooth, silky sauce that binds ingredients and adds luxurious creaminess.
Butter, Olive Oil: Provide essential fat for sautéing and creating golden, crispy edges.
Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create velvety, consistent texture.
Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and highlight other flavors.
Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous note that complements pork beautifully.
Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color.
Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings fresh, bright finish and vibrant color.
Tools for a Creamy Pork Chop Casserole
Large skillet: Essential for browning pork chops and making the creamy cheese sauce.
Large baking dish: Needed to layer potatoes, pork chops, and create the casserole.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
Sharp knife: Used for slicing potatoes thinly and evenly.
Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for potato preparation.
Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for balanced flavors.
Aluminum foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
How to Make Smothered Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Oven Warmup Temperature gets cozy at 375°F, ready for delicious magic.
Pork Chop Seasoning sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powders generously across tender meat for deep flavor.
Meat Searing golden-brown edges emerge as chops dance in hot olive oil, creating rich caramelized surfaces that promise deliciousness.
Onion Foundation soft translucent rings transform in butter, building a savory base that whispers comfort and warmth.
Creamy Sauce Creation flour joins onions, creating a silky blanket that will embrace potatoes and meat with luxurious texture.
Liquid Symphony milk and chicken broth merge, transforming into a velvety landscape where cheese will soon melt and blend.
Cheese Melody cheddar waves fold into sauce, adding sharp notes and creating a luscious coating that promises incredible flavor.
Potato Landscape first layer of sliced potatoes creates a foundation, welcoming cheese sauce like a warm welcome.
Layered Harmony pork chops nestle between potato layers, promising each bite will deliver multiple taste experiences.
Final Flourish remaining cheese crowns the casserole, promising golden crispy edges and irresistible appeal.
Baking Journey covered dish transforms slowly, with foil protecting delicate ingredients during initial cooking.
Golden Finale uncovered baking creates crispy top, allowing potatoes to become tender while cheese bubbles seductively.
Tips for Layering Pork, Potatoes & Flavor
Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most tender layers that absorb the cheese sauce perfectly.
Replace pork chops with chicken breasts or beef cutlets for a delightful protein variation that keeps the same delicious cooking method.
Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyere, monterey jack, or swiss to create unique flavor profiles that surprise your taste buds.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the dish's flavor complexity, adding a bright, aromatic touch to the rich casserole.
Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips for a lighter version that still delivers incredible comfort food satisfaction.
Serving the Pork & Scalloped Potato Bake Hot
Sunday Family Feast: Perfect for a hearty weekend meal that brings everyone together around the dining table, creating warm memories with each delicious bite.
Rustic Comfort Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole and cut through the cheesy goodness.
Wine & Dine Companion: Complement this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay that enhances the savory pork and cheesy potato layers.
Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions the next day for a quick lunch, or transform remaining casserole into a delightful breakfast by topping with a sunny-side-up egg.
How to Store Smothered Casserole Leftovers
Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
Smart Portioning: Divide casserole into individual servings using meal prep containers. This approach makes reheating quick and prevents unnecessary food waste.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain original flavor and consistency.
Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering with damp paper towel to prevent drying. For larger servings, use oven at 350°F, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through, restoring that delicious crispy cheese top.
Prepare Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C), creating an optimal cooking environment for the casserole.
Season Pork Chops: Massage pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring thorough coverage.
Sear Meat: In a large skillet with heated olive oil, brown pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a rich golden crust. Remove and set aside.
Create Sauce Base: In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent, then dust with flour to form a golden roux.
Build Creamy Sauce: Whisk in milk and chicken broth, creating a smooth mixture. Incorporate dried thyme, paprika, and cheddar cheese until glossy and well-blended.
Layer Casserole: Grease baking dish, arranging potato slices in overlapping layers. Drizzle half the cheese sauce, place seared pork chops on top, then cover with remaining potato slices.
Finish and Bake: Pour remaining cheese sauce over potatoes, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 more minutes until golden and potatoes are tender.
Rest and Serve: Allow casserole to settle for 10 minutes before serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
Prep Like a Pro: Season pork chops thoroughly and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even seasoning and faster, more consistent cooking.
Potato Power: Slice potatoes uniformly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife to guarantee even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
Sauce Secret: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.
Crispy Top Trick: Remove foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to develop a golden, slightly crispy crust that adds amazing texture and flavor to the dish.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.