Description
Hearty smothered pork chop scalloped potato casserole delivers Southern comfort with layers of creamy potatoes and juicy seasoned pork. Rich flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 boneless pork chops
- 4 cups (960 ml / 32 oz) thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 oz) milk
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 oz) chicken broth
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg