Of course! This is a fantastic fusion of two classic comfort foods: tender, gravy-smothered pork chops and rich, creamy scalloped potatoes. Combining them into one dish is a guaranteed winner.
Here’s a recipe that layers seared pork chops with thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection.
Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Bake
This one-dish meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner. The pork chops become incredibly tender as they bake nestled in the creamy potatoes.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops & Seasoning:
· 4-6 bone-in pork chops (about ½ to ¾-inch thick)
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp onion powder
· 1 tsp smoked paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Scalloped Potato Layer:
· 4-5 large Russet potatoes (about 2.5 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced (⅛-inch thick)
· 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
· 3 tbsp butter
· 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
· 2 cups whole milk
· 1 cup chicken broth
· 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· Salt and white pepper (or black pepper) to taste
For the Topping:
· ½ cup additional shredded cheddar cheese
· 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· Peel and very thinly slice the potatoes and onion. A mandoline is ideal for even slices.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Pork Chops
· Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
· Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they have a golden-brown crust. They do not need to be cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
· In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter.
· Whisk in the 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (it should be bubbly and lightly golden).
· Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
· Remove from heat. Stir in the 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
· Layer 1: Spread half of the sliced potatoes and half of the sliced onions in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
· Layer 2: Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the first potato layer.
· Layer 3: Arrange the remaining potatoes and onions over the sauce.
· Layer 4: Carefully place the seared pork chops in a single layer on top of the potatoes.
· Layer 5: Pour the remaining cheese sauce over everything, making sure the pork chops and potatoes are covered.
Step 5: Bake
· Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
· Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Brown the Top
· Carefully remove the foil. The potatoes should be nearly tender.
· Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
· Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork, and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: Rest and Serve
· Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken.
· Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the dish.
Pro-Tips for Success:
· Slice Potatoes Evenly: This is the key to ensuring they all cook at the same rate. Uneven slices will result in some being undercooked and others mushy.
· Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the pork chops locks in their juices and adds a tremendous amount of flavor to the final dish.
· Cheese Sauce Consistency: The sauce will seem thin when you pour it in, but it will thicken beautifully as the potatoes release their starch during baking.
· Pork Chop Thickness: Avoid pork chops thicker than ¾-inch for this recipe, as they may not cook through before the potatoes are done. If you only have thick chops, you may need to sear them longer and extend the final bake time.
· Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Enjoy this ultimate comfort food meal! It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for any night you need a hearty, home-cooked dinner.