Description
Hearty pork chops with scalloped potatoes combine creamy layers of sliced potatoes and savory meat in a comforting classic. Cheese-topped and baked until golden, this dish delivers rich flavors perfect for family dinners you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season pork chops with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then massage with olive oil to ensure even coating.
- Heat a skillet over medium flame and sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, creating a flavorful exterior. Transfer to a holding plate.
- Preheat the oven to 350F, preparing a greased baking dish for the layered potato creation.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate flour into the butter mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking to eliminate any lumps.
- Simmer the cream sauce until it thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme for additional depth of flavor.
- Create alternating layers in the baking dish: first potatoes, then cream sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layering process to ensure even distribution.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the creamy sauce.
- Remove foil and strategically place seared pork chops atop the potato layers.
- Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145F.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Boost flavor by marinating pork chops for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and taste.
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Choose low-fat milk and reduce cheese for a lighter version suitable for health-conscious diners.
- Swap pork chops with chicken breasts or tofu for alternative protein options that maintain recipe’s creamy essence.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 223 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg