These creamy smothered pork chops are a real treat! The chops are covered in a rich, tasty sauce, and they’re served alongside soft and cheesy scalloped potatoes that melt in your mouth.
Honestly, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. I love how easy it is to impress my family with it—just cook, plate, and watch them smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best for flavor and moisture. If they’re not available, boneless chops can work too—just cook them for a shorter time.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap in half-and-half or whole milk. Just know that the sauce will be a bit less creamy.
Chicken Broth: Homemade stock is always great if you have it! If not, low-sodium chicken broth from a can or box works well. Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian substitute.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is traditional, but you could use Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. Just choose a cheese that melts well!
How Do I Get Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy sauce might seem tricky, but it’s all about the right technique. Here’s how to achieve that rich, velvety sauce:
- Start by cooking the onions slowly to bring out their sweetness. Don’t rush this—let them become soft and slightly caramelized.
- When you add flour, ensure you cook it briefly to avoid a raw taste. This creates a roux that helps thicken the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and make sure to scrape any tasty bits from the skillet; these add flavor!
- Finally, stir in the cream and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Keep the heat low, so it doesn’t boil.
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious creamy sauce that everyone will love!
How to Make Creamy Smothered Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops and Creamy Sauce:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Scalloped Potatoes:
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep, with an additional 1 hour and 5 minutes for cooking. So expect a total of about 1 hour and 25 minutes before you can enjoy this hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Scalloped Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and butter it well. In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and mix in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg (if you’re using it), the half of the cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Now, layer half of the sliced potatoes in the buttered baking dish, then pour half of that creamy cheese sauce over them. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes and sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and return it to the oven uncovered for another 15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. Take it out of the oven and set aside.
2. Cook the Pork Chops:
While your potatoes are baking, season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter and the sliced onions. Cook while stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while scraping any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly, for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine Pork Chops and Sauce:
Now, return the pork chops to the skillet, making sure they’re nestled nicely in that creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow them to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the pork is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve:
Now comes the best part! Plate the delicious smothered pork chops generously covered in that creamy sauce. Serve them alongside the scalloped potatoes. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Creamy Smothered Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops are recommended for their tenderness and flavor. However, if you only have boneless chops, you can use those too—just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. For the sauce, consider using less cheese or adding extra vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Can I Prepare the Scalloped Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the scalloped potatoes a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Just make sure to bake them right before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Roasted greens like asparagus or broccoli also complement the flavors nicely!
