Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes with Onions Casserole

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Pork Chops Scalloped Potatoes Casserole

Imagine a dish that brings together two beloved comfort foods: tender, juicy pork chops and creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. That’s our incredible Pork Chops Scalloped Potatoes Casserole! This hearty, satisfying meal is the epitome of home cooking, perfect for a cozy family dinner, Sunday supper, or potluck. It’s a complete meal in one dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to savor those savory flavors where succulent pork mingles with rich, creamy potato layers. Get ready to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food classic!

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Winner

Our pork chop and scalloped potato bake isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly practical for busy households. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• All-in-One Meal: Protein, starch, and a hint of vegetable (onions!) means no multiple side dishes.
• Incredibly Flavorful: Savory pork, luscious creamy cheese sauce, and tender potatoes create an irresistible symphony of tastes.
• Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, making dinner time stress-free.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, assemble parts or the whole casserole ahead of time to simplify busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Pork Chops Scalloped Potatoes Casserole starts with choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pork Chops:

• Pork Chops: Use bone-in or boneless center-cut loin chops, about 1-inch thick. Thicker chops stay juicier, while thinner ones cook faster. This recipe works well for various boneless pork chop recipes or a traditional bone-in pork chop casserole.
• Seasoning: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika create a delicious crust and enhance flavor.

For the Scalloped Potatoes:

• Potatoes: For the best potatoes for scalloped potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes offer creamy texture. Russet potatoes recipe provides classic starchy structure. Slice them uniformly thin.
• Onion: A medium yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced, adds savory sweetness.
• The Creamy Sauce: Butter, all-purpose flour for a roux, whole milk and/or heavy cream for richness, and chicken or vegetable broth for depth. Seasonings like nutmeg, dried thyme, salt, and pepper elevate the flavor, creating truly creamy scalloped potatoes and pork chops with a rich creamy cheese sauce for casserole. This is key to a great homemade scalloped potatoes recipe.
• Cheese: For cheesy scalloped potatoes with pork chops, a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack works best. Shred your own for optimal melt.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Having the right equipment makes preparing your pork chop potato casserole recipe a breeze:

• Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) or a separate skillet and a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
• A mandoline slicer (highly recommended!) or a sharp chef’s knife for uniform potato slices.
• Medium saucepan for the cheese sauce.
• Whisk, spatulas, measuring cups, and spoons.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Perfect Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole

Follow these steps closely to create a show-stopping Pork Chops Scalloped Potatoes Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Onions

Wash and peel potatoes (or leave skins on for Yukon Golds). Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice potatoes uniformly thin, about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures even cooking of the thinly sliced potatoes. Thinly slice the onion into rings or half-moons.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

Pat pork chops dry and season generously. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Sear chops 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (they won’t be cooked through). This initial searing is crucial for juicy oven baked pork chops and potatoes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk/cream and broth until no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in most shredded cheese, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your luscious foundation for creamy scalloped potatoes and pork chops, a truly comforting sauce for how to make scalloped potatoes from scratch.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer sauce to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Arrange overlapping layers of potato slices, then onions. Pour generous sauce over each potato layer, ensuring they are well-coated and submerged for maximum tenderness. This forms the base for your rich pork chops and potatoes au gratin.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Nestle the seared pork chops on top of the potato mixture. Cover tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, until potatoes are mostly tender. Remove foil and continue baking for 20-30 minutes, until pork chops reach 145°F (63°C) internal temperature, potatoes are fork-tender, and the top is golden and bubbly. Optionally, sprinkle remaining cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes for an extra golden crust. Enjoy your delicious baked pork chops and scalloped potatoes!

Pro Tips for Casserole Success

Elevate your pork and potato bake with these expert tips:

• Don’t Rinse Your Potatoes: Starches from sliced potatoes help thicken the sauce for perfect creamy consistency.
• The Magic of the Mandoline: Ensures uniform potato slices, leading to even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly and tastes better; pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents, which can make your cheesy scalloped potatoes with pork chops sauce grainy.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes after baking. This sets the sauce, making it easier to serve without being runny.
• Check for Doneness: Use a fork for potatoes (tender) and a meat thermometer for pork (145°F / 63°C) to ensure perfect cooking.

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

This versatile one pan pork chop and potato casserole is easily customizable:

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate layers of sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
• Herb Infusions: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf in the sauce for different aromatic notes.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes adds delightful warmth.
• Different Proteins: Works wonderfully with chicken thighs or smoked sausage if not using scalloped potatoes with pork chops on top.
• Topping Ideas: For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or crispy fried onions.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

Since this Pork Chops Scalloped Potatoes Casserole is a complete and hearty dinner recipe, simple sides are best:

• A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
• Glazed carrots for sweetness.
• Warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

Make the most of your delicious pork chops and potatoes au gratin:

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in microwave or larger portions covered in oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed. Add a splash of milk if dry.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover, refrigerate. Let come to room temp for 30 min before baking. This is a great make-ahead casserole instructions tip!
• Freezing: Potato texture can change. If freezing, bake first, cool, cover, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, boneless pork chops work well. They may cook faster, so monitor internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C) without overcooking.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. For a smoother texture, peel. For rustic charm and nutrients with thin-skinned varieties like Yukon Gold potatoes, leaving skins on is fine.

Why are my scalloped potatoes watery?

Watery potatoes can result from an insufficiently thick sauce (improper roux), using overly waxy potatoes, or not baking long enough for starches to fully thicken the liquid.

Can I use a can of cream of mushroom/chicken soup?

While canned soup offers a shortcut, our homemade creamy cheese sauce provides superior flavor, richness, and ingredient control for the best Pork Chops Scalloped Potatoes Casserole.

How do I prevent my pork chops from getting dry?

Sear pork chops first to lock in juices and avoid overbaking. Use thicker-cut chops and always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C) and no more.

Conclusion

This Pork Chops Scalloped Potatoes Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of family meal casserole that warms the soul and brings smiles to the table. Combining tender pork with luscious, perfectly cooked potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce, it truly is the ultimate comfort food. We encourage you to try this fantastic hearty dinner recipe for your next gathering or weeknight treat. Let us know in the comments how much you loved this dish!