This Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole is a warm and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender pork chops, cheesy goodness, and creamy potatoes!
You can’t go wrong with melting cheese on top—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love to serve it with a simple salad for balance because who doesn’t enjoy a cheesy comfort meal? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using pork tenderloin instead. It has a tender texture, perfect for casseroles.
Potatoes: While I used standard white or yellow potatoes, feel free to substitute with Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just remember that different potatoes may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a great choice for its melting quality, but you can swap it for Monterey Jack or mozzarella if desired. Mix different cheeses for a deeper flavor!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer a homemade alternative, you can make your own with sautéed mushrooms, flour, and broth. This is a great option for those avoiding canned soups.
Milk: For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half. You can also use almond milk or oat milk if you’re lactose intolerant or aiming for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Perfectly Layer the Casserole?
Layering is key to ensure each bite is flavorful! Start with a solid base and ease your way up. Here’s my approach:
- Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of your dish. This helps to absorb juices as it cooks, keeping them from becoming mushy.
- Next, add a layer of cooked onions for flavor, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. This not only adds taste but also helps bind the layers.
- Pour some of your creamy mixture to keep everything moist, then repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
Make sure to end with a topping of cheese and bread crumbs. This gives you a crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft layers underneath.
Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 pork chops, bone-in or boneless
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by around 1 hour and 5 minutes of baking time. You’ll be looking at a total of about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get this delicious casserole on the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First up, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your casserole!
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Season both sides of your pork chops with salt and black pepper. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and brown them for about 3-4 minutes per side, getting that nice golden color. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, so just remove them from the skillet and set aside when done.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same skillet, throw in those sliced onions. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft and fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme until everything is nicely blended.
5. Layering Time:
Grab an oven-safe casserole dish (or use the same skillet if it’s ovenproof). Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Follow that with half of the cooked onions, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Now, pour half of the creamy mixture evenly over those layers.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, cheese, and then pour the rest of the cream mixture on top.
7. Add the Pork Chops:
Carefully place your browned pork chops on top of all those delicious layers. They’ll melt into the casserole while cooking!
8. Top with Crunch:
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the pork chops and casserole surface for that tasty crunch!
9. Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50 minutes, then take off the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll want until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
10. Finishing Touches:
If you’d like a crispier topping, you can set the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes, then garnish with some fresh parsley or chives if you want.
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the casserole warm and enjoy all the cheesy, comforting goodness of this delightful dish!
Your family will love this satisfying meal that combines tender pork chops and creamy cheesy potatoes baked to perfection!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While I recommend using medium white or yellow potatoes for their creamy texture, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may cook at different rates, so adjust accordingly.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead! Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just add some extra baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add in veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and layer them in with the potatoes for extra deliciousness!