This comforting casserole layers juicy pork chops with creamy scalloped potatoes. It’s like a hug in a dish! The flavors blend together perfectly, making every bite so tasty.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the melt-in-your-mouth potatoes with tender pork? I like to make this when I want something easy yet special. It’s a crowd-pleaser at every meal! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are best for flavor, but you can use boneless chops if that’s what you have. Just reduce baking time a bit since they cook faster.
Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds work great. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try sweet potatoes as a fun substitute!
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich taste, but you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half if you want a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk could work, but be mindful of the creaminess.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a lovely flavor, but you can swap it for Gruyère or mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor.
Thyme: Dried thyme is convenient, but fresh thyme is more fragrant. Feel free to use other herbs like rosemary or oregano if you prefer.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Getting tender and juicy pork chops is all about the searing and baking technique. First, it’s crucial to sear them on medium-high heat until they are golden brown. This locks in the juices for a flavorful bite!
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chops. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes.
- After you’ve baked them in the casserole, check for doneness with a meat thermometer. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist chops.
Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time searing the pork chops, making the creamy sauce, and layering everything together. After baking, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before diving in. The whole process can be done in about an hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it to make sure nothing sticks!
2. Season and Sear the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and season them all over with salt, pepper, and half of the dried thyme. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork chops and sear until they are golden brown—around 3-4 minutes on each side. When they’re done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—just about a minute will do! Next, whisk the flour into the butter and cook for another minute. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream or milk, making sure to stir constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring this mixture to a light simmer and let it thicken slightly (3-5 minutes). Stir in the remaining thyme and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Now it’s time to build your casserole! Layer half of the sliced potatoes (and the sliced onion if you’re using it) in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the potatoes. Then, add the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the sauce over them. If you like cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top!
5. Add the Pork Chops:
Nestle the seared pork chops right on top of the potato layers, gently pressing them down. This helps them cook evenly and infuse flavors.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and the top is lightly golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle a bit! Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you wish, then dig in and enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Enjoy the cozy flavors of this pork chops and scalloped potatoes casserole—it’s sure to become a favorite family dish!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they tend to cook faster than bone-in chops. Check for doneness at about 30-35 minutes.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Add a splash of milk to help keep the potatoes creamy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to layer them in between the potatoes or mix them into the creamy sauce before layering.