Description
Succulent Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes blend hearty Southern comfort with elegant French technique. Creamy potato layers and juicy seasoned pork create a satisfying meal you will savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Generously coat pork chops with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, massaging the seasonings into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a rich golden-brown crust. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop a smooth, fragrant roux.
- Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Grease a baking dish and create alternating layers of sliced potatoes and onions, pouring cream sauce between each layer to ensure even distribution.
- Carefully arrange the seared pork chops atop the potato layers. Optionally, dust with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and absorb the creamy sauce.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes until the top turns golden and crispy, and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, revealing the layers of creamy potatoes and perfectly cooked pork chops.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut pork chops for juicier results and better searing, preventing dry meat during baking.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform potato slices, ensuring even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor depth and subtle heat in the spice blend.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 296 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg