Looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner option? Look no further than this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole! Tender pork chops smothered in a creamy sauce, layered with thinly sliced potatoes, and baked until golden brown and bubbly – it’s the ultimate comfort food dish that will please the whole family. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this delicious recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
A: Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. However, bone-in chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so keep that in mind when making your selection.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb?
A: Yes, we’ll provide keto and low-carb versions of this recipe in the later sections of this blog post.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes, then pour the sauce over the pork chops. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle paprika over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy hot!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers between the layers of potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Creamier: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce before pouring it over the pork chops.
- Use Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of pork, you can easily substitute bone-in chicken thighs or breasts in this recipe.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb:
- Replace Potatoes: Substitute the potatoes with thinly sliced turnips, cauliflower, or radishes to reduce the carb content.
- Use Low-Carb Thickeners: Instead of all-purpose flour, use almond flour or coconut flour as a thickener for the sauce.
- Skip the Sugar: Omit the onion or use a small amount of onion powder instead to reduce the carb content further.
This Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its layers of tender
