This Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort to any dinner table. With juicy pork chops and creamy cheese, it’s simply delicious!
I love how all the flavors mix together, making every bite a tasty treat. It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies! Perfect for busy nights when I want something easy but filling.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops. Bone-in adds flavor but boneless cooks more evenly. If you want a lighter option, try skinless chicken breasts instead.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to because of their creamy texture. Russet works too, but for a twist, try sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and nutrition!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but I like mixing it up with mozzarella for extra stretchiness. You can even use a dairy-free cheese if you want to make this casserole more health-conscious.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream; it gives a nice tang and is a bit healthier. You can also use cream cheese for a thicker sauce.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Sear My Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops adds flavor and texture, but it’s easy to overdo it. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat your pan on medium-high before adding oil or butter. A hot pan is key!
- Season the pork chops well with salt, pepper, and paprika. This adds flavor from the start.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If it’s too crowded, they won’t brown properly.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until you see a nice golden crust. This locks in the juices.
Remember, you don’t need to cook them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven with the casserole.
Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced (preferably Yukon Gold or russet)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 55-60 minutes of cooking time. So, you can look forward to a total time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s great for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for the casserole when you’re done preparing it.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. While the skillet heats up, season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. No need to cook them through yet; they’ll finish baking in the casserole!
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they become soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells wonderful!
4. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream (or milk), half of the shredded cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture will bring everything together and make it extra creamy!
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with a bit of oil or butter. Start layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Make sure they’re spread out evenly.
6. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread half of the cooked onions and garlic over the layer of potatoes. Then, pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over this layer. It’s going to be so cheesy and delicious!
7. Repeat the Layers:
Next, repeat the layering process with the remaining sliced potatoes, followed by the remaining onion mixture, and finish with the rest of the creamy sauce on top.
8. Add the Pork Chops:
Now, take your seared pork chops and place them evenly spaced on top of the casserole. This way, they’ll soak up all the amazing flavors while baking.
9. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the entire casserole to create a cheesy, bubbly topping.
10. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when you poke them with a fork.
11. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once it’s done, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle in nicely! Before serving, feel free to garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
12. Enjoy!
Finally, serve the warm and comforting cheesy pork chop potato casserole to your family and friends, and enjoy all the delicious flavors together!
This dish is all about comfort, combining tender pork chops with creamy cheese sauce and layered potatoes. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but they should be thawed completely before cooking. Ideally, thaw the chops overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk or a mixture of half-and-half and milk for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or warm in the microwave in individual portions.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onions for a few minutes before layering so they’re cooked but still retain some texture in the casserole.