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Sunday dinners at my house were magical moments that brought our whole family together. Mom's signature Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes always took center stage on our dinner table. The smell still takes me back watching her in the kitchen, the savory aroma of perfectly seasoned pork chops mingling with layers of creamy potatoes. Now I love sharing this treasured recipe with my own kids, keeping our family tradition alive one delicious meal at a time.
Quick, Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
This recipe has saved me countless times when I need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the prep work is straightforward. I often stock up on pork when it's on sale, making this an affordable option for busy weeknight dinners. My family's eyes light up whenever they smell these pork chops bubbling away in the oven.
What You'll Need
- Potatoes: 5 potatoes (white or Yukon Gold) Choose firm ones without any green spots. I love Yukons for their buttery flavor and how beautifully they hold their shape while baking. Make sure they're clean and dry before slicing.
- Pork Chops: 5 pork chops I usually go for bone-in because they stay juicier. Look for ones with a nice pink color and some marbling throughout.
- Onion: 1 onion, sliced or diced Yellow onions are my go-to. They get wonderfully sweet when cooked.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup Full-fat milk makes everything creamier and more delicious.
- Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups shredded I always shred my own it melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff.
- Butter: 3 tbsp unsalted butter The real deal, no substitutes here.
- Salt and Pepper: to taste Fresh ground pepper makes such a difference.
- Optional Seasonings: Fresh chives from my garden are amazing on top. Sometimes I'll add a pinch of garlic salt when I'm feeling fancy.
Let's Get Cooking
- Prep the Potatoes
- Peel and slice your potatoes super thin about 1/8 inch. I swear by my mandoline for this job it makes perfect slices every time. Layer them in a buttered baking dish and get your oven warming to 375°F.
- Make That Creamy Sauce
- Grab a saucepan and melt your butter. Toss in those onions and let them soften up for about 5 minutes. Pour in your milk and add that beautiful shredded cheese. Keep stirring until everything's melted together into a velvety sauce. Season it well and pour it all over your potatoes.
- Get Those Chops Going
- Heat up your skillet nice and hot. Season those chops really well with salt and pepper. Give them a good sear on each side until they're golden brown. Place them right on top of your cheesy potatoes.
- Finish It Off
- Cover everything with foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. Then uncover and let it go another 15 minutes until everything's bubbly and perfect. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving your masterpiece.
Make It Your Own
I love playing around with this recipe. Sometimes I throw in some sliced carrots or parsnips with the potatoes for extra color and flavor. When I'm feeling indulgent I swap in heavy cream for the milk it makes everything so rich and dreamy. My daughter loves when I add a little kick with some diced jalapeños in the cheese sauce. Trust your instincts and make it yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the potato mixture and assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.
- → What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
White or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal choices. They hold their shape well while cooking and have the perfect starch content for creating creamy scalloped potatoes.
- → Why isn't my cheese sauce smooth?
For the smoothest sauce, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can make the sauce grainy.
- → Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Both boneless and bone-in pork chops work well in this recipe. Bone-in chops might need a few extra minutes of cooking time but add extra flavor to the dish.
- → How do I know when the dish is done cooking?
The pork should reach 145°F internal temperature and the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. The cheese sauce should be bubbly and slightly golden on top.