If you're in the mood for something comforting yet flavorful, this Cheesy Pork Chop with Potatoes Recipe is just the ticket. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. You'll love how the golden, tender potatoes soak up the silky, cheesy gravy while the pork chops develop a beautifully crisp crust that locks in juicy flavor.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between rich, cheesy comfort and simple, satisfying home cooking. The layering technique allows the potatoes to gently steam in the gravy, absorbing incredible flavors while staying tender. Searing the pork chops first seals in their natural juices which keeps them moist through baking, and the cheesy sauce adds a luscious creaminess that brings everything together beautifully.
- Consistent Texture: Layering potatoes evenly ensures every bite is creamy yet holds its shape.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Searing pork chops locks in flavor, while the onion-garlic gravy adds warmth and depth.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples like flour and broth transform into a silky sauce with minimal fuss.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: A quick sear sets the stage, then the oven does the hard work making this an approachable recipe.
Ingredient Game Plan
When it comes to the Cheesy Pork Chop with Potatoes Recipe, choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients is key to that rich, homey flavor. I like to use bone-in pork chops because they stay tender and develop better flavor during cooking. For the potatoes, medium-sized starchy ones work great because they soften without falling apart.
- Pork chops: Opt for bone-in chops about 1 inch thick for juiciness and structure.
- Potatoes: Starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Gold for silky softness.
- Milk or half-and-half: Adds creaminess to the gravy-half-and-half makes it extra luxurious.
- Chicken broth: Use low-sodium to control salt level and deepen flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Thyme and parsley add bright, aromatic notes that cut through richness.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Cheesy Pork Chop with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by blotting your pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important because moisture on the surface prevents them from searing properly. Sprinkle both sides evenly with kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a simple but flavorful seasoning. Lightly dredge each chop in all-purpose flour-this helps create a golden crust and thickens the gravy later on. Set the chops aside while you prep everything else.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Heat your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully lay the pork chops in and sear without moving them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You're looking for a deep golden-brown crust-this seals in the juices and develops great flavor. Remove the chops and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add sliced onions. Slow-cook them until they turn soft and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes, which builds a toasty sweetness. Stir in minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour to coat the onions well and cook for another minute to mellow out the raw flour taste.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens nicely-about 3 to 5 minutes. Add thyme and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Now for the assembly: arrange the potato slices in a baking dish, pour half the gravy over them, then nestle the pork chops on top. Pour the remaining gravy over the pork chops. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Check with a fork to make sure potatoes are tender and a meat thermometer reads at least 145°F for the chops.
Pro Moves I Swear By
I've learned that nailing the sear and layering flavors carefully makes all the difference. Don't rush the onion caramelization - that's the backbone of your gravy. Also, make sure your potatoes are evenly sliced so they cook uniformly, giving you perfect tender bites throughout.
- Doneness Cue: Look for juices running clear and an internal temp of 145°F for safe, juicy pork.
- Temperature Trick: Use a medium-high pan temperature to get a beautiful crust without burning.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can prep the gravy and chops a few hours ahead and assemble when ready.
- Skip This Pitfall: Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing or the chops will steam instead of brown.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute. Spoon extra gravy over the pork chops for that glossy, irresistible finish, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. This simple garnish elevates the dish visually and balances the richness beautifully.
Great Pairings
To balance the creamy potatoes and pork, I love serving this with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. A light, tangy slaw or steamed green beans work wonders to cut through the richness. You'll find the dish fills you up fast though, so simple sides that add texture and freshness are best.
Easy Plating Wins
For casual meals, plate a pork chop alongside a generous scoop of potatoes and drizzle extra gravy over the top. For something a bit more special, you can stack the pork on a bed of potatoes, garnish with a sprig of thyme, and serve on a warm plate for that extra cozy feel. The golden edges and creamy sauce really shine when you keep it simple but thoughtful.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes tend to soak up more sauce over time, which makes for even creamier bites the next day. Just keep in mind reheated pork chops can dry out if overcooked, so gentle reheating helps preserve texture.
Freezer Notes
You can freeze this dish, but it's best to do so before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a little extra time if needed. Pre-cooked leftovers freeze okay but may lose some creaminess in the gravy after thawing.
Reheating Cheesy Pork Chop with Potatoes Recipe Without Drying Out
The oven is your best friend for reheating-cover the dish with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave on medium power, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep things moist. An air fryer works well too for reheating pork chops separately to keep the crust crisp while warming potatoes gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute boneless chops, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Watch your cooking time closely and check for doneness earlier.
While this recipe uses a creamy milk-based gravy, you can stir in a mild melting cheese like cheddar or Gruyère for extra cheesiness, but add it towards the end of cooking off the heat to avoid curdling.
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free milk substitute like almond or oat milk and swap butter for a plant-based alternative to keep the dish creamy and flavorful.
The potatoes are done when they're tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork but not falling apart. Check by inserting a fork into the thickest slice near the end of baking.
Final Thoughts
PrintComplete Recipe
Cheesy Pork Chop with Potatoes Recipe
This Cheesy Pork Chop with Potatoes recipe delivers tender, juicy pork chops nestled on a bed of creamy, garlicky potatoes smothered in a rich homemade gravy. Perfectly seared pork chops are baked alongside potatoes in a flavorful thyme-infused sauce, making for a comforting and easy one-dish dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes and Gravy
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes peeled and cut into half-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon powdered garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops, each about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating the pork)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Powdered garlic (use ½ teaspoon combined with onion powder for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season & Sear Pork Chops: Blot any excess moisture from the pork chops using paper towels. Evenly sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over both sides. Lightly dredge the chops in the all-purpose flour to coat. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops until a deep golden crust forms, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Onions & Garlic: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are deeply golden and softened, around 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of plain flour over the sautéed onions, stirring constantly to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add the milk and stir until the gravy thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in thyme and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble with Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly across the base of a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Pour half of the gravy over the potato layer. Place the seared pork chops on top and ladle the remaining gravy over them.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and pork chops have reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
- Finish & Serve: Remove the foil carefully, spoon additional gravy over the pork chops, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with any extra gravy on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add an additional tablespoon of flour during the gravy-making step.
- Bone-in pork chops add more flavor and stay juicier during cooking.
- Ensure to cover the baking dish tightly to keep moisture in and cook the potatoes evenly.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Allow pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after baking for best juiciness.
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