Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes: Your New Favorite Comfort Dinner

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes offers a complete, soul-satisfying meal in one dish. This guide shows you how to bake tender pork and creamy, cheesy potatoes perfectly every time, simplifying your dinner routine with minimal cleanup.

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is a classic pairing that brings deep comfort to the dinner table. This recipe combines succulent pork with layers of thinly sliced, cheesy potatoes baked in a creamy milk sauce. You get a complete and satisfying meal all baked in a single dish, which makes cleanup incredibly simple for busy nights. Whether you remember this dish from childhood or are making it for the first time, you will love the rich, savory flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Achieve tender pork chops and creamy potatoes in one pan.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture and creaminess.
• Always grate your own Cheddar cheese for a smoother, richer sauce.
• Bake at 350°F for about an hour, flipping the chops halfway through.

To make Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes, layer thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and shredded cheese in a baking dish with milk and seasonings, then top with pork chops. Bake the dish at 350°F (175°C) for 50-65 minutes until the pork is cooked and the potatoes are tender.

Choosing the Best Pork Chops for Baking

When selecting your pork chops, look for ones that are about an inch thick. Thicker chops will stay moist throughout the long baking time needed for the potatoes to soften completely. Bone-in chops often provide more flavor and tend to stay juicier than boneless cuts, giving you better results.

Selecting quality meat ensures your Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes taste amazing. Look for cuts with a good amount of marbling, which is the internal fat that melts during cooking. This fat adds significant flavor and helps keep the meat from drying out, even when baked on top of the potatoes for a longer period. For more dinner ideas, check out the main course category.

Bone-In Versus Boneless Cuts

Bone-in pork chops are highly recommended for this dish because the bone helps to insulate the meat. This extra insulation allows the chop to cook slowly and evenly while providing a deeper, more savory flavor to the dish. If you choose boneless, reduce the baking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.

Boneless chops are easier to eat, which might be important for younger diners or quick meals. If you use them, be sure they are at least ¾-inch thick and monitor the internal temperature closely. Use a meat thermometer to pull them out when they reach about 145°F, ensuring they remain tender and not tough.

Ideal Thickness and Marbling

A consistent thickness, around one inch, is perfect for the Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes casserole. This thickness is durable enough to withstand the longer oven time while still absorbing the creamy sauce flavors. If the chops are too thin, they will finish cooking before the potatoes are tender.

Marbling is the little white flecks of fat within the muscle; it is your flavor insurance policy. High-quality chops with good marbling will result in pork that is unbelievably tender and flavorful when it comes out of the oven. This little detail makes a huge difference in the final taste of your meal.

Preparing the Perfect Scalloped Potatoes Layer

The secret to great scalloped potatoes lies in how you prepare the starchy base. You must select the right potato variety and slice them consistently thin. Yukon Gold or white potatoes are ideal because they have the perfect starch level to create a creamy texture without turning mushy after the long bake time.

Achieving uniformity is key for a dish where everything cooks together in one pan. Every potato slice must cook through at the same rate to ensure a creamy texture. Uneven slices will result in some pieces being hard while others are soft, ruining the overall feel of your creamy, cheesy dish.

Potato Variety and Slicing Technique

Use a mandoline slicer if you have one; it is the fastest way to get uniform ¼-inch slices. Consistent thickness is vital for even cooking in this layered dish. If using a knife, take your time and aim for slices that are as close to identical as possible.

Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent because they are naturally buttery and hold their shape well, lending a beautiful texture to the scalloped potatoes. White potatoes are also a great choice, offering a slightly softer texture while still holding up to the long bake time. You might also want to try this crispy cauliflower side dish for another option.

Building the Creamy Cheese Sauce Base

The base of the creamy sauce is a simple mix of whole milk, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese. You want to make sure you shred the cheese yourself from a block, which avoids the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly, ensuring a richer, more luxurious sauce texture.

Mix the milk, cheese, potatoes, and onions right in the bowl before layering to ensure every piece is coated. This helps the flavors meld and guarantees a creamy sauce that permeates the entire potato layer. Don’t forget to season this mixture generously with salt and pepper, which is essential for great flavor.

Assembling and Seasoning Your Casserole

The way you assemble the dish ensures the pork and potatoes cook perfectly side-by-side. Start with a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking, and then transfer the potato mixture into the bottom layer. This potato layer should be relatively even to promote consistent cooking.

Proper seasoning elevates the humble potato and pork into a truly memorable meal. Remember that potatoes soak up a lot of salt, so be bold with your seasoning. You can also add optional ingredients like a pinch of garlic salt or seasoning salt to enhance the savory notes of the final dish.

Layering the Potatoes and Onions

Once you have mixed the potatoes, onions, milk, and cheese, pour the entire contents into the prepared dish. Distribute the pieces evenly so the liquid settles properly around the potato slices. This ensures that every part of the scalloped potatoes bakes into a creamy, delicious layer that is ready for the pork chops.

Dotting the top of the potato mixture with small pieces of butter is a great trick for a richer flavor. The butter melts down into the layers as it bakes, creating little pockets of richness that truly enhance the overall taste and texture. This simple step adds a wonderful, subtle depth to the cream sauce.

Seasoning the Pork Chops for Flavor

Before arranging the pork chops on top of the potato mixture, you must season them well. A simple blend of salt and freshly cracked black pepper is usually enough, but you can also use a seasoning salt blend for extra flavor. Be sure to season both sides of the chops generously.

The chops are placed directly on the potatoes, which allows the rendered pork fat and juices to drip down into the scalloped potatoes. This natural basting process is key to the overall flavor profile of this incredible casserole, infusing the potatoes with a savory depth. For more tips on meat preparation, visit the Pork Chop Wikipedia page.

Baking Instructions and Temperature Control

Baking Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is a lesson in patience, as you need enough time for the potatoes to become fully tender. The oven temperature of 350°F is ideal because it allows the potatoes to cook thoroughly without drying out the pork chops too quickly. Total bake time is generally about 50 to 65 minutes.

Remember that oven temperatures can vary significantly, so relying on visual cues and an internal thermometer is essential. The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Checking the doneness ensures both components of your meal are perfectly cooked.

The 350°F Baking Sweet Spot

A moderate temperature of 350°F is critical for the success of this casserole. It is hot enough to achieve a lovely golden brown top on the pork and potatoes but low enough to prevent the edges from burning before the center is cooked. This slow, steady heat is what makes the creamy sauce so luxurious.

You can see the sauce bubbling gently around the edges of the dish during the baking process. If the top of the pork chops or potatoes begins to look too brown before the hour is up, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. This simple action reflects the heat and prevents the meat from getting tough or dry.

Flipping and Final Doneness Check

Make sure to flip the pork chops halfway through the baking time, around the 25-minute mark. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides and helps them stay moist. Use tongs to turn them carefully, avoiding splashing the creamy potato mixture.

The final check must involve a fork test for the potatoes—they should feel soft with no resistance—and a meat thermometer for the pork. The final temperature of 145°F is the standard for safe and juicy pork. If the potatoes are still firm, simply continue baking, covered, for another 10-15 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Casserole Issues

Even seasoned cooks can run into issues with a casserole that relies on multiple components cooking simultaneously. The two most common problems with Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes are potatoes that are still hard or pork chops that turn out dry. We have easy solutions for both problems, ensuring your meal is a success.

The key to avoiding these pitfalls lies in preparation and monitoring. Slicing the potatoes very thin is the most important preparatory step. During baking, using foil and a thermometer helps you monitor and correct for uneven cooking. You can always adjust the temperature and time as needed.

Why are My Potatoes Still Hard?

The main reason for hard potatoes is that the slices were too thick or too uneven. If this happens, your best bet is to cover the entire dish tightly with foil and return it to the oven. The foil traps the steam, which helps to finish cooking the thick slices. You may need an extra 15-20 minutes.

Another cause could be an insufficient amount of liquid or an incorrect milk-to-potato ratio. The potatoes need to be fully submerged in the sauce to cook properly. If the dish looks dry, gently pour an extra half cup of milk around the edges of the casserole and then cover and continue baking until tender.

Preventing Dry or Tough Pork Chops

If you are worried about dry pork chops, make sure you do not overcook them past the 145°F internal temperature. Use bone-in chops, which are more forgiving, and always flip them halfway through the bake time. Covering the dish with foil is your secret weapon against dry meat.

The heat from the oven can be intense on the exposed pork chops, so putting foil over the dish for the last portion of the bake is a great idea. You can also briefly sear the chops in a pan before placing them on the potatoes. This creates a crust and locks in moisture, resulting in a more tender finished product.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is a complete meal, but adding a simple side can balance the richness. A crisp, green salad or some steamed vegetables are the perfect complement. A brightly flavored side provides a great contrast to the creamy, savory casserole.

Think about sides that offer color and acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and pork. Steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest, or a simple arugula salad with vinaigrette are excellent choices. This simple addition makes the entire meal feel fresh and well-rounded. Visit our Pinterest for more pairing inspiration.

Simple Green Salad Options

A basic mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette is easy to prepare. The acidity of the dressing is a wonderful palate cleanser after a bite of the cheesy potatoes. You want something fresh and tangy to contrast with the savory casserole.

Alternatively, consider a Caesar salad, but go light on the dressing, or use less cheese. The crisp romaine lettuce and garlicky croutons offer a satisfying crunch that complements the soft texture of the scalloped potatoes. For more appetizer ideas, see our appetizers section.

Perfect Vegetable Complements

Steamed broccoli or asparagus tossed with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper is a classic side. These simple green vegetables add nutritional value and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the pork. They are quick to prepare while the main dish finishes in the oven.

You can also quickly roast some root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, during the last 20 minutes of the baking time. The slight caramelization of roasted vegetables adds a sweet counterpoint to the salty, cheesy goodness of the Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes. Check out this guide on Pork for more on cuts and preparation.

Making This a One-Pot Wonder (Cleanup Tips)

One of the best features of Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is the minimal cleanup required. Since the entire meal is cooked in one dish, you are left with only one pan to wash. Lining the baking dish with parchment paper can make the cleanup even faster and simpler.

You can also use disposable aluminum foil pans for this recipe, which makes cleanup virtually nonexistent. If you use a traditional ceramic dish, make sure to soak it immediately after serving. This prevents the melted cheese and baked-on sauce from hardening, making scrubbing much easier.

Using Parchment Paper or Foil

Placing a sheet of parchment paper under the potatoes ensures nothing sticks to the dish. Once the casserole is cool, you can lift the entire dish out and discard the paper. This simple trick protects your cookware and drastically reduces scrubbing time.

If you use foil, create a sling that extends over the edges of the dish. This allows you to easily lift out any residue or stuck-on cheese after the meal. A quick tip: spray the foil or parchment with a non-stick cooking spray before adding the ingredients for extra insurance.

Resting Time for Thickening the Sauce

Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. This resting period lets the starches from the potatoes continue to absorb the liquid. The result is a much thicker, creamier sauce that holds its shape when you serve the final dish.

If you skip the rest time, the sauce will be thin and runny, which can make the plate look messy. The residual heat finishes the cooking process and allows the flavors to truly settle and meld together. You’ll find more tips on easy dinners on our Instagram.

Ingredient Swaps and Customization Ideas

This recipe for Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is highly adaptable to your pantry and preferences. While the classic version uses Cheddar and whole milk, you can easily switch up the cheese or the type of liquid used. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to match your taste.

You might consider adding a smoky flavor by using smoked paprika or a little cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. You can also add a layer of crumbled cooked bacon between the potato layers for a rich, salty burst of flavor. Customizing this dish is part of the fun of cooking a classic casserole.

Alternative Cheeses and Liquids

Try swapping the Cheddar for a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese for a nuttier, more complex flavor profile. Gruyère melts beautifully and is a traditional cheese used in French potato dishes. For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of whole milk.

If you want a bolder flavor, you can replace a quarter cup of the milk with a dry white wine or a little chicken broth. This adds a layer of savory depth to the creamy sauce that complements the pork wonderfully. However, stick to full-fat dairy for the best creamy texture.

Adding Extra Vegetables or Herbs

Beyond the simple onion, you can easily add other vegetables. Thinly sliced bell peppers or a layer of sautéed mushrooms can be added to the potato mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Just make sure the vegetables are sliced thinly so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.

Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, are wonderful additions to the dish. Chop them finely and mix them right into the potato and milk mixture. These herbs pair perfectly with pork and will infuse the entire casserole with an aromatic, fresh scent while it bakes to perfection.

Recipe Scaling for Family Gatherings

This recipe is easily scalable, which is great if you are hosting a family gathering or a larger dinner party. You can double or triple the ingredients, but you will need to use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes. Ensure the dish is large enough so the potato layer is no more than two inches deep for even cooking.

If you increase the size of the dish, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time. Always remember to cover the dish with foil once the tops have browned to prevent the pork from drying out during the extended bake. A deep dish allows for more layers of creamy, delicious potatoes.

Nutritional Information and Healthy Swaps

The original recipe for Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is rich and comforting, but you can make a few healthy modifications. For instance, you can use skim milk instead of whole milk and a reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese. These small changes can lower the overall fat content without sacrificing too much of the classic flavor.

Another option is to replace the white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more fibrous dish. You can also trim all visible fat from the pork chops before cooking to reduce the fat further. These simple adjustments allow you to enjoy a comforting meal while managing your nutritional goals.

The History of Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes, or potatoes au gratin, have a rich history dating back to European peasant dishes. The dish became popular in America in the 19th century as a way to use inexpensive potatoes and milk. The concept of cooking potatoes in milk or cream is a time-honored tradition that creates a deeply satisfying, hearty meal.

The addition of pork chops turns this side dish into a complete and robust main course, as seen in many American home-cooked meals. This dish is a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients creating something truly spectacular and comforting. It is a meal that has stood the test of time, proving its place as a family favorite.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers of Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes are just as delicious the next day. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can safely store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, which makes this recipe great for meal prepping throughout the week.

To reheat, the best method is to cover a single serving in an oven-safe dish with foil and bake it in a 300°F oven until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the potatoes might become slightly softer. Reheating gently in the oven helps maintain the creamy texture of the scalloped potatoes and keeps the pork chops from drying out. You can find more of our easy recipes here: Easy Honey Garlic Chicken.

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is a truly comforting and straightforward dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. By following these simple steps, you can create a complete meal in one pan that is perfect for any night of the week. Remember to shred your cheese, slice your potatoes thinly, and keep an eye on that internal temperature for the juiciest pork chops.

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes will quickly become a favorite in your household because of the tender pork and cheesy, creamy potatoes. Enjoy the process of creating this classic meal and savor the rich, savory aromas that will fill your kitchen. It is a hearty, all-in-one dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.

Print