Ultimate Comfort Food: Pork Chops with Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of perfectly cooked pork chops alongside creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser for a reason: it’s hearty, flavorful, and relatively easy to make. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring tender, juicy pork chops and scalloped potatoes that are cooked to perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this ultimate comfort food! We’ll cover everything from selecting the right pork chops and potatoes to achieving that golden-brown crust and creamy interior.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking experience.

**For the Pork Chops:**

* 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**For the Scalloped Potatoes:**

* 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 5-6 medium), peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk recommended)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyere, or a combination)

## Equipment

You’ll also need the following equipment:

* Large skillet or cast-iron skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mandoline or sharp knife
* Large saucepan
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Mixing bowls

## Preparing the Pork Chops

The key to delicious pork chops is a good sear and even cooking. Here’s how to achieve it:

1. **Pat the Pork Chops Dry:** Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the pork chops dry. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Moisture prevents browning.
2. **Season Generously:** In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
3. **Heat the Skillet:** Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
4. **Sear the Pork Chops:** Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches to maintain even searing. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
5. **Reduce Heat and Cook Through:** After searing, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the pork chops for another 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone.
6. **Rest the Pork Chops:** Once the pork chops are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
7. **Optional Butter Basting:** In the last minute of cooking, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the pork chops for added richness and flavor.

## Making the Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes can be a bit time-consuming, but the creamy, cheesy result is well worth the effort. Here’s how to make them:

1. **Prepare the Potatoes and Onions:** Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them using a mandoline or a sharp knife. The slices should be about 1/8-inch thick for even cooking. Thinly slice the onion as well. The more uniform the slices are, the better they will cook.
2. **Sauté the Garlic and Onions:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent. This step adds a depth of flavor to the potatoes.
3. **Make the Roux:** Add the flour to the saucepan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This will help thicken the sauce and prevent lumps. Make sure to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. **Whisk in the Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. **Season the Sauce:** Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. **Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. **Layer the Potatoes, Onions, and Cheese:** In the prepared baking dish, create a layer of potato slices, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle with some of the sautéed onions and garlic, and then sprinkle with some of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers until all the potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
8. **Pour the Sauce Over:** Pour the warm milk sauce evenly over the layered potatoes. Make sure the sauce penetrates all the layers. Gently press down on the potatoes to ensure they are submerged in the sauce.
9. **Bake the Scalloped Potatoes:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Use a fork to test the potatoes for tenderness. If they are still firm, continue baking for a few more minutes.
10. **Rest Before Serving:** Remove the scalloped potatoes from the oven and let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents them from being too watery.

## Putting It All Together: Serving Suggestions

Once both the pork chops and scalloped potatoes are ready, it’s time to plate and enjoy! Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Classic Presentation:** Place a pork chop on each plate, alongside a generous serving of scalloped potatoes. Garnish the pork chops with fresh chopped parsley.
* **Add a Vegetable Side:** To complete the meal, consider adding a green vegetable side dish, such as steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple salad. The freshness of the vegetables will complement the richness of the pork and potatoes.
* **Bread and Butter:** Serve with crusty bread and butter for soaking up the delicious sauce from the scalloped potatoes.
* **Wine Pairing:** A medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, pairs well with pork chops and scalloped potatoes. A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay, can also be a good choice.

## Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Pork Chops:** Look for bone-in pork chops that are about 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful and moist.
* **Slice the Potatoes Evenly:** Using a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes evenly is crucial for even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** When searing the pork chops, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Let the Pork Chops Rest:** Letting the pork chops rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** Using high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor of the scalloped potatoes. Cheddar, Gruyere, or a combination of both are excellent choices.
* **Bake Until Tender:** Bake the scalloped potatoes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
* **Let the Scalloped Potatoes Rest:** Letting the scalloped potatoes rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

## Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and adaptations:

* **Add Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in the scalloped potatoes, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Add Bacon or Ham:** Add cooked bacon or diced ham to the scalloped potatoes for a smoky flavor.
* **Use Sweet Potatoes:** Substitute some of the Yukon Gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful dish.
* **Add Herbs:** Add fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the scalloped potatoes for added flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make the scalloped potatoes gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the scalloped potatoes for a touch of heat.
* **Use Different Cuts of Pork:** While pork chops are classic, you can also use pork tenderloin medallions for a faster-cooking option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Swirl a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the scalloped potatoes before baking for an extra creamy and tangy flavor.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** Before baking the scalloped potatoes, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese over the top for a crispy topping.

## Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

* **Prepare the Potatoes and Onions:** You can peel and slice the potatoes and onions up to a day in advance. Store them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Drain well before using.
* **Make the Sauce:** You can make the milk sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
* **Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes:** You can assemble the scalloped potatoes up to a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Season the Pork Chops:** You can season the pork chops up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

* Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

## Conclusion

Pork chops with scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food dish that is sure to satisfy. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can create a delicious and memorable meal for your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and adaptations to make it your own. Enjoy!