This Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner. It combines juicy pork chops, soft potatoes, and gooey cheese for a delightful meal!
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love how the flavors blend together so well. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan dish—less cleanup for me! 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are great for this dish due to their tenderness. If they aren’t available, you can use bone-in chops, just adjust the cooking time slightly. Alternatively, thick cuts of chicken can work too!
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. However, Russets are also a good choice. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try cauliflower; just cut it into similar-sized pieces.
Cheddar Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor. If you’re in the mood for something different, try mozzarella or Gruyère for a smoother melt. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese or omit cheese altogether.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a great base for creaminess. If you’re avoiding canned soups, homemade cream sauces can substitute. For a healthier option, you can opt for Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crisp on Top?
The crispiness of the cheese topping is key to a great casserole experience! Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep the moisture in.
- Cook uncovered during the last 15-20 minutes at a higher temperature if needed, allowing the cheese to brown beautifully.
- For an extra crunch, broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Achieving that delicious golden crust is all about timing—combine patience with a watchful eye and you’ll get it just right!
Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 to 6 boneless pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 hour to bake. So, in total, you can expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes until it’s ready to enjoy—a perfect dish for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, season both sides of your pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This adds plenty of flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This gives them a lovely color and flavor. After searing, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and some additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is nicely combined.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the sliced onions over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over this layer.
5. Add the Pork Chops:
Now, take those beautiful seared pork chops and place them evenly over the potato and onion layer you just created.
6. Finish the Layers:
Top the pork chops with the remaining potato and onion slices. Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the top, ensuring it covers everything nicely.
7. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the entire dish. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?!
8. Bake Until Golden:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes. This will give the cheese a nice golden color and make sure the potatoes are tender.
9. Let It Rest:
Once done, let your casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle a bit.
10. Garnish and Enjoy!
Optionally, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. Then dig in and enjoy your hearty and delicious Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the pork chops beforehand. A good method is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method—seal them in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water until thawed. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much while reheating.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Definitely! While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that the melting properties may vary slightly.
