If cozy comfort food had a flagship dish, it just might be this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole. Imagine ultra-tender pork chops nestled between layers of creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes, each bite melding savory flavors and luscious textures. Whether you’re feeding hungry family members on a chilly night or dazzling a table full of friends at a potluck, this casserole offers that unbeatable combination of simplicity, heartiness, and nostalgia. It’s not only a full meal in a single pan, but one that will draw everyone back for seconds—and probably the recipe, too!

Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a quick look at the lineup for this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole; every ingredient brings something delightful to the table, from crunch and creaminess to those crave-worthy cheesy notes. Each element has its moment to shine, and when combined, they truly create magic.

Boneless pork chops (6): The stars of the show, delivering juiciness with a hearty bite at the center of every serving.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning both the pork and potatoes, drawing out those deep flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning profile.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Gives an aromatic layer that melds beautifully with the cheese and potatoes.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Brings warmth and a subtle, savory undertone.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Keeps the pork chops golden and moist during browning.
Thinly sliced potatoes (4 cups): The creamy foundation of the casserole, delivering classic scalloped texture.
Thinly sliced onion (1 small): Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened into the sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Creates gooey richness throughout and a bubbling, golden top.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the cheese sauce to the perfect silky consistency.
Milk (2 cups): Brings the sauce together, making it creamy without being heavy.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Punches up the flavor and keeps things light and savory.
Dried thyme (1 tsp): Herby fragrance that gives a cozy, homey taste.
Paprika (1/2 tsp): Lends color and a touch of smoky flavor to the sauce.
Butter (2 tbsp): Sautéing onions and building richness for the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): The perfect fresh finish for garnishing and a pop of color.

How to Make Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures everything bakes evenly and those potatoes get perfectly tender. While that’s warming, gather your ingredients and get ready to build incredible flavor with each step.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

Generously season each pork chop on both sides with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t be shy! The seasoning is what infuses each bite of pork with deep, craveable flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Pork Chops

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until they’re golden and slightly caramelized—this builds a ton of flavor for your Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole. Set them aside once browned.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add your sliced onions. Cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. They’ll soak up those savory pan juices, making your sauce extra-delicious.

Step 5: Build the Cheese Sauce Base

With the onions softened, sprinkle the flour over them and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. You want the flour to be well-incorporated and just a bit golden—this helps avoid any raw flour taste later on.

Step 6: Whisk in Liquids

Gently whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to whisk out any lumps. Keep whisking as the mixture heats to thicken up into a smooth, creamy sauce, about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Finish and Flavor the Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat and stir in the dried thyme, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns velvety smooth. Remove the pan from the heat—your kitchen probably already smells incredible.

Step 8: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Grease your favorite large baking dish and start by overlapping half the potato slices across the bottom. Pour half the luscious cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure every inch is covered for maximum creaminess.

Step 9: Pork Chops Take Center Stage

Arrange your beautifully browned pork chops right on top of that first potato layer. This ensures their flavor seeps into every layer below.

Step 10: Top with the Remaining Potatoes

Layer the remaining potatoes on top of your pork chops, overlapping them slightly for a classic scalloped effect.

Step 11: Drench with Sauce and Cheese

Pour over the rest of your cheese sauce, then finish by sprinkling the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the very top. This is the step that gives your Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole its irresistible golden crust.

Step 12: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Cover your casserole dish snuggly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover and let it bake another 15 minutes. The potatoes should be tender and the top crowned with gooey, golden cheese.

Step 13: Rest and Garnish

Let your finished casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up beautifully and makes slicing a breeze. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like a pop of color and a fresh note.

How to Serve Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing finishes a bubbling dish of Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole quite like a scattering of fresh parsley. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of sliced green onions or even a dash of extra paprika—they’ll add both color and a bit of zip. Serving right from the casserole dish keeps it wholesome and rustic, but a drizzle of extra cheese sauce or a grind of black pepper on each plate is always welcome.

Side Dishes

This casserole holds its own as a hearty main, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or honey-glazed carrots offer a fresh counterpoint to the rich, savory casserole. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for each guest and garnish with a little extra cheese and herbs before serving. Alternatively, present it family-style in the center of the table, so guests can heap generous spoonfuls straight from the dish—just be prepared for second helpings to disappear quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or hearty next-day dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the dish securely in aluminum foil and plastic wrap, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Label everything clearly! Your casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months; when ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—usually 25 to 30 minutes, depending on portion size. You can also microwave individual servings, though the potatoes may be softer. Add a little splash of milk if needed to keep things creamy!

FAQs

Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in chops add extra flavor and retain moisture especially well. Just keep in mind that you may need a slightly larger baking dish, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

What potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole. Russets turn beautifully creamy, while Yukon Golds retain a tender bite—both soak up the cheesy sauce perfectly. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! Simply assemble the casserole through all the layering steps, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes since it’ll be starting from cold.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?

A mandoline slicer is a great tool for super-thin, uniform potato slices, but a sharp knife works perfectly well if you don’t have one. Just aim for slices around 1/8 inch thick for quick, even baking in your Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar delivers classic comfort, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a bit of fontina for an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure it melts well and complements the overall richness of the casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s something heartwarming about gathering friends or family around the table for a bubbling-hot Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole fresh from the oven. Every layer delivers pure comfort and flavor in each bite. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised when it quickly becomes one of your most-requested comfort food favorites!