This Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is comfort food in its most irresistible form: succulent pork chops nestled on top of creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes, all blanketed in a richly savory sauce that bubbles to golden perfection in the oven. Whether you crave a cozy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for family gatherings, this casserole never fails to impress with its layers of flavor, irresistible aroma, and satisfyingly hearty textures.

Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, building layers of flavor, comfort, and visual appeal. These simple staples come together to make an extraordinary dish, with each component bringing something special—whether it’s richness, tenderness, or that irresistible, melty finish.

Pork chops: Choose boneless or bone-in, thick-cut (about 1-inch) for juicy, flavorful results.
Olive oil: Adds a beautiful sear and depth to the pork before it finishes in the casserole.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing every component’s flavor.
Garlic powder: Infuses both meat and sauce with warm, savory notes.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning on the pork with subtle sweetness.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and vibrant color to your pork chops.
Onion: Sliced thin, it caramelizes beautifully in the sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced for savory aromatic power in the creamy sauce.
Unsalted butter: Forms a rich base for the roux, which thickens your sauce perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Whisked into the butter to create the roux, building body in the sauce.
Whole milk: Gives your casserole creamy, luscious texture without it feeling heavy.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone that elevates every bite above the ordinary.
Heavy cream: Brings extra richness and silkiness that makes the sauce dreamy.
Thyme: Delivers a hint of earthy, herbal brightness—use fresh or dried.
Yukon gold or russet potatoes: Thinly sliced for even cooking and a just-right creamy bite.
Shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese: Melty and flavorful, it creates that irresistible cheesy crust.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped over the top as a fresh, colorful garnish.

How to Make Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole cooks evenly throughout and that glorious cheesy crust forms just right.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

Generously season your pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides. This simple spice blend creates a flavorful crust and infuses the pork with savory goodness from the very start.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place your seasoned pork chops in the hot pan and sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This not only locks in the juices, but also gives you those tasty browned bits that add so much flavor to the finished casserole. Set the chops aside once seared.

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions and Garlic

In that same magic skillet, melt the butter and add your thinly sliced onions. Cook them down for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until soft and caramel colored—then toss in the minced garlic for a fragrant final minute. These caramelized onions make the creamy sauce extra luxurious.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and use a whisk to incorporate it into the butter, forming a roux. Cook the roux for 1–2 minutes (this cooks out the raw flour taste), then slowly add the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream while whisking. You’ll end up with a smooth, velvety sauce—add the thyme here too, for that welcome herbal lift.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and taste for seasoning, adding a touch more salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be nicely thickened and infused with those sweet onions and thyme.

Step 7: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Arrange half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the skillet, or transfer them to a 9×13-inch casserole dish if preferred. Pour half the creamy sauce over the top and sprinkle with half your shredded cheese, letting it seep between each potato layer.

Step 8: Repeat and Top with Pork Chops

Repeat the potato-and-sauce layering with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese, making sure everything is nice and even. Then, nestle your seared pork chops right on top, ready to soak up all that creamy deliciousness as they bake.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through in all that saucy goodness. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes—this is when the top gets bubbly, golden, and joyously cheesy.

Step 10: Rest and Garnish

Let the Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps everything set up, so it slices neatly. Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

How to Serve Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this casserole quite like a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It brightens up the rich flavors and adds a pretty touch of green. You can also play with extra herbs like chives or a touch more thyme if you want a truly aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a light green salad or crisp steamed veggies make fantastic partners. Try serving alongside roasted broccoli, garlicky green beans, or even some tangy pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, portion the Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole into individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for a special, personalized feel. You could also top each serving with a fried egg for a decadent brunch or scatter crispy fried onions over the casserole just before serving for a delightful crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors just seem to get cozier and more melded together over time.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze without the fresh parsley garnish. It should keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 25–30 minutes for a whole dish or 10–15 minutes for individual portions. For best texture, avoid microwaving large amounts, though a microwave works fine for single servings in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Gruyère and mozzarella each bring their own personality, but you can experiment with sharp cheddar, Fontina, or even a hint of smoked gouda for a deeper flavor. Mixing your favorites can give the casserole a unique twist every time.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes for this casserole?

A mandoline slicer is your best friend here, letting you create ultra-thin, even slices so all the potatoes cook evenly and absorb that delicious sauce. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and a careful hand work too—just aim for consistency in thickness (about 1/8 inch).

Can I make Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for thickening (or even cornstarch if you’re comfortable with that). The results are every bit as creamy and satisfying.

Is it okay to assemble this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole up to a day ahead—just cover tightly and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, add a few extra minutes of baking time to ensure everything is hot and bubbly throughout.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

You sure can! Sweet potatoes add a wonderful earthy sweetness and beautiful color to the casserole. Just slice them thin, and know the texture will be a bit softer and sweeter—but absolutely delicious in its own way.

Final Thoughts

This Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is the ultimate dish to gather loved ones around the table and savor a truly special meal. If you want something that combines comfort, flavor, and just a bit of culinary magic, you can’t go wrong here. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!