Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pork chops with scalloped potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender pork chops and creamy, cheesy potatoes is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

The origins of pork chops with scalloped potatoes can be traced back to traditional American home cooking. This dish became popular in the mid-20th century as a hearty and satisfying meal that could feed a large family. The combination of pork chops and potatoes has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved comfort food dish.

Ingredients

8 boneless pork chops (0.5 inch thick)
6 medium red potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp pepper
0.25 cup butter
1 tsp beef bouillon
1 cup hot water
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 cup water

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Brown the chops on each side for about 2 minutes, then set them aside.
Layer half of the potato slices and half of the onion slices in the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Season with half of the thyme and half of the pepper.
Dot the dish with 2 tbsp of butter.
Arrange the chops on top of the potatoes.
Cover the chops with the remaining potatoes and onion slices.
Add the rest of the thyme, pepper, and butter.
Dissolve the bouillon cube in a cup of hot water.
Pour the water evenly over the casserole.
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake for 1 hour.
Remove the chops and potatoes from the dish using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving platter.
Pour the drippings into a skillet.
In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the flour and water using a fork.
Whisk the flour mixture into the drippings and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
Serve the gravy with the chops and potatoes.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to add a different flavor to the dish.
Add some chopped garlic or herbs like rosemary or thyme to the potatoes for extra flavor.
Substitute sweet potatoes for red potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the pork chops before baking them in the oven. This will help seal in the juices and add flavor to the meat.

- Layering the potatoes and onions in the baking dish ensures that they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.

- Be sure to cover the dish with a lid or foil while baking to keep the pork chops and potatoes moist and tender.

- Whisking the flour mixture into the drippings to make gravy adds a rich and savory element to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pork chops with scalloped potatoes with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the pork chops before baking helps to seal in the juices and add flavor to the meat. Layering the potatoes and onions in the baking dish ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have beef bouillon, you can use chicken or vegetable bouillon as a substitute. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pork chops with scalloped potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Simply cover the dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pork chops with scalloped potatoes on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair pork chops with scalloped potatoes with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a delicious and elegant meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pork chops with scalloped potatoes contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pork chops with scalloped potatoes contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pork chops with scalloped potatoes contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of pork chops with scalloped potatoes contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork chops are a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and cheese) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Pork chops with scalloped potatoes is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Pork chops with scalloped potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and a savory gravy, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Margaret had planned to make her famous Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes for lunch. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of sizzling pork chops and creamy potatoes filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of sweet tea. "I'm so glad you're here, my dear," she said. "I have a new recipe to share with you today, one that has been passed down through generations in my family."

I was intrigued. Margaret was a treasure trove of culinary knowledge, and I knew that whatever she had to teach me would be worth its weight in gold. As we sat down at her kitchen table, she began to recount the story of how she had learned to make Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes.

"It all started many years ago, when I was just a young girl living on my family's farm in the countryside," Margaret began. "My mother was an incredible cook, and she taught me everything I know about preparing delicious meals from scratch. One summer, a traveling chef came to our town and stayed with us for a few weeks. He was a master in the kitchen, and he shared with us his secret recipe for Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes."

Margaret's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recalled the memory. "I remember watching in awe as the chef expertly seasoned the pork chops and layered them with thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish. The aroma that filled our kitchen as the dish baked in the oven was truly divine."

After the chef's visit, Margaret's mother took the recipe and made it her own, adding her own special twist to the dish. "She would always say that cooking is an art form, and every recipe is like a blank canvas waiting to be painted with flavors and textures," Margaret said with a fond smile.

I listened intently as Margaret shared the details of the recipe with me. She explained how the pork chops should be seared to perfection before being layered with creamy scalloped potatoes and baked until golden brown. The key, she said, was to season each layer generously with herbs and spices to create a harmony of flavors that would dance on the palate.

As Margaret finished recounting her story, I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of learning this cherished family recipe. I rolled up my sleeves and eagerly joined her in the kitchen, ready to put her teachings into practice.

Together, we seasoned the pork chops with a blend of garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then seared them in a hot skillet until they were golden and crisp. The smell of sizzling meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the herbs.

Next, we thinly sliced the potatoes and layered them in a baking dish, drizzling each layer with a rich and creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. The smell of the sauce as it bubbled and thickened on the stove was intoxicating, promising a decadent and indulgent meal to come.

Finally, we assembled the dish, layering the seared pork chops on top of the creamy potatoes and sprinkling the whole thing with a generous handful of grated cheese. As we placed the dish in the oven to bake, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

The Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, the cheese melted and gooey on top. Margaret and I sat down at the table to enjoy our meal, savoring each bite as the flavors melded together in perfect harmony.

As we ate, Margaret leaned over and squeezed my hand. "I'm so glad I could pass this recipe on to you, my dear," she said. "Cooking is about so much more than just following a recipe. It's about love and tradition, about sharing a piece of yourself with those you care about. I hope you'll carry on this tradition and share it with your loved ones, just as I have with you."

And so, as I sat at Margaret's kitchen table that warm summer day, savoring the taste of her Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes, I knew that I had been given a precious gift. A gift of knowledge, of tradition, and of love that would stay with me for a lifetime. And for that, I would be forever grateful.