The Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is a heartwarming, filling dish that combines the savory goodness of Southern-style smothered pork chops with the creamy, cheesy delight of scalloped potatoes. This fusion creates a comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Though its exact origins are unclear, this dish blends two classic comfort foods that have been long-time favorites in many households. With its tender pork chops layered amidst thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce, this casserole is bound to be a hit.
This indulgent casserole, rich in flavor, is a complete meal by itself but pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, or sautéed green beans to balance its richness. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, garlic bread or dinner rolls are great additions to mop up the delicious sauce.
Recipe: Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown pork chops on both sides and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic until translucent.
Add flour to make a roux, stirring for a minute.
Gradually add milk and chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat.
» MORE: Decadent Cherry Chocolate Fudge: A Perfect Holiday Treat Ingredients For the Fudge Base 500g (17.6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate (55% cocoa solids), broken into small pieces 397g (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 200g (7 oz) glacé cherries, chopped (plus 8 additional cherries for topping) 2.5 ml (½ tsp) almond extract Instructions Preparation Line a 20cm x 20cm (8-inch x 8-inch) baking tin with non-stick parchment paper, ensuring paper extends up the sides Chop glacé cherries, setting aside 8 pieces for decoration Break chocolate into small, uniform pieces for even melting Making the Fudge Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water Combine chocolate, condensed milk, almond extract, and chopped cherries (except reserved pieces) in the bowl Stir continuously until chocolate melts completely and mixture becomes smooth Pour mixture immediately into prepared tin Smooth surface with an offset spatula for a professional finish Decorate with reserved cherry pieces, pressing them lightly into the surface Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours until completely set Timing and Nutritional Information Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Setting Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes Yield: 36 pieces Per Piece (approximately): Calories: 125 Protein: 1.5g Fat: 6g Carbohydrates: 16g Sugar: 14g Tips and Tricks Chop chocolate into uniform pieces for even melting Maintain water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil Use room temperature condensed milk for smoother blending Work quickly once chocolate is melted as mixture begins setting immediately Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts for clean edges Pat cherries dry before adding to prevent water content from affecting texture Variations and Substitutions Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for a more intense flavor Milk chocolate for a sweeter version Dried cherries instead of glacé for less sweetness Kirsch liqueur (1 tablespoon) instead of almond extract Add 100g chopped nuts for additional texture White chocolate drizzle over the top for decoration Common FAQs Q: Why did my fudge turn grainy? A: This usually occurs from overheating. Maintain gentle heat and constant stirring for smooth results. Oatmeal and Pumpkin Seed Bread Recipe Q: Can I freeze this fudge? A: Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped properly in airtight containers. Q: Why isn’t my fudge setting properly? A: Ensure correct chocolate-to-condensed milk ratio and adequate refrigeration time. Carrot Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of glacé cherries? A: Fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will affect the fudge’s texture. Stick to glacé or dried cherries. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator Keeps fresh for up to two weeks when refrigerated Layer pieces with wax paper to prevent sticking Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving Can be frozen for up to 3 months Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving Avoid storing at room temperature as texture will soften
Layer half the potatoes in a casserole dish. Top with half the sauce and cheese.
Repeat with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle with paprika.
Place pork chops on top of the layers.
Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until pork and potatoes are tender.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with parsley.
Enjoy this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole with your preferred sides for a truly fulfilling and enjoyable meal.
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