These French Onion Pork Chops are a tasty twist on a classic. Tender pork chops are topped with rich, caramelized onions and melted cheese for a meal that’s cozy and delicious.
Cooking these is fun! You get to watch the onions turn golden brown and smell that amazing flavor fill the kitchen. I love serving them with mashed potatoes to soak up all that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can use boneless chops, though cooking time may be shorter. Just be sure to check for doneness as you sear them.
Onions: Yellow onions are the best choice for their sweetness. If you’re short on yellow onions, sweet onions or even red onions can work, but they will give a different flavor profile.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is preferred for its bright flavor, but dried thyme is a good substitute. Just use about half the amount if you opt for dried.
Broth: Beef broth gives a rich taste to the sauce; chicken broth is a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works too!
Cheese: Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and tastes great here. Swiss cheese can replace it, or try mozzarella for a milder flavor, though it won’t be as rich as Gruyère.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key to this dish. It’s all about patience! Start by cooking thinly sliced onions slowly over medium heat. Here’s how:
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet until melted.
- Add onions and sprinkle with sugar to help them caramelize.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Low and slow is the way to go!
- Add garlic and thyme in the last few minutes for extra flavor.
Remember, don’t rush. The goal is to get them golden and sweet. Enjoy the aroma as they cook!
How to Make French Onion Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes from start to serving. It’s an easy process that yields a delicious, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat while cooking.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 145°F). Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the sliced onions and sprinkle the granulated sugar over them. This will help with the caramelization process.
4. Caramelize the Onions:
Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes, allowing them to become deeply caramelized and soft. Just before the onions are done, add the minced garlic and thyme leaves, stirring well to combine and allow the garlic to cook for a minute or two.
5. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any delicious browned bits sticking to the bottom. Let this simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. Nestle in the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, gently nestling them into the onion mixture. Sprinkle the tops of the pork chops with the shredded Gruyère cheese.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your dish with fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley right before serving. Plate the French onion pork chops with the caramelized onion sauce generously spooned over the top.
9. Pair and Enjoy:
Serve your French onion pork chops alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish to soak up that delicious onion sauce. Enjoy this rich, flavorful meal that combines tender pork with sweet, savory caramelized onions and melty cheese!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes! You can use boneless pork chops, but be mindful that they may cook faster. Make sure to check the internal temperature to reach 145°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Gruyère Cheese?
No problem! If Gruyère cheese is unavailable, Swiss cheese is a great substitute. Mozzarella can work too, but keep in mind it won’t have the same rich flavor as Gruyère.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramelized onions and sear the pork chops ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat and top with cheese as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
