This Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole is a warm and hearty dish! It features tender pork chops layered with creamy potatoes and lots of delicious cheese. What’s not to love?
Sometimes, I think the cheese is the real star here. You can never have too much cheese, right? This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops. If you want to reduce cooking time, boneless chops are quicker. For a healthier option, try using turkey cutlets instead!
Potatoes: I recommend russet potatoes for their creamy texture. However, you can substitute Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor or even sweet potatoes for a twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Colby cheese works too. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re looking for a healthier choice, make your own cream soup with chicken or vegetable broth, flour, and mushrooms, or use a can of coconut cream for a lighter option.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute here for a higher protein content. It adds a similar creaminess and tang.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Tender?
The key to perfectly tender potatoes is all about layering and cooking time. Here are some tips:
- Slice your potatoes evenly—aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Layer the potatoes strategically. Starting with half at the bottom allows them to absorb all the yummy sauce.
- Covering the casserole with aluminum foil in the beginning helps steam the potatoes, making them tender during the first hour.
- To check for doneness, pierce the potatoes with a fork after 75 minutes. They should be soft and easily break apart!
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your casserole turns out creamy and comforting every time!
Cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 75 minutes of baking time. So, in just under 2 hours, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the tasty sauce that ties everything together!
3. Layering the Potatoes and Onions:
Now, it’s time to build our casserole! Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Next, add the thinly sliced onions over the potatoes.
4. Adding Sauce and Pork Chops:
Take half of your creamy sauce and pour it over the potato and onion layer, spreading it out evenly. Then, carefully place the pork chops on top of this layer. Yum!
5. Finishing the Layers:
Layer the remaining potato slices over the pork chops, followed by the rest of the creamy sauce. Make sure it’s evenly spread out over everything. Lastly, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire top.
6. Baking and Melting:
Drizzle melted butter over the top of your casserole. If you’re using paprika for color, sprinkle it over the pork chops now. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, and it’s time for the oven! Bake for 60 minutes.
7. The Cheese Magic:
After 60 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!). Now, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered, and bake for another 15 minutes. You want that cheese to be nicely melted, bubbly, and golden brown, with the potatoes tender enough to pierce with a fork.
8. Serve it Up!
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help everything to set a bit. Before serving, feel free to garnish with some chopped green onions for a pop of color. Dig in and enjoy the delightful cheesy goodness!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy pork chop and potato casserole with a crispy cheesy top and tender layers inside!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a blend of your favorites for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own with gluten-free flour. Check any packaged ingredients like cheese or broth for gluten-free labeling as needed!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just adjust the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes if it’s coming out cold from the fridge.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Green beans, broccoli, or a simple garden salad work well!
