Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole

The Story Behind the Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe

Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole- If ever there was a dish that could bring the whole family running to the dinner table, it’s Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole. There’s something magical about it — the way the tender pork chops soak up that creamy sauce, the golden cheese bubbling over soft, buttery layers of potatoes, and the smell that fills your kitchen as it bakes to perfection.

My grandma used to make this on cold Sunday evenings, when everyone gathered after church. The windows would fog up from the oven heat, and the smell of pork chops sizzling in butter would drift through the house like an invitation you couldn’t refuse.

She always made her casserole in a big, heavy baking dish that had seen more family meals than I could count. She’d slice the potatoes paper-thin, layer them with onions, pour over a homemade cream sauce, and then tuck in those seared pork chops on top — just enough for everyone, no more, no less.

When it came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, we’d all line up with plates in hand. Grandma would scoop out a perfect portion — a little potato, a little sauce, and a tender chop on top — and say, “Now that’s what I call a meal made with love.”

Every time I make Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole, I can hear her voice and smell that same rich, savory aroma. It’s hearty, it’s humble, and it’s everything good about home cooking in one dish.

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What Makes This Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe Special

This Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole isn’t just delicious — it’s comfort food royalty. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth, feeds everyone generously, and leaves behind happy silence as folks dig in.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• One-pan comfort: Tender pork chops and creamy potatoes bake together, infusing each other with flavor.
• Classic and hearty: Feels like Sunday dinner, no matter the day of the week.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust for families, spice preferences, or dietary tweaks.
• Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that stretch beautifully into a full meal.
• Perfect for make-ahead meals: Tastes even better reheated the next day.

If comfort had a flavor, it would taste like this Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole — creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Casserole

• 4–6 bone-in pork chops (or boneless, if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

For the Creamy Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas or corn for texture and color

Granny’s Tip: Slice your potatoes as evenly as possible — that’s the secret to a perfectly layered and evenly baked Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side, just until golden brown.

Remove from the skillet and set aside. (They’ll finish cooking in the oven.)

Granny’s Note: Don’t skip this step! Searing locks in flavor and gives your Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole that deliciously rich, meaty aroma.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly — about 3–5 minutes.

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Granny’s Secret: Always taste your sauce before layering — it should be flavorful enough to stand on its own. That’s the secret behind a perfect Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole.

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Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Onions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish. Scatter half of the sliced onions over them. Pour half of the cream sauce over this layer.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and sauce, spreading evenly.

Granny’s Tip: If you love cheese (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle a little extra cheddar between the layers.

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Step 4: Add the Pork Chops

Place the seared pork chops on top of the layered potatoes. Spoon a bit of sauce over each chop to keep them moist while baking.

Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Comfort Moment: When that creamy sauce starts bubbling up around the pork chops, that’s when you know your Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is turning into something magical.

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Step 5: Rest & Serve

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to come together beautifully.

Serve each portion with a spoonful of creamy potatoes and a golden pork chop on top.

Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness.

Granny’s Note: The first spoonful is pure comfort — creamy, savory, and full of that Sunday-dinner feeling.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is a full meal on its own, but a few simple sides make it unforgettable.

🥗 Light Companions

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Buttered corn or roasted carrots

🍞 Bread Lovers

• Warm dinner rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce
• Garlic bread with herbs and melted butter

🍷 Drink Pairings

• A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Chardonnay
• Apple cider or sweet tea for a cozy, family-style dinner

Granny’s Tip: This dish is rich, so pair it with something light and bright on the side to balance the meal.

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Customization & Variations

Once you master this classic, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tasty twists for your Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole:

🧀 Extra Cheesy

Stir shredded mozzarella or Gruyère into the sauce for a richer flavor.

🥓 Bacon Lovers’ Dream

Add crumbled cooked bacon between the potato layers.

🍄 Mushroom Magic

Add sautéed mushrooms for a deeper, earthy flavor.

🧅 French Twist

Add caramelized onions for a hint of sweetness and luxury.

🌿 Fresh & Herby

Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to brighten the flavor.

🍗 Lighter Option

Use lean pork loin chops and light cream for a healthier version.

Granny’s Tip: Want to make it ahead? Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight — then bake fresh the next day. The flavors will be even better!

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Storing & Reheating

🧊 Storing

Let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🔥 Reheating

Warm portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

❄️ Freezing

Freeze the fully baked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Granny’s Trick: Individual portions freeze perfectly — reheat straight from the freezer for quick homemade comfort anytime!

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

(Serves 6)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg

Hearty, filling, and balanced — this Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort meal when you want something homemade and satisfying.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes! Boneless cook faster — check them after 45 minutes.

2. Can I use canned soup instead of homemade sauce?

You can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken for a shortcut.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy nights.

4. Can I use red potatoes?

Yes, but peel them — russets or Yukon Golds are best for that creamy texture.

5. Can I add veggies?

Definitely — spinach, peas, or mushrooms blend beautifully.

6. How can I make it extra creamy?

Add sour cream or an extra splash of heavy cream to the sauce.

7. Can I make it dairy-free?

Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese; it still turns out rich and flavorful.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger baking dish and add 15 minutes to the baking time.

9. How do I know it’s done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender and the sauce bubbling around the edges.

10. Can I use leftover pork chops?

You can — just reduce baking time since they’re already cooked!

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

There’s something timeless about Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole. It’s not just a meal — it’s a memory, a smell that fills the house, and a dish that brings everyone together at the table.

Each bite is layered with comfort: creamy potatoes, savory sauce, and juicy pork that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of food that says, “Welcome home.”

This recipe reminds us why simple cooking is the best kind of cooking — wholesome, satisfying, and made with love. Because in Granny’s Lil Kitchen, that’s what every recipe is all about.

So go ahead — bake up this Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole, gather your loved ones, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please.”

💛 Tried This Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe?

If you make Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole, I’d love to see your golden, creamy creations! Tag your photos and follow me on Pinterest at grannyslilkitchen — where every recipe is made with warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of homemade love.