Cream Baked Pork Chops with Potatoes: A Delicious and Comforting Meal

There’s something profoundly comforting about a meal that comes together in one dish, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas while promising minimal cleanup. If you’re searching for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further. These Cream Baked Pork Chops with Potatoes are the ultimate weeknight hero. This recipe transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying casserole. The pork chops become incredibly tender, bathing in a rich, herb-infused sauce, while the potatoes soak up all that delicious flavor, cooking to perfect tenderness. It’s a classic, no-fuss meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for both busy evenings and special Sunday dinners. Let’s create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather Your Ingredients

This recipe celebrates simplicity, relying on pantry staples and a few fresh items to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pork Chops and Potatoes:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For the Cream Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy, baked masterpiece.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a consistent cooking temperature for even baking. While the oven heats, peel and slice your potatoes into uniform rounds this helps them cook evenly. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic. Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting a good sear.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Pork Chops

1. In a small bowl, mix ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and the paprika.
2. Rub this seasoning mixture generously on both sides of each pork chop.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
5. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base

1. In the same skillet (with those delicious browned bits), lightly sauté the sliced onions for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. In your 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange a single, slightly overlapping layer of potato slices.
3. Sprinkle half of the sautéed onions and garlic over the potatoes, followed by half of the fresh thyme. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Repeat with a second layer of potatoes and the remaining onions, garlic, and thyme.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

This is where the magic happens! In a medium bowl or large measuring jug, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season the mixture with a little salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

1. Nestle the seared pork chops on top of the layered potatoes and onions in the baking dish.
2. Slowly and evenly pour the creamy sauce mixture over everything, allowing it to seep down through the layers.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steamy environment that will tenderize the pork and cook the potatoes perfectly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish

1. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. The potatoes should be fork-tender.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the pork chops and potatoes.
3. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots, and the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
4. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Useful Tips for Perfect Cream Baked Pork Chops

• Choosing Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are recommended as they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during the longer baking time. If using boneless, reduce the initial covered baking time by 5-10 minutes to prevent drying.
• Potato Perfection: For faster cooking, you can parboil the potato slices for 5 minutes before layering. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent alternative to russets, as they hold their shape well and have a buttery flavor.
• Avoid Curdling: Using full-fat heavy cream is your best defense against the sauce separating. Bring your cream to room temperature before mixing for best results.
• Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add other herbs like rosemary or a pinch of dried oregano. For a touch of warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce works wonderfully.
• Check for Doneness: The safest way to know your pork is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone. At 145°F (63°C), it’s perfectly safe, juicy, and slightly pink.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the entire dish (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Food Awaits

This Cream Baked Pork Chops with Potatoes recipe is more than just dinner; it’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing solution that delivers comfort in every bite. The harmony of tender pork, soft potatoes, and that luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce is simply unbeatable. It’s forgiving for beginner cooks yet impressive enough for guests.

Don’t just imagine the incredible smells wafting from your oven create them. Gather these simple ingredients and give this recipe a try tonight. We promise the result a bubbly, golden, and insanely delicious one-pan wonder will earn a permanent spot in your family’s recipe rotation. Happy cooking!