Cheese Chops And Rice
Savory pork chops baked over flavorful Spanish rice, topped with sharp cheddar for a comforting, family‑friendly meal that blends garlic, bread crumbs, and creamy cheese into one hearty dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub pork chops with freshly grated garlic.
- Press seasoned bread crumbs onto each chop.
- Brown the chops in butter until golden.
- Set the browned chops aside.
- Prepare Rice‑A‑Roni Spanish rice in a 9 x 12‑inch baking dish according to package directions.
- When about half the water is absorbed, place the browned chops on top of the rice.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar over the rice and chops.
- Continue baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. If you don’t have seasoned bread crumbs, you can make your own by mixing plain bread crumbs with Italian seasoning. For a twist, try adding diced bell peppers or onions to the Rice-A-Roni for extra texture and taste. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Amish Hot Potato Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of color. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also consider serving it alongside a side of baked beans or cornbread for a hearty accompaniment. For a flavorful twist, try it with a side of Creole Red Beans And Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cheese Chops and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Chops And Rice contains roughly 31 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops; just adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to cook through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption. The bones can add extra flavor during cooking.
What can I substitute for Rice-A-Roni?
If you don't have Rice-A-Roni on hand, you can use any Spanish-style rice or even plain white rice. Just add some spices like cumin, paprika, and diced tomatoes to mimic the flavor of the Rice-A-Roni mix.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops and rice ahead and assemble them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).