Pork Chops O'Brien
Pork Chops O'Brien offers a hearty and comforting combination of tender pork chops baked under a creamy potato and onion topping, topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for family dinners, this dish balances savory flavors with a crispy topping, making it a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops on both sides and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream of celery soup, milk, sour cream, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt.
- Stir in the thawed hash browns, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, and 1 cup French fried onions.
- Spoon the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the browned pork chops on top of the potato mixture.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until the pork chops are done.
- Uncover, top with remaining cheese and French fried onions, and bake until onions are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of garlic and herbs before browning. If you don't have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup works well as a substitute. To reduce calories, you can use low-fat sour cream and milk. Additionally, adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Chops O'Brien with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Seven Layer Salad for a delightful combination. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pork chops and hash brown mixture in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops O'Brien contains roughly 815 calories, with 14g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (48% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns; just make sure to par-cook them slightly before mixing with the other ingredients to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
What if I don’t have French fried onions?
If you don’t have French fried onions, you can substitute with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter for added crunch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the potato mixture and arrange the pork chops on top the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).