Pork Chops & Potato Bake
A hearty baked dish featuring tender pork chops nestled over cheesy potato and mushroom soup mixture, topped with crispy fried onions—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops in a lightly greased skillet.
- Sprinkle the chops with seasoned salt and set aside.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, pepper, and seasoned salt in a bowl.
- Stir in the frozen hash brown potatoes, half the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half the can of French fried onions.
- Spoon the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the browned pork chops over the potato mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, top with the remaining cheese and fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and onions are crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or substituting some of the milk with cream. If you prefer, replace the frozen hash browns with fresh, thinly sliced potatoes, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Seasoned salt can be substituted with garlic powder or onion powder for a different flavor profile. Ensure to brown the pork chops well for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Chops & Potato Bake with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting twist, pair it with a side of Hot Pasta Salad Vinaigrette. This dish also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for garnish before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture. Ensure the pork chops are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops & Potato Bake contains roughly 1473 calories, with 42g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 835mg per serving (36% 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 potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just slice them thinly and parboil them for about 5-7 minutes before mixing them into the casserole. This will ensure they cook evenly in the dish. Keep an eye on the baking time, as fresh potatoes may require slightly longer to become tender.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a homemade substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of sautéed mushrooms, and seasonings to taste. This will give you a similar creamy consistency and flavor, making it suitable for this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the potato mixture. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance, ensuring a deliciously zesty Pork Chops & Potato Bake.
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).