Absolutely! Here’s your full, detailed guide to a classic family dinner favorite: Pork Chops with Potatoes in a Baking Dish. This recipe is the definition of hearty, wholesome comfort food — all baked in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.
Pork Chops with Potatoes in a Baking Dish
A Classic One-Pan Comfort Meal That Feeds the Soul
Introduction and Origin
Pork chops with potatoes is a timeless, no-fuss meal that has stood the test of generations. While there’s no single point of origin, this dish is common in both American Midwestern kitchens and European rural households, where simple, nourishing food is often baked together to make the most of oven time and flavor.
Baking pork chops over or alongside potatoes allows the rich juices to seep into the starchy base — a natural pairing that delivers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite.
Cultural Significance
This dish reflects:
- Resourcefulness: combining affordable cuts of meat with filling potatoes
- Family-style dining: served straight from the dish, often with a side of bread or greens
- Everyday comfort food: featured in weeknight meals, Sunday suppers, and community potlucks
From German “Schnitzel mit Kartoffeln” to Southern baked pork chop casseroles, versions of this dish exist across cultures, making it a true culinary bridge of simplicity and satisfaction.
Ingredients and Quantity
(Serves 4)
Main Ingredients:
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops: 4 (¾–1 inch thick)
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced: 4 medium
- Onion, thinly sliced: 1 large
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Salt: 1 ½ tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme or rosemary: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Chicken broth or cream: ¾ cup (for moisture)
- Shredded cheese (optional): 1 cup, for topping
Optional Additions
- Mushrooms: Sliced and layered for earthy flavor
- Cream of mushroom or celery soup: For a creamy casserole-style finish
- Green beans or broccoli florets: Added in last 15 minutes of baking
- Smoked paprika or cayenne: For extra spice
- Mustard glaze or BBQ sauce: Brushed over chops before baking for a flavor twist
Tips for Success
- Sear the pork chops before baking for deeper flavor and better texture.
- Slice potatoes thinly (¼ inch or less) to ensure even cooking.
- Layer strategically — potatoes on the bottom, onions and garlic in the middle, pork chops on top.
- Cover while baking, then uncover for the last 10–15 minutes for a golden finish.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
3. Layer the Base
Evenly layer sliced potatoes in the dish. Top with sliced onions and garlic. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and half the herbs.
4. Sear Pork Chops (Optional but Recommended)
In a skillet, heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
5. Assemble
Place seared pork chops on top of the potato layer. Sprinkle with remaining herbs, paprika, and additional seasoning to taste.
6. Add Liquid
Pour chicken broth (or cream) evenly over everything.
7. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45–55 minutes, until potatoes are tender and pork reaches 145°F internal temp. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to brown.
8. Top and Serve
If using cheese, sprinkle on top in the final 5 minutes of baking. Let rest before serving.
Description
Tender, juicy pork chops rest over a bed of soft, flavor-packed potatoes that have soaked up every bit of savory broth, onion, and garlic. The top is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside is creamy and comforting. It’s a one-dish wonder — rustic, filling, and deeply satisfying.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
| Sugars | ~2 g |
| Total Fat | ~24 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~6 g |
| Cholesterol | ~90 mg |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
Values may vary with additions like cheese, broth type, or cream.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Pork Chops with Potatoes in a Baking Dish is a hearty, nourishing dinner that’s big on flavor and easy on prep. It’s perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Cold weather dinners
- Feeding a crowd without stress
Add a side salad or steamed veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal with minimal cleanup.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Want to make this dish a bit lighter? Try these tweaks:
- Use lean boneless pork chops or trim visible fat
- Replace cream with low-sodium chicken broth or unsweetened almond milk
- Reduce oil by half and roast instead of searing
- Add more veggies (like carrots, zucchini, or spinach) to stretch servings and boost fiber
- Use sweet potatoes for complex carbs and natural sweetness
With just a few swaps, this classic comfort food becomes a smart and still-delicious meal.
Don’t Lose This Recipe!
This is a go-to, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. Print it, bookmark it, or pin it — you’ll come back to this recipe again and again!