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Smothered Baked Pork Chops: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of smothered baked pork chops wafting through the kitchen. This classic dish is a favorite among meat lovers and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of tender pork chops, flavorful gravy, and caramelized onions creates a mouthwatering experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love smothered baked pork chops. First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a hearty and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, smothered baked pork chops are always a hit. Plus, this dish can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite herbs and spices or experiment with different types of gravy to create a unique flavor profile.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The combination of protein from the pork chops and the rich gravy makes this a satisfying and filling meal without the need for starchy sides.
Ingredients
To make smothered baked pork chops, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Optional ingredient substitutions:
If you prefer boneless pork chops, you can easily swap them for the bone-in variety. Additionally, if you’re lactose intolerant or looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make smothered baked pork chops:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are caramelized and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the flour and onions.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success:
For the best results, follow these expert tips:
- Choose pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick to ensure they stay juicy during baking.
- Allow the pork chops to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Be patient when caramelizing the onions. This process takes time but adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
Variations and Substitutions
While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the onion mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Experiment with different types of gravy, such as mushroom or onion.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the pork chops before baking for a cheesy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Smothered baked pork chops are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with complementary side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve the pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a classic comfort food meal.
- Pair them with roasted sweet potatoes and a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- For a Southern-inspired meal, serve the pork chops with cornbread and collard greens.
- Don’t forget to spoon plenty of the flavorful gravy over the pork chops and side dishes!
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just as well and may even cook slightly faster than bone-in chops.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While the pork chops are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the gravy and caramelize the onions in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before baking the pork chops.
Q: Can I freeze leftover smothered baked pork chops?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Smothered baked pork chops are a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. The tender pork chops, rich gravy, and caramelized onions create a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and let your taste buds indulge in this comforting and delicious dish!
Smothered Baked Pork Chops
Tender pork chops smothered in a rich gravy with caramelized onions, creating a mouthwatering and comforting dish that is easy to make and versatile. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook pork chops in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook sliced onions and minced garlic until caramelized.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, stirring for about a minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, stir well until combined and thickened.
- Simmer until the gravy thickens, then stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon gravy over them.
- Cover skillet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until pork chops are cooked through.
- Let the pork chops rest before serving.
