🧀 Cheesy Baked Pork Chops
🛒 Ingredients:
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4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp paprika
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
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1 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Optional: ½ tsp dijon mustard or a pinch of red pepper flakes for flavor
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
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Pat pork chops dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended):
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Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear pork chops 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
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Transfer to a baking dish.
4. Make the Cheesy Sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter.
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Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a light roux.
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Slowly add heavy cream while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and optional Dijon until melted into a creamy sauce.
5. Assemble & Bake:
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Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the pork chops.
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Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you like a browned crust.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (145°F internal temp).
6. Finish:
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
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Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed broccoli.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for color.
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Add crisp bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms on top for extra indulgence.
🔥 Tips:
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For ultra-tender chops, brine them in salt water (1 tbsp salt per cup water) for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Want a tangy twist? Stir a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce.
Would you like a cheesy ranch pork chop bake or a smothered pork chop with gravy version next?
