Creamy Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to please the whole family? Creamy baked pork chops are the perfect solution! This dish features tender, juicy pork chops baked to perfection in a rich and savory cream sauce. The combination of golden brown pork chops with a luscious, creamy sauce makes for an indulgent yet simple weeknight meal. Serve these creamy pork chops with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, and you’ve got a dinner that’s sure to be a hit.

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What Are Creamy Baked Pork Chops?

Creamy baked pork chops are a comforting, oven-baked dish where bone-in or boneless pork chops are seared and then baked in a rich, flavorful sauce made from cream, broth, and seasonings. The sauce can include a variety of flavors, from garlic and herbs to Dijon mustard and mushrooms, giving the dish a deliciously creamy and savory taste. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Baked Pork Chops

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, creamy baked pork chop recipe:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for flavor depth)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for a smoky hint)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking the onions and garlic)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Ingredients List for Serving Suggestions

Pair these creamy baked pork chops with any of the following sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal:

• Mashed potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables – Try broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
• Rice or quinoa – A great base to complement the creaminess of the sauce.
• Crusty bread – For dipping into the luscious sauce.

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Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of creamy baked pork chops is that the recipe is versatile and easy to adjust based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Boneless vs. bone-in pork chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier, but boneless pork chops work just as well. Adjust the cooking time slightly for thinner or boneless chops.
• Herbs: If you don’t have thyme, try rosemary, oregano, or sage. Fresh herbs give an extra punch of flavor, but dried herbs work just fine.
• Dairy-free option: Replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free substitute, like coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan for a completely dairy-free version.
• Add mushrooms: For an extra earthy flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the sauce when cooking the onions. Mushrooms and cream are a perfect pairing.
• Spicy variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring the pork chops bake evenly while the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

2. Season the pork chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

3. Sear the pork chops
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. You’re not cooking them through at this point—just creating a nice sear for flavor. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

4. Cook the onions and garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

5. Make the creamy sauce
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the broth is well incorporated, add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly.

6. Add Parmesan (optional)
For a cheesy, savory kick, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese at this point. Let the cheese melt into the sauce, adding a rich layer of flavor.

7. Return the pork chops to the skillet
Place the seared pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chops to coat them evenly.

8. Bake the pork chops
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). If you’re using thinner chops, check for doneness a little earlier to prevent overcooking.

9. Garnish and serve
Once the pork chops are done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or rice.

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How to Cook Creamy Baked Pork Chops: A Step-by-Step Guide

This quick and easy guide will help you get the best results from your creamy baked pork chops:

1. Sear for flavor: Searing the pork chops before baking them locks in moisture and enhances the overall flavor. It also gives the chops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
2. Make a creamy sauce: The combination of cream, broth, and Dijon mustard creates a luxurious sauce that complements the pork chops perfectly. Stirring in flour ensures the sauce thickens just the right amount.
3. Baking to perfection: Once the sauce is ready, baking the chops in the sauce allows them to soak up all the flavors while staying juicy and tender.
4. Rest the pork chops: Letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving ensures they stay juicy and flavorful, without losing moisture when cut.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pork chops: Pork can easily become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), then remove the pork from the oven to prevent overcooking.
• Skipping the sear: Searing the pork chops before baking is essential for locking in flavor and creating a crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a rush.
• Not thickening the sauce: If you skip the step of adding flour, the sauce may end up too thin and runny. The flour helps create a smooth, thick consistency that clings to the pork chops.
• Forgetting to deglaze the pan: After searing the pork chops, use the broth to deglaze the pan and scrape up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom. This adds extra depth to your sauce.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation of your creamy baked pork chops can turn a simple dinner into a special occasion. Here are a few ideas for serving:

1. Serve with mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, making it a perfect match. Pour some extra sauce over the potatoes for added flavor.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
3. Use a rustic skillet: Serving the pork chops straight from the skillet creates a warm, family-style presentation that looks both rustic and elegant.

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How to Serve Creamy Baked Pork Chops

Creamy baked pork chops are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• Over mashed potatoes: This classic pairing is unbeatable. The creamy sauce drizzled over mashed potatoes is pure comfort food.
• With steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a fresh, healthy balance to the richness of the dish.
• With rice or quinoa: These grains soak up the creamy sauce beautifully and provide a nice, neutral base for the rich flavors of the pork chops.
• On a bed of sautéed spinach: For a low-carb option, serve the chops over wilted spinach or other leafy greens.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Baked Pork Chops

You can elevate the presentation of your creamy baked pork chops with a few simple touches:

• Individual cast-iron skillets: For a rustic and stylish presentation, serve each pork chop in a small cast-iron skillet.
• Serve family-style: Place the pork chops on a large platter with the sauce drizzled over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs. Let everyone serve themselves at the table.
• Garnish with lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the pork chops adds a nice touch of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.

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Creamy Baked Pork Chops Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce and sear the pork chops ahead of time, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes the recipe even easier on busy weeknights.
• Reheat gently: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) to avoid drying out the pork chops.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the pork chops are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe with bone-in pork chops?
   Yes! Bone-in pork chops will work perfectly for this recipe. They tend to be juicier, but make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   While milk can be used, it won’t create as rich and creamy of a sauce. If using milk, consider adding a little extra flour to help thicken the sauce, or use half-and-half for a creamier texture.
3. Can I freeze creamy baked pork chops?
   It’s not recommended to freeze the pork chops with the cream sauce, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked pork chops and prepare the sauce fresh when reheating.
4. What other herbs can I use?
   In addition to thyme, you can experiment with rosemary, sage, or even a little tarragon to add different flavor profiles to the dish.

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Conclusion

Creamy baked pork chops are the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. The combination of tender pork chops baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this easy, flavorful recipe is bound to impress. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, and you'll have a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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