Creamy Baked Pork Chops Recipe
If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying dish, this Creamy Baked Pork Chops Recipe is the perfect answer. Juicy, tender pork chops baked to perfection in a rich, velvety cream sauce are sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you're cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish offers comfort and elegance. Stick around and learn everything you need to know to make these mouthwatering pork chops a success, from choosing the right ingredients to serving and presenting like a pro.
What Are Creamy Baked Pork Chops?
Creamy baked pork chops are a popular comfort food dish that combines succulent pork chops with a flavorful cream-based sauce. The pork is seared for a golden crust, then baked to perfection in a creamy sauce that can include herbs, garlic, cheese, and even a hint of mustard or wine for extra depth. The result is a dish that's rich, creamy, and full of savory flavors—perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night. The cream sauce not only enhances the taste of the pork but also keeps the meat tender and moist as it bakes.

Ingredients List for Creamy Baked Pork Chops
To prepare this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to retain more moisture, but boneless ones are also great and cook a bit faster.
- Heavy Cream: This is the base of the sauce, providing richness and creaminess.
- Butter: Adds flavor and helps create a creamy consistency.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion gives sweetness and complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce and adds a layer of savory flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce, and helps thicken it slightly.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous touch to the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and complexity to the cream sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the pork chops before baking.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning both the pork chops and the sauce.
Additional Ingredients for Creamy Baked Pork Chops
Depending on your preferences, you can include some extra ingredients to elevate the dish:
- Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed before adding to the sauce. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with pork.
- White Wine: A splash of dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the cream sauce.
- Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: For a bit of heat and color.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a little zing and cuts through the richness of the cream.
- Spinach or Kale: Adding greens towards the end of cooking can create a complete one-pan meal.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to make this recipe but are missing some ingredients or prefer a different twist, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Milk or Half-and-Half for Heavy Cream: While heavy cream is ideal for richness, you can substitute milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. Just note that the sauce may not be as thick.
- Pork Loin or Tenderloin for Pork Chops: If you don’t have pork chops on hand, you can easily use pork loin or tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream for Cream: If you're looking for a healthier or tangier option, swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage can be swapped for thyme depending on your preference.
- Non-Dairy Options: To make the dish dairy-free, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and replace the butter with olive oil.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this creamy baked pork chops recipe from start to finish.
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done preparing the pork chops.
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the Pork Chops to the Pan: Once the sauce has thickened, return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each pork chop.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let it Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
How to Cook Creamy Baked Pork Chops: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a condensed guide to make sure your creamy baked pork chops turn out perfect:
- Prep the Oven: Preheat to 375°F.
- Season and Sear: Pat chops dry, season, and sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Make Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, then add broth, cream, mustard, and cheese.
- Combine: Return chops to skillet, spoon sauce over.
- Bake: Place in oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Rest: Let rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pork Chops: Pork chops can dry out quickly if overcooked. Make sure to use a meat thermometer and pull the chops from the oven when they hit 145°F (63°C).
- Skipping the Sear: Searing the pork chops before baking is essential for flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Not Letting the Sauce Thicken: Give the sauce enough time to simmer and reduce before baking. A runny sauce won’t cling to the pork chops as well.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving creamy baked pork chops can be just as important as cooking them. For a visually appealing dish, try these serving tips:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Serve with a Side: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over sides.
- Add Texture: A light sprinkling of crispy bacon bits or fried onions can add texture and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Pork Chops
Serve the pork chops directly from the skillet or transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle extra sauce over each chop and make sure to have a side dish that complements the creaminess, like roasted veggies or a light salad. You can also serve the chops over mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Baked Pork Chops
- Rustic Skillet Presentation: Serve the pork chops straight from the skillet on the table for a family-style meal.
- Plated Elegance: Plate each chop individually, with a generous spoonful of sauce and sides of your choice. Garnish with fresh thyme or a lemon wedge for added color.
Creamy Baked Pork Chops Recipe Tips
- Resting the Meat: Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes after baking. This ensures they stay juicy and flavorful.
- Thicker Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer on the stove for a few more minutes before baking, or stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. This way, you can spoon more over your sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful, though they may require slightly longer cooking times.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can sear the pork chops and make the sauce in advance, then combine and bake them right before serving. Reheating fully cooked pork chops can sometimes dry them out, so it's best to bake fresh if possible.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pork chops and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon reheating.
Conclusion
Creamy baked pork chops are a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy everyone at your table. With a rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pork chops, this meal is sure to become a household favorite. Follow the steps outlined above, avoid common mistakes, and experiment with substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own. Don't forget to serve it with a side that complements the creaminess of the dish, and enjoy the flavors of this home-cooked masterpiece!
PrintCreamy Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Creamy baked pork chops recipe features tender pork chops smothered in a rich, savory cream sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this comforting dish is packed with flavor. Juicy pork combined with a simple blend of seasonings makes a satisfying meal your family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, melt butter and brown the pork chops on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer.
- Place the pork chops in a baking dish and pour the cream sauce over them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pork chops are fully cooked (145°F internal temperature).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-calorie option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
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