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Cozy Classic Southern Smothered Pork Chops Recipe with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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A warm and comforting Southern classic featuring tender bone-in pork chops smothered in rich onion gravy, paired with creamy buttery mashed Yukon Gold potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend/cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and quarter Yukon Gold potatoes. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
  2. Dredge the pork chops: Season pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Spread flour on a shallow plate and dredge each chop, shaking off excess.
  3. Sear the chops: Heat vegetable oil or bacon fat in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear pork chops 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make the gravy: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in smoked paprika and thyme.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer, nestle pork chops into gravy, cover, and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until cooked through (145°F internal temperature). If gravy is thin, thicken with a slurry of flour and water.
  6. Finish mashed potatoes: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add warm milk, butter, and optional sour cream or cream cheese. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper.
  7. Serve: Place mashed potatoes on plates, top with a smothered pork chop, spoon gravy over, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Season the flour before dredging to avoid bland gravy. If gravy thickens too much, add broth or water to loosen. Use warm milk and softened butter for smooth mashed potatoes. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern smothered pork chops, creamy mashed potatoes, comfort food, pork chop recipe, easy weeknight dinner, classic Southern recipe

Find it online: https://milacook.com/cozy-classic-southern-smothered-pork-chops-recipe-with-creamy-mashed-potatoes/