Southern Smothered Pork Chop Gravy Bake

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Description

This Southern Smothered Pork Chop Gravy Bake is comfort food at its finest — juicy, tender pork chops baked in a rich, creamy onion gravy. It’s a classic southern-style dinner that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread. The chops are first seared to lock in flavor, then slow-baked until melt-in-your-mouth tender in a luscious homemade gravy.

Ingredients For Southern Smothered Pork Chop Gravy Bake

For the Pork Chops:

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for searing)

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Season & Dredge the Pork Chops
    Pat pork chops dry. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Season chops on both sides, then lightly dredge in flour.

  3. Sear the Pork Chops
    Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  4. Make the Onion Gravy
    In the same skillet, add butter and onions. Sauté until soft and golden. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
    Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add cream and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and thickened.

  5. Assemble the Bake
    Place seared pork chops in a baking dish. Pour gravy and onions over them. Cover with foil.

  6. Bake
    Bake for 40–50 minutes, until pork chops are tender and fully cooked through (internal temperature: 145°F / 63°C).

  7. Serve
    Serve warm, topped with extra gravy and fresh parsley. Perfect with mashed potatoes or rice!

Notes

  • Use bone-in chops for more flavor and juiciness.

  • Don’t skip the searing step — it adds depth and locks in moisture.

  • For a thicker gravy, cook it longer before pouring over chops.

  • You can substitute mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a shortcut version.

Tips

  • Add a splash of white wine or sherry for a deeper flavor in the gravy.

  • If gravy is too thick after baking, thin it with a bit of warm broth.

  • Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

  • Great to prepare ahead — store covered in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Servings

  • Serves: 4

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 1 hour

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

(Approximate values)

  • Calories: 460

  • Protein: 38g

  • Fat: 30g

  • Carbohydrates: 8g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Sodium: 720mg

Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Supports muscle repair and energy.

  • Rich in B Vitamins: Pork provides thiamine, niacin, and B6 for metabolism and nerve health.

  • Contains Healthy Fats: When cooked with olive oil or butter in moderation, it supports hormone balance.

  • Comfort Food Satisfaction: Helps reduce stress and boost mood when enjoyed mindfully.

Q&A Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q2: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use evaporated milk, half-and-half, or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of butter.

Q3: Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes since they cook faster.

Q4: What side dishes go best with this?
Mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, collard greens, or buttered cornbread pair beautifully.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely — use gluten-free flour for dredging and gravy.

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