Save It Juicy seared pork chops served atop creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, finished with a savory pan gravy and crisp green beans for a comforting, satisfying meal.
I first made this for a family Sunday dinner, hoping to impress everyone with a classic comfort dish. The delicious aroma of the pan-seared pork chops and cheesy mashed potatoes brought the whole house to the kitchen before I could even start plating. Every bite disappeared fast, and now it's requested for cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick), 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1 tsp salt, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ cup whole milk (more as needed), 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), ¼ tsp ground white pepper
- Pan Gravy: 2 tbsp pan drippings (from pork chops), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for GF option), 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Green Beans: 12 oz fresh green beans (trimmed), 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes:
- Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, 15–18 minutes. Drain, return to pot, and mash with butter, milk, cheddar, and white pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
- Sear the pork chops:
- While potatoes cook, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear chops 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through (145°F/63°C internal temp). Add thyme sprig for extra flavor if desired. Transfer chops to a plate; tent with foil.
- Make pan gravy:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet drippings, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and Dijon. Simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened, 3–5 minutes. Season to taste.
- Cook green beans:
- While gravy simmers, toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Steam or sauté until bright green and crisp-tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble bowls:
- Spoon cheddar mashed potatoes into bowls. Top with a pork chop, drizzle with pan gravy, and serve green beans on the side.
Save It This dish became a new favorite with my kids, who now insist on helping mash potatoes and taste-testing the gravy. It's one of those recipes that brings everyone together at the table with smiles.
Required Tools
For best results use a large pot, colander, potato masher or ricer, large skillet, whisk, tongs, and a steamer basket or sauté pan for the green beans.
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat; to make gluten-free, swap flour for a GF option and always verify labels. Mustard is present in the pan gravy via Dijon mustard.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 600 calories, 32 g total fat, 37 g carbohydrates, 41 g protein. Adjust portion sizes or ingredients as needed for dietary needs.
Save It With a pan of savory gravy and fluffy cheddar mash, this meal is perfect for treating your loved ones. Enjoy every spoonful and the extra requests for seconds!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get juicy pork chops?
Use thick-cut boneless chops, sear them on both sides until just cooked through, and let them rest tented with foil before serving.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in the pan gravy for a gluten-free option.
- → What's the best potato for creamy mash?
Yukon Gold potatoes work best due to their natural creaminess and buttery flavor.
- → Which cheese suits the mash?
Sharp cheddar offers a rich flavor, but sharp white cheddar can also be used for variety.
- → How do I keep green beans crisp?
Steam or sauté green beans briefly until bright green and just tender, then serve immediately.
- → Any recommended wine pairing?
Try a dry white wine, like Chardonnay, or a light red such as Pinot Noir to complement the flavors.