Description
French culinary magic meets comfort food in this irresistible Smothered French Onion Pork Chops recipe. Caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted cheese create a delectable dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
Onions and Aromatics:
- 3 large yellow onions
- 2 cloves garlic
Wet Ingredients and Seasoning:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
Dry Ingredients and Herbs:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and generously season with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Transfer the seared pork chops to a plate and set aside, keeping them warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter, allowing it to melt and combine with the existing oil.
- Slice yellow onions into thin, uniform rings and mince garlic, then add to the skillet, stirring to coat with the butter-oil mixture.
- Caramelize the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for approximately 20-25 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits, creating a flavorful fond.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and allow the liquid to simmer and reduce by one-third, creating a concentrated sauce.
- Nestle the seared pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the onion mixture over the meat.
- Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese generously over each pork chop and transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, creating a vibrant and aromatic finish.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut pork chops for maximum juiciness and prevent overcooking during the baking process.
- Allow pork chops to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before seasoning to ensure even cooking and better sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature and avoid dry, tough meat.
- Swap Gruyère with provolone or mozzarella for a milder cheese profile if preferred.
- For gluten-free version, ensure beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
- Caramelize onions slowly on low-medium heat to develop deep, rich sweetness without burning.
- Create a dairy-free alternative by omitting cheese and using nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg