French Onion Pork Chops are a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of caramelized onions with tender pork chops smothered in a savory, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavors reminiscent of classic French onion soup
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great for a hearty, comforting meal
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless pork chops
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Yellow onions
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with flour.
- Cook the Pork Chops: In the same skillet, sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Add garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the onions. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the onion mixture over them. Top with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover and let cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pork is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Use mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan instead of Gruyère.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook them low and slow with a bit of butter and oil for 20-25 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the final step, then reheat when ready to serve.
What’s the best side dish for this recipe?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad pair perfectly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese topping.
How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F.
Can I use chicken instead of pork chops?
Yes! Chicken breasts or thighs work well with this recipe.
What’s the best cheese for French Onion Pork Chops?
Gruyère is the classic choice, but Swiss or provolone work well too.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours after caramelizing the onions and searing the pork.
Do I need to use flour?
Flour helps create a slight crust on the pork and thickens the sauce, but you can skip it if needed.
Conclusion
French Onion Pork Chops are a comforting and delicious meal that combines rich, caramelized onions with savory pork chops and melty cheese. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit!
PrintFrench Onion Pork Chops
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
These French Onion Pork Chops take inspiration from the classic French onion soup, featuring juicy pork chops smothered in caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a flavorful broth. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or a mix of both)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish
Instructions
- Season & Sear the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
- Add sugar (if using) and thyme, then stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Simmer & Melt the Cheese:
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the onions.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the pork chops simmer for about 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pork chops, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Swap Gruyère with provolone or Monterey Jack if preferred.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir into the onions before adding the pork chops back in.
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