Savory Pork Chops with Sweet Caramelized Onions and Smoky Gouda
Indulge in tender, juicy pork chops served atop a bed of luxuriously caramelized onions, rich with deep savory flavors. This delightful dish is finished with a creamy sauce infused with smoked gouda, adding a distinct smoky richness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the onions. Perfect for a family gathering or a special dinner, this recipe promises a satisfying and effortless feast, sure to please all palates.
N/A
Servings
525
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
6 tablespoons (For frying)
Pork chops (center cut)
64 ounces (8-ounce chops, 1-inch thick)
All-purpose flour
1 cup (For dredging)
All-purpose flour
5 tablespoons (For sauce)
Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Hungarian paprika
1 tablespoon (For caramelized onions)
Onions
4 large (Sliced)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (For caramelization)
Garlic
4 teaspoons (Minced)
Beef broth
4 cups (For braising)
Smoked gouda cheese
3/4 cup (Grated)
Butter
3 tablespoons (For sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large heavy skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper, then dredge each chop in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour. In batches, add the pork to the hot skillet and sauté until golden brown, approximately 3 minutes per side. Once browned, arrange the chops in a single layer in a 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Hungarian paprika over the pork.
2
Carefully discard the contents of the skillet, wipe it clean, and return to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then toss in the sliced onions. Sprinkle the onions with sugar to enhance their sweetness, stirring frequently for about 20 minutes or until they are deeply browned and caramelized. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, then stir in 1 tablespoon of Hungarian paprika. Layer the caramelized onions over the pork chops in the baking dish.
3
Pour in enough beef broth to almost cover the pork. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the pork is fork-tender.
4
If preparing ahead, let the dish cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate. To reheat, uncover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes.
5
Once cooked, reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (93°C). Using tongs, carefully transfer the pork chops to a large bowl while leaving the onion mixture in the baking dish. Strain the contents of the baking dish through a fine strainer set over a medium bowl to separate the onions from the cooking liquid. Return the onion mixture to the baking dish, spreading it evenly, and place the pork chops again atop the onions. Sprinkle the grated smoked gouda cheese generously over the pork.
6
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce. In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the remaining 5 tablespoons of flour. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it begins to take on a light golden color (about 4 minutes). Gradually whisk in the reserved cooking liquid from the strainer, bringing it to a boil while whisking constantly until thickened (around 5 minutes). Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
7
To serve, plate the pork and onions, then drizzle the rich sauce over each portion. Enjoy this delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Pork Chops with Sweet Caramelized Onions and Smoky Gouda.
What kind of pork chops are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1-inch thick center-cut pork chops, approximately 8 ounces each.
What type of cheese gives this dish its unique flavor?
Grated smoked gouda cheese is used to provide a distinct smoky richness.
How are the onions prepared?
Four large onions are sliced and sautéed with sugar for about 20 minutes until they are deeply browned and caramelized.
Why is sugar used when cooking the onions?
Sugar is sprinkled over the onions to enhance their sweetness and assist in the caramelization process.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the pork chops need to bake?
The pork chops should bake for approximately 45 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
Why are the pork chops dredged in flour?
Dredging the pork in flour before sautéing helps achieve a golden-brown crust and contributes to the final sauce texture.
What kind of paprika is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies Hungarian paprika for both the pork seasoning and the caramelized onions.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dish can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated for later use.
How should you reheat the pork chops?
To reheat, uncover the dish and place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 525 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 35 grams of protein per serving.
What type of broth is used for braising?
Beef broth is used to braise the pork and onions.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe uses 4 cups of beef broth, or enough to almost cover the pork in the baking dish.
What do you do with the cooking liquid after baking?
The cooking liquid is strained and reserved to be used as the base for a rich sauce.
How is the savory sauce made?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisking in the reserved cooking liquid until thickened.
When should the garlic be added?
The minced garlic is added to the onions after they have caramelized for 20 minutes, then sautéed for one more minute.
Should the baking dish be covered while in the oven?
Yes, the dish should be tightly covered with aluminum foil during the 45-minute baking period.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
A 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish is recommended.
How do you prepare the pork chops before searing?
Season them with salt and pepper and dredge each chop in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
How many pork chops does the recipe yield?
The recipe is designed for 8 pork chops (totaling 64 ounces).
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
Tags include pork chops, caramelized onions, smoked gouda, comfort food, and hearty dinner.
How long should you sauté the pork chops initially?
Sauté the pork in a hot skillet for approximately 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 27.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of butter for the sauce.
When is the smoked gouda cheese added?
The cheese is sprinkled over the pork chops after they are baked and returned to the bed of onions.
What is the final oven temperature setting for keeping the food warm?
The oven should be reduced to 200°F (93°C) while the sauce is being prepared.
How do you know the pork is fully cooked?
The pork is ready when it is fork-tender after baking for 45 minutes.