French Onion Pork Chops take the classic flavors of French onion soup and turn them into a hearty, savory main dish. Juicy pork chops are seared to perfection, then smothered in caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for a special occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Inspired by French onion soup with a rich, savory flavor.
- Juicy pork chops with gooey melted cheese.
- One-pan recipe—easy cleanup!
- Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pork Chops:
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil or butter
For the French Onion Sauce:
- Butter
- Yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh thyme (or dried)
- Flour (to thicken the sauce)
- Mozzarella or Gruyère cheese, shredded
Directions
1. Season & Sear the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Melt butter in the same skillet and add sliced onions. Cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
3. Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute. Slowly add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
4. Return Pork Chops & Melt Cheese:
Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over them, then top with shredded cheese. Cover with a lid or broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with extra thyme and serve warm with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Use Swiss, provolone, or white cheddar instead of Gruyère.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the flour or use a keto-friendly thickener.
- Chicken Alternative: Swap pork chops for chicken breasts or thighs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze pork chops and sauce for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of pork for this recipe?
Bone-in pork chops stay juicier, but boneless works too!
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the onions and sauce in advance, then sear the pork chops and assemble when ready.
3. How do I prevent dry pork chops?
Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer and remove them at 145°F.
4. Can I use chicken instead?
Yes! Chicken breasts or thighs work great in this recipe.
5. What’s the best cheese to use?
Gruyère is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone also work.
6. Can I add mushrooms?
Yes! Sauté mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor.
7. How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
Use cornstarch or a keto-friendly thickener.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the pork chops first, then cook on low for 4-6 hours with the onions and broth.
9. What side dishes pair well with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a side salad.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
French Onion Pork Chops are a savory, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With caramelized onions, melty cheese, and juicy pork, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintFrench Onion Pork Chops
These French Onion Pork Chops are a delicious twist on the classic French onion soup! Juicy, seared pork chops are smothered in a rich caramelized onion gravy, topped with melted cheese, and baked to perfection. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
- ½ cup beef broth
For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup beef broth (extra for baking, if needed)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season pork chops with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and salt, stirring occasionally for 15–20 minutes, until onions are deeply golden brown.
- Stir in sugar (if using), balsamic vinegar, and thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in ½ cup beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes, then return the pork chops to the skillet.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Spoon the caramelized onions over the pork chops.
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- If needed, add extra ½ cup beef broth around the pork chops to keep them moist.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use Bone-In Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops will be extra juicy but may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream with the broth for a richer sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet with a splash of broth.