Sometimes the best recipes come from a happy kitchen accident, a little bit of luck and a need to use up what’s on hand.
For me, this dish was born from a container of party dip and a can of fried onions, gifted to me by a well-meaning friend who’d bought too much.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Here’s the simple lineup you’ll need to create this cozy, flavor-packed meal. Each one plays a key role.
- Boneless Pork Chops (8): The hearty base of the dish, they stay tender and juicy beneath all the delicious toppings.
- Sour Cream Dip (8 oz container): This is your creamy, flavorful sauce starter; it keeps the chops moist and adds a tangy richness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): It melts into a glorious, gooey blanket that brings everything together.
- Crispy French Fried Onions (3 oz can): They provide the signature crunch and that deeply savory, toasted onion flavor we all love.
How to make French Onion Smothered Pork Chops?
The process is wonderfully straightforward, truly. You’re just layering flavors and letting the oven do the work.

Step 1- Prep and Preheat
Start by turning your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it warm up while you assemble.
Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange your pork chops in a single layer across the bottom.
Step 2- The Creamy Layer
Now, spread the entire container of sour cream dip evenly over the pork chops. Cover them completely.
If you’re using plain sour cream, just season the chops with a good pinch of salt and pepper first for the best flavor.
Step 3- Add Cheese and Crunch
Shower the shredded cheddar cheese all over that creamy layer. Be generous, it’s the glue.
Finally, sprinkle the crispy French fried onions evenly over the top. This creates that irresistible texture contrast.
Step 4- Bake to Perfection
Slide the uncovered dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
The dish is ready when the pork chops reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F, though I often take mine to 160°F for well-done, tender meat.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Nights
With just four main ingredients and one pan, the cleanup is almost as easy as the preparation. It’s a lifesaver.
The active time is mere minutes, leaving you free to set the table or simply relax while incredible aromas fill your kitchen.
Tips
A few little insights can make your results even better. Trust me on these.
- An instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend here. It takes the guesswork out and guarantees perfectly cooked pork every single time.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors of pre-made dip. French onion, ranch, bacon and cheddar, or dill all bring their own delicious twist to the party.
- For the crispiest topping, make sure your fried onions are fresh. If your can has been open, give them a quick toast in a dry pan before using.
Serving Your Masterpiece
This rich, smothered dish begs for simple, comforting sides to complete the plate. Think of what soaks up sauce well.
A big scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles is absolutely perfect alongside these chops.
Add a bright, fresh vegetable like steamed green beans or a simple garden salad to balance the decadence. Dinner is served, and it’s a surefire hit.
French Onion Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Description
French Onion Smothered Pork Chops are a deliciously simple weeknight dinner that transforms basic boneless pork chops into a comforting, richly flavored meal. Smothered in creamy sour cream dip, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy French fried onions, these pork chops bake to juicy perfection in under an hour. Serve them with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete, family-friendly dinner everyone will love.
ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
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Place the pork chops in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread the sour cream dip evenly over the pork chops.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dip.
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Top with the crispy French fried onions, distributing evenly.
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Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chop reads at least 145°F (63°C). For well-done chops, cook to 160°F (71°C).
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Saturated Fat 11g56%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 125mg42%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 580mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 38g76%
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 10 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Dip Alternatives: If you don’t have flavored sour cream dip, use 1 cup plain sour cream + 1 tsp onion powder + ½ tsp garlic powder + salt & pepper to taste.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the dish (without baking) up to 1 day in advance; cover and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if cooking cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with Cheddar Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans for a complete meal.
