Name: French Onion Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 thick-cut pork chops; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Craving something cozy and rich, but still easy enough for a weeknight dinner? French Onion Pork Chops are exactly that dish. Imagine juicy, pan-seared pork chops smothered in sweet caramelized onions and topped with a blanket of melted cheese. It’s the kind of comforting plate that feels like it took hours to make—but it didn’t.

What makes this recipe special is its balance: savory from the pork, sweet from the onions, and just a hint of sharpness from the cheese. It captures everything we love about French onion soup, and pairs it with the hearty bite of thick-cut pork. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted green beans, and you’ve got a dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the rich, layered flavors of these French Onion Pork Chops, the right tools make all the difference:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This helps achieve a golden sear on the pork chops and evenly caramelizes the onions.
Tongs: Essential for flipping the chops and moving them gently without piercing the meat.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the onions as they caramelize, helping to release those brown bits of flavor.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures your pork chops are cooked perfectly at 145°F without drying out.
Oven-Safe Dish or Skillet with Lid: For finishing the chops in the oven under a layer of cheese.

Each tool supports a specific step—from browning and deglazing to baking—so having them ready sets you up for smooth, flavorful cooking.

Ingredients for the French Onion Pork Chops

Thick-Cut Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless, these are the hearty centerpiece. You want them at least 1 inch thick for a juicy finish.
Yellow Onions: Slowly caramelized to bring out natural sweetness, these are the backbone of that French onion flavor.
Beef Broth: Deepens the savory notes and deglazes the pan, infusing every bite with richness.
Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy herbal note that ties everything together.
Garlic: Just a little goes a long way in building flavor.
Gruyère or Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey, and slightly nutty—perfect for topping.
Butter and Olive Oil: A blend that helps caramelize without burning.
Salt and Pepper: To season every layer, from pork to onions.

How To Make the French Onion Pork Chops

Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops

Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sliced onions. Stir often, scraping up any brown bits. Cook for about 20–25 minutes until onions are deep golden.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add garlic and thyme to the caramelized onions. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer to deglaze.

Step 4: Return Pork to Pan

Nestle the pork chops back into the onion mixture. Spoon some onions on top. Simmer lightly for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Top each pork chop with a generous handful of cheese. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Storing French Onion Pork Chops

Serve these chops hot, straight from the oven, with the melted cheese bubbling and onions cascading over the sides. Ideal pairings include mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a crisp garden salad. Want a low-carb option? Try it with cauliflower mash.

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or covered in the oven to preserve moisture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, but the texture of the onions may change slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Swiss, provolone, or even fontina work well. Gruyère gives that classic French onion profile but use what you love.

Do I need to caramelize the onions fully?

It’s worth it. The slow cooking brings out deep, sweet flavors that define this dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can! Prep everything through Step 4, refrigerate, then bake with cheese when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Transfer everything to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking. Just be sure to scrape all that flavorful onion mixture along with the chops.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time as bone-in may take a couple of extra minutes.

Want More Pork Dinner Ideas?

If savory pork meals are your style, you might also love the Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast—it’s a slow-baked comfort option that never fails. Looking for something with bold flair? Check out the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta which pairs beautifully with grilled pork.

For casserole lovers, the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole makes a cozy side to any pork dinner. And if you want another smothered sensation, try the Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese alongside your chops.

Or for an easy one-pan meal, One Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta brings a similar saucy richness.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort dinner boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

When you make it, I want to hear about it! Did you use Gruyère? Did you swap in Swiss? Did your onions get extra golden? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how everyone makes these their own.

And for daily cooking ideas and more cozy dinners, check out my Pinterest LadyPlate page.

French Onion Pork Chops

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

French Onion Pork Chops are a comforting skillet dinner featuring juicy, seared pork chops smothered in sweet caramelized onions, simmered in savory beef broth, and topped with bubbly melted cheese. It’s a weeknight-friendly meal with the richness of a French bistro favorite.