A Hearty Meal That Feels Like Home: Southern Pork Chop Dinner with Mac and Cheese and Greens

There's something timeless about a Southern-style meal. It's reminiscent of childhood Sundays, family gatherings, and that special kind of laughter that fills the air when the food is good and the company is better. Today, I’m going to walk you through a classic Southern pork chop dinner that’s both soul-satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. We’ll pair juicy, spiced pork chops with creamy mac and cheese and tender greens—a trio that’s bound to redefine comfort food in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe hits all the right notes between ease, flavor, and comfort. By focusing on a few quality ingredients and incorporating streamlined cooking techniques, even the most novice home cooks can whip up a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The pork chops provide a hearty, savory base, the mac and cheese offers a creamy complement, and the greens bring a necessary freshness to balance the dish. It’s a well-rounded meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups of your favorite macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 bunches of greens (such as collard greens or spinach), washed and chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Instructions

For the Pork Chops:

1. Season the pork: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the pork chops, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

2. Sear the pork: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice crust. Remove from heat and let them rest.

For the Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot, combine shredded cheddar, milk, and cream cheese over low heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

3. Combine: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well-coated. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

For the Greens:

1. Sauté the ingredients: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped greens and stir to combine.

2. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Expert Tips and Tricks

To make this meal stand out, consider a few pro tips:

  • Meat Mastery: Let your pork chops sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
  • Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the mac and cheese to find your preferred flavor—maybe a mix of gouda and mozzarella for a smokey, stretchy twist.
  • Greens Galore: For the greens, a dash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice added towards the end of cooking can brighten the flavors remarkably.

The beauty of this Southern Pork Chop Dinner lies not just in its flavors but also in the memories it’s sure to create. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a regular weeknight, this meal promises a delightful blend of nostalgia and novelty, guaranteeing smiles all around the dinner table. Enjoy the cooking, cherish the eating, and may your kitchen be forever filled with joy and delicious aromas!