Lamb Chops with Scalloped Potatoes

Lamb Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is a cozy, comforting meal that feels special without being hard to make. Tender lamb chops sear in a hot pan until the edges are lightly crisp, while the potatoes bake in a creamy sauce and turn soft and golden on top. The smell of garlic, herbs, and warm cream fills the kitchen and makes everyone hungry. This is one of those lamb meals that works for Sunday dinner or a small celebration. If you like easy lamb recipes that look beautiful on the plate, this is a recipe you will want to save and make again.

Ingredients

For the lamb chops

• 8 lamb loin or rib chops, about 1 inch thick
• 1 and 1 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 and 1 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional

For the scalloped potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 and 3 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
• 1 cup grated cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere, optional but tasty
• 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish

If you enjoy other lamb dishes as well, you might also like this tender and juicy pulled lamb recipe for an easy shredded option.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F and lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter.

2. In a bowl or jug, whisk together the cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.

3. Lay half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish in a flat, even layer, then scatter half of the sliced onion over the top.

4. Pour half of the cream mixture slowly over the potatoes, letting it sink down between the slices.

5. Add the rest of the potatoes and onions in another even layer, then pour over the remaining cream mixture so everything is just covered.

6. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, until the potatoes start to soften when pierced with a knife.

7. While the potatoes bake, pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.

8. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot, then add the lamb chops and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned on the outside and still juicy inside.

9. Remove the foil from the potatoes, sprinkle the cheese over the top if using, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.

10. Let the scalloped potatoes rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the sauce can thicken, then serve the lamb chops on top or beside the creamy potato slices.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Slicing the potatoes too thick: Thick slices take longer to cook and may stay firm in the center. Aim for slices that are about the thickness of a coin. A sharp knife or mandoline is very helpful here.

Not seasoning the layers: If you only season the top, the middle of the dish can taste flat. Lightly season the potatoes and onions as you layer them so every bite has flavor.

Overcooking the lamb chops: Lamb cooks quickly. If you leave the chops in the pan too long, they can turn dry and chewy. Keep an eye on them, especially if you like your lamb pink in the center.

Skipping the rest time: Hot scalloped potatoes need a short rest so the creamy sauce can settle and thicken. If you scoop them out right away, the sauce may seem too loose.

Tips For Success

Bring the lamb chops out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so they are closer to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly. Dry the chops well before searing so you get a good crust.

For the potatoes, try to keep the slices the same thickness. This simple step makes a big difference in how evenly they bake. Yukon gold and russet potatoes are both good, because they soften nicely and soak up the creamy sauce.

If you love Greek lamb recipes, you can add a pinch of dried oregano to the lamb rub and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This brings a bright, fresh flavor that balances the rich potatoes. For more Mediterranean style flavor, you can also explore this herby Greek butterflied lamb leg recipe for another meal idea.

How To Serve

Lamb Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is one of those lamb chop dinner ideas that feels complete on its own, but a few simple sides make it even nicer. Serve with a crisp green salad with lemon dressing, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots.

You can keep the plate simple and classic, or go in a Greek style direction with olives, tomato salad, and a small bowl of yogurt sauce. If you like grilled flavors and Greek lamb recipes, you may enjoy serving this dish alongside fun, skewered lamb souvlaki for a small lamb feast.

Warm crusty bread is also lovely for soaking up the creamy sauce from the scalloped potatoes. It turns this into one of those cozy lamb meals that everyone lingers over at the table.

Flavor Add In Ideas

• Cheesy twist: Use a mix of gruyere and parmesan on top of the potatoes for a deeper, nutty flavor.
• Garlic lovers: Add a little extra minced garlic to the cream mixture if you want a stronger garlic aroma.
• Herb blend: Stir a spoon of chopped parsley or chives into the potatoes after baking for a fresh, green pop.
• Spice touch: For fans of bold lamb dishes, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or chili flakes on the lamb chops before searing.

If you enjoy looking for Ground Lamb Recipes Easy, you will notice that the same herbs and spices appear often. You can use many of those ideas here as well, even though this recipe uses chops instead of ground meat.

Lamb Chops with Scalloped Potatoes

Juicy lamb chops and creamy scalloped potatoes make the perfect cozy meal. The lamb is full of herb flavor, and the potatoes are soft and cheesy. It’s easy to make and great for family dinners or special nights at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Western

Calories: 720

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Lamb Chops

• 8 lamb loin or rib chops about 1 inch thick
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or 2 tsp fresh chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest optional

Scalloped Potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion very thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1.75 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg optional
• 1 cup grated cheese cheddar or gruyere, optional
• 1 tbsp butter for greasing baking dish

Equipment

• Baking Dish
• Skillet
• Mandoline or Sharp Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a medium baking dish.
2. Whisk together cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Layer half the potatoes in the dish, followed by half the onions. Pour in half the cream mixture.
4. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, onions, and cream mixture.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.
6. Pat lamb chops dry. Rub with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
7. Sear lamb chops in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, 3–4 minutes per side until browned and juicy.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top of potatoes, and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until golden.
9. Let scalloped potatoes rest for 5–10 minutes before serving with lamb chops.

Notes

Let the lamb rest before searing for even cooking. Thin potato slices bake more evenly. Optional toppings like gruyere or parsley can enhance the flavor and finish.

Make Ahead And Storage

You can assemble the scalloped potatoes earlier in the day. Cover the dish well and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. When you are ready to cook, let the dish sit on the counter for about 20 minutes, then bake as written. This makes the recipe very handy for busy days or when guests are coming.

Leftover potatoes and lamb chops keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325 F until hot. The potatoes may thicken a little more as they sit, which many people like.

If you like planning lamb meals for the week, you might enjoy this hearty and comforting easy lamb stew recipe. It is one of those lamb stew meat recipes that tastes even better the next day.

FAQS

Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use shoulder chops or even lamb breast, but cooking times may change. Lamb breast recipes usually need longer, slower cooking to become tender. For this quick sear method, rib or loin chops are best.

What if I want to use ground lamb instead of chops?
You can cook small ground lamb patties in the pan and serve them with the scalloped potatoes. Many ground lamb recipes for dinner use the same herbs and spices, so the flavors will still match well. Just shape small patties, sear until cooked through, and plate them beside the creamy potatoes.

Can I use this method with goat meat?
You can use similar flavors for simple goat recipes, but goat meat usually needs a lower heat and a longer cooking time to become tender. For a quick weeknight meal, lamb chops are easier, but the potato side pairs nicely with slow cooked goat as well.

Conclusion

Lamb Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is a simple, elegant meal that fits right in with your favorite lamb dishes. The lamb is juicy and full of herb flavor, and the potatoes are creamy with a soft, golden top. Together, they make a plate that feels cozy and special at the same time. If you are building a small collection of easy lamb recipes for home, this is one to keep nearby.

For more lamb inspiration, you can also try a bright and zesty classic Greek lamb chops recipe on the grill, or mix things up with slow or shredded options like pulled lamb or stew. If this recipe was helpful, save it and share it on Pinterest so you can find it again the next time you are craving a warm, comforting lamb dinner.