Do you cover pork chops when baking with cream of mushroom soup in the oven?

It's generally not recommended to cover pork chops when baking them with cream of mushroom soup. Here's why:

* Moisture: Covering the dish traps moisture, which can make the pork chops steam instead of brown and crisp.

* Browning: Exposure to the oven's heat allows the pork chops to brown and develop a flavorful crust. Covering them prevents this.

* Texture: Uncovered pork chops will cook more evenly and retain a juicier texture.

However, there are a few exceptions:

* Thin chops: If your pork chops are very thin, they may dry out if left uncovered. In this case, you can cover them for the first part of the baking time and uncover them for the last 15-20 minutes to brown.

* Using a high temperature: If you're baking the pork chops at a high temperature (over 400°F), you might want to cover them for the first part of the cooking time to prevent them from burning.

To get the best results:

* Preheat your oven to 375°F.

* Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.

* Place the pork chops in a single layer in a baking dish.

* Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the chops, making sure to coat them evenly.

* Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Tip: To add more flavor, you can add chopped onions, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the dish.