There’s something truly satisfying about a meal that brings together tender, flavorful pork, golden creamy potatoes, and a crisp, refreshing salad. This Baked Pork Neck with Creamy Potatoes and Fresh Salad is exactly that kind of dish — hearty enough for a Sunday family dinner, yet versatile and easy enough to prepare on a weeknight when you want something special. With layers of seasoning, mustard tang, melty cheese, and sour cream potatoes, this recipe hits every note of comfort food while still giving you a balanced, restaurant-quality plate at home.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 700 g pork neck

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 3 onions (sliced)

• 1 tbsp grainy mustard

• 2 pickles (chopped)

• 150 g cheese (grated)

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise

• Additional vegetable oil (for pan)

• Butter, for cooking

• 1 onion (for potato mixture)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• Potatoes (about 5–6 medium)

• 2 tbsp sour cream

• 100 ml water

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salad mix (lettuce or leafy greens)

• 1 cucumber

• 1 onion (thinly sliced)

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the pork: Begin by heating vegetable oil in a skillet. Season the pork neck with salt and black pepper generously on both sides. Sear the pork until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through.

2. Add flavor layers: In the same pan, add sliced onions and cook until lightly softened. Spread grainy mustard over the pork, followed by chopped pickles.

3. Top with cheese and mayonnaise: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pork, then spread mayonnaise evenly on top. Transfer the pork mixture into a baking dish.

4. Bake the pork: Preheat the oven to 180℃ (360℉). Bake the pork dish uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the meat is tender, the cheese is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

5. Make the potato side: In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil and a little butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add peeled and chopped potatoes along with water, salt, pepper, thyme, and sour cream. Cook gently until the potatoes soften and absorb the flavors, creating a creamy consistency.

6. Prepare the salad: In a bowl, combine salad mix, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced onion, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the vegetables with the dressing.

7. Serve: Once the pork is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Plate a portion of the pork with the creamy potatoes and a side of fresh salad. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 560 kcal

• Protein: 38 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Calcium: 210 mg

• Iron: 3.5 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it gives you the best of both worlds — rich, cheesy baked pork for when you crave indulgence, and creamy potatoes that feel like a hug in every bite, balanced with a fresh salad that keeps things light and bright. The flavor of mustard and pickles adds a tangy twist that cuts through the richness, making every forkful exciting. It’s a dish that feels festive but is easy enough to enjoy without fuss.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Baked pork neck is a popular dish across Europe, especially in Central and Eastern cuisines, where pork is a staple protein. The addition of mustard, cheese, and pickles gives the dish a unique twist inspired by German and Polish cooking traditions. Pairing it with creamy potatoes echoes the comfort food roots of this recipe, while the fresh salad on the side reflects the balance often sought in home cooking — hearty but not overwhelming.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Pork Neck: Known for its marbling, pork neck cooks up tender and juicy, making it ideal for baking.

• Mustard & Pickles: These add brightness and tang to cut through the rich cheese and mayonnaise.

• Cheese: Melts into a luscious topping, giving that classic baked casserole vibe.

• Potatoes & Sour Cream: The creamy, garlicky potatoes are the perfect starchy companion, grounding the dish.

• Salad Mix with Lemon: Fresh greens and a squeeze of lemon lighten up the plate and balance the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the pork and potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best eaten fresh, but you can prep the vegetables and store them separately, adding dressing just before serving. To reheat the pork and potatoes, place them in an oven at 160℃ (320℉) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the pork as it can dry out; instead, cover with foil when reheating.

Common Variations to Try

• Different Meats: Substitute pork neck with chicken thighs or beef chuck for a different take.

• Cheese Swap: Use gouda, cheddar, or mozzarella depending on the flavor you prefer.

• Potato Upgrade: Mash the potatoes with cream and butter instead of sour cream for a richer version.

• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a kick.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the pork with thick slices of roasted eggplant layered with cheese and mustard for a hearty veggie bake.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness.

• A light beer such as pilsner, which complements the pork flavors.

• Herbed bread rolls on the side to mop up the creamy sauce.

• For dessert, something light like a fruit salad or sorbet keeps the meal refreshing.

Health Benefits

Though indulgent, this recipe has nutritional benefits. Pork neck provides a good dose of protein and iron, supporting muscle health and energy. Onions, garlic, and parsley add antioxidants that support the immune system. The salad brings fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal, balancing out the richness of the meat and potatoes. Using olive oil in the salad provides healthy fats that are good for heart health.

Conclusion

This Baked Pork Neck with Creamy Potatoes and Fresh Salad is a dish that impresses without being complicated. It blends rustic comfort food with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or even a cozy dinner at home. From the tang of mustard and pickles to the gooey cheese, creamy potatoes, and refreshing salad, every element comes together for a well-rounded meal. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people go back for seconds and leaves lasting memories around the dinner table.