Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes

Here’s a comforting recipe for Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes, perfect for a hearty meal:

Ingredients:

• For the pork chops:
  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the scalloped potatoes:
  • 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Gruyère)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon thyme (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for more flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Pork Chops:

1. Preheat oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the pork chops:
   • Pat the pork chops dry. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
3. Sear the pork chops:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside (they’ll finish cooking with the potatoes).

For the Scalloped Potatoes:

4. Prepare the cream sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for another 1 minute to make a roux.
   • Slowly whisk in the heavy cream (or milk) and chicken broth if using. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat once the cheese is melted.
5. Layer the potatoes:
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes, followed by half of the onions. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and sauce.
6. Add pork chops:
   • Place the seared pork chops on top of the layered potatoes.
7. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
8. Garnish and serve:
   • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes!