Tender, juicy pork chops baked alongside creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. A perfect family meal.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Scalloped Potatoes:
- 2.5 pounds potatoes (such as russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère, or a combination)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and onions.
- In a seperate bowl whisk together the heavy cream (or half and half) and flour.
- Add the cream mixture to the potatoes, and then add in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble the Potatoes:
- Pour half of the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the potatoes.
- pour in the rest of the potato mixture, and then sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top of the dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the potatoes.
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme (if using).
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- Cook the Dish:
- Place the pork chops on top of the scalloped potatoes, pressing them down slightly into the potato mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)).
- If the top is not browned to your liking, place under a broiler for a few minutes. Make sure to keep a close eye on it so it does not burn.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the pork chops to redistribute.
- Serve the pork chops with a generous portion of the scalloped potatoes.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- Add other vegetables to the scalloped potatoes, such as sliced mushrooms or bell peppers.
- You can layer cooked bacon pieces in with the potato layers for a smoky flavor.
- For extra cheesy potatoes, add more shredded cheese.
- To create a crispier top, bread the pork chops.
Enjoy!