Preparing the Pork Chops:
- Season the Pork Chops: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Pork Chops: In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Scalloped Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Layer the Potatoes: Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the sauce, gently stirring to ensure they are well coated. Cook for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- Add the Pork Chops: Arrange the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil.
Baking:
- Bake the Dish: Place the skillet or Dutch oven in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the lid or foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the pork chops, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Slicing the Potatoes: Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices, which will cook evenly.
- Thickening the Sauce: Ensure the sauce is thickened before adding the potatoes; this is key to achieving the right consistency for your scalloped potatoes.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary before adding the potatoes and pork chops.
Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes is a classic dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The creamy scalloped potatoes, combined with the savory pork chops, create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy this delicious one-pan meal with your favorite side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and hearty dinner.