Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Pork Chops

01 - 6 boneless pork chops
02 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For the Scalloped Potatoes

07 - 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
08 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

→ For the Cheese Sauce

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 2 cups whole milk
12 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

→ Optional Garnish

16 - Chopped fresh parsley

# Instructions:

01 - Set oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a large baking dish and reserve.
02 - Pat pork chops dry and season all over with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes until mixture is lightly golden and smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes.
06 - Add dried thyme, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth. Remove pan from heat.
07 - Arrange half of the potato slices in the base of the prepared baking dish, overlapping as needed. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
08 - Place the seared pork chops over the potato layer. Top with the remaining potatoes.
09 - Spread the remaining cheese sauce over the top potato layer. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
10 - Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11 - Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
12 - Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For additional flavor, sautéed mushrooms or bacon pieces may be layered with the potatoes. A pinch of red pepper flakes can provide heat, while sweet potatoes offer a lighter alternative.