Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake

INGREDIENTS:

For the Pork Chops:

4 bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter divided
4 cloves garlic minced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish optional

For the Cheesy Potato Bake:

4-5 medium potatoes thinly sliced
1 medium onion thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prep and Preheat:

-Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare the Potatoes:

-Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-Add sliced onions and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
-Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
-Top with half of the cooked onions and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
-Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Make the Sauce:

-In a medium saucepan, combine milk and sour cream.
-Cook over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
-Pour the mixture evenly over the layered potatoes.
-Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Cook the Pork Chops:

-Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
-Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-Sear the pork chops until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
-Remove the pork chops and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

-In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
-Add minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
-Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them.
Combine and Bake:
-Remove the foil from the potato dish in the oven.
-Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes.
-Pour the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops and potatoes.
-Bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serve:

-Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
-Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
-Serve the pork chops alongside the cheesy potato bake for a complete meal.