Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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### Instructions:

#### **1. Preheat Your Oven:**
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish and set aside.

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#### **2. Prepare the Pork Chops:**
1. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture over the tops of the pork chops.

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#### **3. Prepare the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes:**
1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, then layer the remaining potato slices and pour the rest of the sauce on top.

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#### **4. Combine and Bake:**
1. Place the pork chops on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

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#### **5. Serve and Garnish:**
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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### Tips:
– **Potato Slicing:** Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices, ensuring they cook evenly.
– **Pork Chop Variations:** Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier, but boneless chops work well too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
– **Cheese Options:** Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the scalloped potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just add the pork chops before baking.

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This Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Its balance of savory pork and creamy, cheesy potatoes makes it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Dig in and enjoy this satisfying meal that’s as delightful as it is easy to make!