Creamy Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes: A Comforting One-Pan Recipe

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and Slice: Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds. Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.
2. Layer in the Dish: Spread the potato slices evenly along the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 3: Season and Arrange the Pork Chops

1. Season the Chops: Sprinkle both sides of each pork chop with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also brush them with a bit of olive oil or melted butter for added flavor.
2. Arrange on Top of Potatoes: Lay the seasoned pork chops on top of the potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until well blended and smooth.
2. Pour Over the Dish: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops and potatoes. The sauce will seep down to coat the potatoes, adding creaminess to the dish.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the pork chops and potatoes.
2. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh or dried parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes:

• Thinly Slice the Potatoes: Slicing the potatoes evenly and thinly ensures they cook through at the same rate as the pork chops.
• Use Bone-In Pork Chops (if preferred): Bone-in chops work well in this dish, too. They may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the baking time as needed.
• Try Different Cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds depth, but you can also experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding sliced onions or a layer of frozen peas and carrots to the dish.