Pork Chop Supreme

Ingredients:
4 boneless pork chops
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
1 can (10-11 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional, for extra flavor)
Preparation Method:

Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pork chops cook evenly and the potatoes become tender as they bake.
Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. For extra flavor, you can lightly sear them in a pan with olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they get a golden brown color. This step is optional but adds a delicious depth to the final dish.
Mix the Sauces:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and the Lipton onion soup mix. Stir well until smooth. This mixture will create a rich, flavorful sauce that will coat the pork and potatoes beautifully.
Layer the Ingredients:
In a baking dish, arrange the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom. Drizzle a little olive oil or melted butter over them and season lightly with salt and pepper. Next, place the pork chops on top of the potato layer. Pour the soup and onion mixture evenly over the pork chops and potatoes, making sure each chop is covered.
Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork chops are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C) and the potatoes are tender.
Add Cheese (Optional):
About 10 minutes before finishing, uncover the dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pork chops. Return to the oven uncovered to allow the cheese to melt and form a golden, bubbly layer on top.
Serve:
Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork chops moist and flavorful. Serve the pork chops with the creamy potatoes and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color.