Instructions:

Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the Potatoes: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the cooked onions. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, and cheese.

Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sour cream. Cook over medium heat until warmed through. Pour this mixture evenly over the potatoes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Cook the Pork Chops: While the potatoes are baking, season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter and melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant. Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over them.

Combine and Bake: Remove the foil from the potatoes and place the browned pork chops on top. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops and potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are cooked through