Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

A Classic Comfort Food Dish

Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a Southern-inspired dish that delivers crispy, golden-brown pork chops smothered in a rich, creamy bacon-infused gravy. This dish offers the perfect balance of crunchy texture and indulgent flavor, making it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Juicy – The pork chops are perfectly fried to a crispy golden-brown while remaining tender and juicy inside.
• Rich and Flavorful Gravy – The bacon-infused gravy adds a smoky, savory depth that complements the fried pork chops.
• Easy to Make – With simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish is beginner-friendly.
• Comforting and Satisfying – A hearty Southern classic that pairs well with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about ¾-inch thick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bacon Gravy:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings or butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.

Step 2: Dredge the Pork Chops

1. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
3. Return to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing lightly to adhere.

Step 3: Fry the Pork Chops

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Bacon Gravy

1. In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet (or use butter if needed).
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Simmer until the gravy thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the cooked bacon.

Step 5: Serve

• Pour the bacon gravy over the crispy fried pork chops and serve immediately.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
• Herb-Infused – Mix dried thyme or rosemary into the flour coating for extra flavor.
• Lighter Version – Use an air fryer for the pork chops and a low-fat milk alternative for the gravy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to the gravy if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze pork chops separately from the gravy for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Ensure the pork chops are dry before dredging and press the coating firmly. Let them rest for 5 minutes before frying.

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, but bone-in chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are great options for frying due to their high smoke points.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the breading and a gluten-free thickener for the gravy.

What sides pair well with country fried pork chops?

Mashed potatoes, collard greens, biscuits, or mac and cheese are excellent choices.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.

How can I make the pork chops extra crispy?

Double-coating with flour and cornstarch helps create a crispier crust.

Can I bake instead of fry the pork chops?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?

Cook it a little longer, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in.

Conclusion

Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings comfort food to the next level. The crispy pork chops combined with the rich, smoky gravy create an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite Southern sides and enjoy a delicious homemade feast.

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