Description
A classic Southern comfort dish, Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy features crispy, golden-brown pork chops smothered in a rich, savory bacon-infused gravy. Perfect for family dinners, this easy and indulgent recipe is best served with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bacon Gravy:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings (from cooked bacon)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In another dish, whisk egg and buttermilk together.
- Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture.
Step 2: Fry the Pork Chops
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Fry the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Bacon Gravy
- In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Add butter to the pan and melt.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened, then stir in the crispy bacon pieces.
Step 4: Serve
- Pour the bacon gravy over the fried pork chops.
- Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or collard greens.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Mix flour with cornstarch for an even crunchier coating.
- Spicy Variation: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
- Lighter Version: Air fry the pork chops instead of pan-frying.
- Thicker Gravy: Let the gravy simmer longer or add more flour while whisking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: southern
Keywords: Southern fried pork chops, bacon gravy recipe, crispy pork chops, country fried pork chops, Southern comfort food