Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about the crackle of a skillet as tender pork chops fry to a crispy golden brown. The aroma of seasoned breading, mingling with the rich scent of bacon, fills the kitchen with the promise of a truly satisfying meal.

This recipe has been a staple in my home for years, especially when I want to serve up a little Southern comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. The crispy, seasoned crust on the pork chops pairs beautifully with the creamy bacon gravy, creating a dish that's both indulgent and easy to make. If you're looking for a meal that brings warmth to the table, this is it.

Why You'll Love This Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy

Get ready to fall in love with this crispy, creamy, flavor-packed dish. It’s the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary night into something special.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.

This dish is also budget-friendly. Pork chops are often more affordable than other cuts of meat, making this a great option for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the gravy. Thick, creamy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor, this gravy is pure magic. You’ll want to pour it over everything, from mashed potatoes to biscuits.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or serious food lovers, these crispy pork chops smothered in rich bacon gravy are guaranteed to win everyone over.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component adds something special, ensuring the perfect bite every time.

Pork chops are the star of the show. I recommend using bone-in chops, as they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during frying. However, boneless works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

The flour coating creates the signature crispy crust. A mixture of all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, gives the pork chops that classic country-fried flavor.

Bacon is the secret weapon in this dish. Not only does it infuse the gravy with a deep, smoky richness, but its rendered fat also adds an extra layer of flavor when frying the pork chops.

For the gravy, whole milk and a bit of chicken broth create the perfect balance between creamy and savory. A little butter adds richness, while a dash of black pepper gives it just the right amount of warmth.

A good cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for this recipe. It retains heat beautifully, ensuring even cooking and that perfect golden crust on your pork chops.

How To Make This Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy

Creating this dish is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a comforting meal ready in no time.

Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once it's done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. This will be used to cook the pork chops and build the flavorful gravy.

While the bacon is cooking, prepare the dredging station. In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour and seasonings. In another, beat a couple of eggs with a splash of milk. Coat each pork chop in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally back into the flour for an extra crispy coating.

Heat the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork chops, cooking them for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and let them rest on a plate while you make the gravy.

To make the gravy, reduce the heat to medium and add a couple of tablespoons of butter to the pan. Stir in a bit of the seasoned flour from earlier and whisk until it turns golden brown. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Crumble in the cooked bacon and let the gravy thicken for a few minutes.

Serve the pork chops smothered in warm bacon gravy, alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or buttered biscuits. The total cook time is about 30 minutes, making this a perfect weeknight dinner.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they store well for a few days and reheat beautifully.

For refrigeration, place the pork chops in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the gravy separate to maintain the crispiness of the breading.

For freezing, wrap the pork chops individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. The gravy can be frozen separately in an airtight container.

To reheat, warm the pork chops in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste and dietary needs.

If you don’t eat pork, try using chicken cutlets instead. The breading and gravy work just as well with chicken, creating a delicious alternative.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. This gives the pork chops a little heat without overpowering the other flavors.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of whole milk in the gravy. You’ll still get a creamy texture, but with fewer calories.

For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the traditional flour. The results will be just as crispy and delicious.

You can also experiment with different seasonings. A touch of thyme or rosemary in the flour mix adds a subtle herbal note that complements the pork beautifully.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Whether you switch up the protein, add a little heat, or tweak the gravy, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

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