Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy 🥓🍖

These Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy are the ultimate Southern comfort food. Crispy, golden-brown pork chops are smothered in a rich, creamy bacon-infused gravy that’s packed with flavor. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and luscious gravy, it’s a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into how to make this indulgent, comforting dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy & Juicy : The buttermilk soak and seasoned flour coating create a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the pork chops tender and juicy.
2. Bacon-Infused Goodness : The bacon gravy adds a smoky, savory element that takes this dish to the next level.
3. Classic Comfort Food : A quintessential Southern dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
4. Versatile Sides : Pair with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans for a complete meal.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prep components ahead of time for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick )
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying )

For the Bacon Gravy:

• 4 slices bacon , chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Pork Chops

1. Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to overnight in the fridge).

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

1. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour , salt , black pepper , paprika , garlic powder , and onion powder .

Step 3: Fry the Pork Chops

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Remove the pork chops from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each chop in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Fry the pork chops in the hot oil for 4–5 minutes per side , or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C ).
   • Tip : Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the coating soggy.
4. Transfer the fried pork chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bacon Gravy

1. In the same skillet (or a clean one), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute , stirring constantly to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk , ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes , or until the gravy has thickened.
4. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon.

Step 5: Serve

1. Spoon the warm bacon gravy generously over the fried pork chops.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, biscuits, or sautéed green beans.

Tips for Success

1. Use Buttermilk : The buttermilk soak tenderizes the pork chops and helps the flour coating adhere better.
2. Don’t Skip Resting : Letting the pork chops soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
3. Monitor Oil Temperature : Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays around 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze cooked pork chops (without gravy) for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving with fresh gravy.

Perfect Pairings

These Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy pair beautifully with:

• Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
• Buttermilk Biscuits : Serve alongside warm, flaky biscuits for extra Southern flair.
• Green Beans : Sautéed or steamed green beans add a fresh, healthy balance to the meal.
• Cornbread : A slice of sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~550 kcal
• Protein : ~35g
• Carbohydrates : ~30g
• Fat : ~35g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy recipe is a celebration of Southern comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or simply craving something indulgent yet satisfying, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of crispy pork chops and smoky, creamy bacon gravy creates a meal that’s both hearty and heartwarming.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the seasonings, adjust the gravy thickness, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your skillet, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as comforting to eat as it is to make.