Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy Recipe

Easy Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe

Crispy, golden country fried pork chops with bacon gravy promise a southern comfort feast that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish as a testament to rustic cooking traditions.

Thick-cut pork chops get a crunchy, seasoned coating that seals in juicy tenderness with every bite.

Smoky bacon adds depth and richness to the creamy gravy, creating a symphony of flavors.

Generations have cherished this recipe as a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked meals around the family table.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this classic southern delight.

Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Perfection

  • Savor Southern Comfort: Experience a classic Southern dish that brings hearty, homestyle flavors to your dinner table with its crispy pork chops and rich, creamy bacon gravy.
  • Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques that anyone can follow with confidence.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, these golden-brown pork chops with bacon gravy offer a delicious twist on traditional comfort food that satisfies even picky eaters.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just a few easy steps, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a delectable and filling dinner option.

Ingredients for Pork Chops and Bacon Gravy

Meat:
  • Pork Chops: Tender cuts of pork that will be the star of this hearty country-style dish.
  • Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and creates the base for the delicious gravy.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Create a flavorful and crispy exterior for the pork chops.
  • Egg, Buttermilk: Help the flour mixture adhere to the pork chops and create a golden, crunchy crust.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides the perfect medium for frying the pork chops to a golden brown.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy gravy with the bacon grease.

How to Prepare Country Fried Pork Chops

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Flour Blend

Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating for the pork chops.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Pork Chops

  • Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture
  • Dip the floured chop into the egg wash
  • Coat again with the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a complete and even coverage

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating the perfect temperature for frying.

Step 5: Fry Pork Chops

Cook pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer cooked chops to a plate and set aside.

Step 6: Crisp Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in the same skillet until it becomes crispy and deliciously crunchy. Remove bacon pieces, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.

Step 7: Create Gravy Base

Stir flour into the bacon grease and cook for one minute, developing a rich golden color and nutty aroma.

Step 8: Develop Gravy Consistency

Gradually whisk milk into the flour mixture, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 9: Finish Bacon Gravy

Season the gravy with salt and pepper, then fold in the crispy bacon pieces for extra flavor and texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the hot bacon gravy generously over the fried pork chops and serve immediately while everything is warm and delicious.

Tips for Perfect Pork Chops and Gravy

  • Pat pork chops dry before coating to ensure maximum flour adherence and crispy texture.
  • Use thick-cut bacon for richer, more robust gravy flavor and better texture.
  • Allow pork chops to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and maintain juiciness.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour in both coating and gravy.

Creative Variations for Pork Chops

  • Chicken Swap: Replace pork chops with boneless chicken breasts for a lighter protein option, following the same breading and frying technique.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to create a celiac-friendly coating for the meat.
  • Healthier Baked Alternative: Skip frying and bake the breaded chops at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, using a wire rack for crispier results and reducing overall oil content.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk and use coconut milk for the gravy to accommodate dairy-sensitive diets.

Serving Ideas for Pork Chops and Gravy

  • Southern Comfort Platter: Serve the country fried pork chops alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a breakfast masterpiece by topping the pork chops with the bacon gravy and serving alongside sunny-side-up eggs for a decadent morning feast.
  • Rustic Sandwich Style: Slice the crispy pork chops and layer between thick Texas toast, drizzle with bacon gravy, and add fresh lettuce for a mouthwatering sandwich that elevates classic diner fare.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack the cooled pork chops and gravy separately for an amazing outdoor meal that brings southern comfort to any picnic or potluck gathering.

Best Ways to Store Pork Chops and Gravy

  • Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
  • Separate the pork chops and gravy into different containers to prevent soggy meat and preserve texture.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to minimize moisture loss.
  • Reheat pork chops in the oven at 350°F for best results, which helps retain crispiness and prevents drying out.
  • Warm gravy separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
  • Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep the meat moist and prevent overcooking.
  • Avoid using microwave if possible, as it can make the breading soggy and toughen the meat.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the coating crispy?

The flour mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika creates a flavorful and crispy exterior for the pork chops, helping them develop a golden-brown crust when fried.

  • Why use buttermilk in the egg mixture?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavor while ensuring the flour coating sticks perfectly to the pork chops, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful result.

  • How do I know the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

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Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy Recipe

Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty country fried pork chops with bacon gravy invite home cooks into Southern comfort cuisine. Crispy golden breading and rich smoky sauce promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops (3/4-inch thick)

Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a seasoned coating by blending flour with aromatic spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow container.
  2. Create a wet dipping solution by whisking buttermilk and egg together in a separate bowl.
  3. Thoroughly coat each pork chop: first roll in the spiced flour mixture, then submerge in the egg mixture, and finally return to the flour for a complete, textured covering.
  4. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F) until it shimmers slightly.
  5. Carefully place coated pork chops into the hot oil, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  6. Transfer cooked pork chops to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. In the same skillet, render bacon pieces until crisp and deep brown, removing them while reserving exactly 2 tablespoons of rendered fat.
  8. Sprinkle additional flour into the bacon drippings, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux.
  9. Slowly introduce milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy gravy.
  10. Season gravy with salt and pepper, then fold in the crispy bacon pieces.
  11. Generously ladle the bacon-studded gravy over the golden pork chops and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Ensure pork chops are evenly coated by gently pressing flour mixture into meat for a crispier crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked pork without drying out the meat.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-intolerant diners.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 660 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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