Introduction
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a classic Southern comfort food that’s both hearty and indulgent.
Crispy, golden-brown pork chops are perfectly seasoned and fried.
Then smothered with rich, savory bacon gravy for the ultimate satisfying meal. This dish combines
the tender juiciness of pork with the smoky depth of bacon, offering a flavorful experience that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the pork chops:
4 bone-in pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the bacon gravy:
4 slices bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons bacon grease (from cooked bacon)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by preparing the pork chops. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides, then mix the flour.
paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dip each pork chop first into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture.
Press gently to ensure the flour sticks to the pork chop. Repeat the process for all four chops.
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet.
cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chops for 4-5 minutes on each side or until.
they’re golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Next, make the bacon gravy. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it becomes crispy and the fat renders,.
about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
Add the flour to the skillet with the bacon grease and whisk it constantly for about 1-2 minutes, making sure to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Let the gravy.
simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the gravy has thickened, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve the crispy pork chops with the bacon gravy poured over the top. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
How to Make
To start, make sure the pork chops are dry before seasoning them with salt and pepper. This will allow the seasonings to stick better, leading to a more flavorful crust.
When coating the chops, don’t rush the process. Ensure they are evenly dipped in the egg mixture and generously coated with the seasoned flour. This extra step guarantees a crunchy exterior.
When frying, it’s important not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop.
resulting in soggy pork chops instead of crispy ones. It’s better to fry in batches if necessary.
For the gravy, be sure to allow the flour to cook for a couple of minutes in the bacon grease before adding the milk.
This helps develop the flavor and ensures your gravy isn’t too thick or lumpy. When adding the milk, pour slowly and whisk consistently to avoid any clumping.
Simmering the gravy is essential for thickening, so don’t rush this step. It’s also important to stir frequently to prevent the gravy from.
sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning. Taste the gravy before serving and add extra salt and pepper if needed.
Variations
If you prefer a different type of meat, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used in place of the pork chops.
The preparation and cooking process will be the same, but chicken tends to cook faster than pork, so be sure to monitor the cooking time.
For a slightly lighter dish, you can swap out the whole milk in the gravy for 2% milk or even a combination of milk and chicken broth.
This will create a less creamy gravy while still maintaining that rich, savory flavor.
For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the flour mixture or gravy.
The heat pairs wonderfully with the smoky bacon, giving the dish a nice kick.
If you’re looking to add more vegetables to the meal, consider serving the pork chops with sautéed greens like spinach or collard greens.
These will complement the richness of the pork and gravy while adding a touch of freshness.
For a gluten-free option, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
You may need to adjust the flour-to-liquid ratio to get the desired thickness for the gravy.
To make the dish a little more decadent, you can stir in some grated cheddar cheese to the gravy just before serving, creating a cheesy, creamy sauce that takes the dish to another level.
If you’re cooking for a crowd or want to prepare this dish in advance, the pork chops and gravy can both be made ahead of time.
Just reheat the chops in the oven to keep them crispy, and warm the gravy on the stove before serving.
Tips
Always make sure your oil is hot before adding the pork chops. If the oil is too cool, the chops will absorb too much oil and become.
greasy instead of crispy. A good test is to drop a pinch of flour into the oil – if it sizzles, it’s ready.
For an even crispier crust, you can double-dip the pork chops. After the first dip in the egg and flour.
let them rest for a few minutes before dipping them again for an extra coating of flour. This extra layer gives them a wonderful crunch.
If you prefer a more intense bacon flavor, consider using pancetta or prosciutto instead of regular bacon. These will impart a slightly different texture and richness to the gravy.
To make cleanup easier, line the paper towel plate with several layers to absorb excess oil. This will help prevent the pork chops from becoming soggy while resting.
If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can substitute it with sausage or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the gravy for a different flavor profile.
If you’re not sure how thick you want your gravy, start with less milk and add more slowly. You can always adjust the consistency if it’s too thick by adding a little more milk.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy. This will bring a tangy and zesty element to the dish.
Conclusion
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is the epitome of comfort food. The crunchy, flavorful pork chops paired with the smoky.
creamy gravy make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
The versatility of this dish allows for various twists and substitutions, so feel free to get creativ.
with your ingredients and make it your own. Either way, it will undoubtedly deliver a satisfying, mouthwatering experience.