Introduction
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is the kind of meal that defines comfort food at its best. Crispy, golden pork chops paired with rich, smoky bacon gravy create a dish that feels hearty, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. This is a recipe I turn to when I want something filling and familiar, especially for family dinners or relaxed weekend meals. The pork chops are coated and fried until perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining juicy inside. What truly sets this dish apart is the bacon gravy, which adds depth, saltiness, and a silky texture that brings everything together. Each bite delivers crunch, tenderness, and savory richness. Despite its indulgent reputation, this recipe is straightforward and relies on simple pantry staples. Served with mashed potatoes or biscuits, Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a timeless dish that never goes out of style.
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Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy: A Southern Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy, golden country-fried pork chops served with a rich and savory bacon gravy, delivering classic Southern comfort with bold, hearty flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp bacon drippings or butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Instructions
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Set up a dredging station with flour in one bowl and whisked eggs with milk in another.
- Dredge pork chops in flour, dip in egg mixture, then dredge again in flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry pork chops for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- In a separate pan, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve drippings.
- Add bacon drippings or butter to the pan, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir cooked bacon into the gravy and season to taste.
- Serve pork chops topped with bacon gravy.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
- Gravy thickens as it cools; thin with extra milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients. The pork chops are crispy and juicy, the gravy is rich and smoky, and the dish is filling without being complicated. It is perfect for family meals and special comfort-food cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pork chops are the centerpiece of the dish. Bone-in or boneless chops both work well, provided they are not too thin to prevent drying out.
Bacon adds smoky flavor and forms the base of the gravy, infusing it with richness and depth.
All-purpose flour creates the crispy coating for the pork chops and thickens the gravy.
Milk gives the gravy its creamy, smooth texture.
Eggs help the flour coating adhere evenly to the pork chops.
Vegetable oil is used for frying, ensuring even browning and crispness.
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the pork and balances the gravy.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and classic seasoning.
Garlic powder contributes subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the pork chops with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set up a dredging station with flour and beaten eggs. Coat each pork chop in flour, then egg, and again in flour for a thick, crispy crust.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the pork chops until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Sprinkle flour into the bacon fat and cook briefly, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in milk, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer until thickened, then stir in crumbled bacon and adjust seasoning.
Serve the pork chops topped generously with bacon gravy.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with 25 minutes of cooking time, making it ready in approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat pork chops in the oven to maintain crispness and warm gravy gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Variations and Customizations
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy can be adapted easily. Add paprika or cayenne to the flour coating for extra warmth. For a deeper gravy flavor, use part chicken broth in place of some of the milk.
You can substitute pork chops with chicken breasts for a similar preparation. For a lighter version, pan-fry with less oil and serve with steamed vegetables instead of potatoes.
Each variation keeps the essence of the dish intact while allowing flexibility based on preference.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and filling, providing protein from pork and fats from bacon and frying. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Crispy coating
Let the breaded pork chops rest briefly before frying to help the coating adhere.
Oil temperature
Maintain steady heat to avoid greasy pork chops.
Gravy texture
Whisk continuously when adding milk to prevent lumps.
FAQs
What cut of pork chop works best?
Thicker pork chops prevent drying and stay juicier.
Can I bake the pork chops instead of frying?
Frying provides the best texture, but baking is possible with less crispness.
Why is my coating falling off?
Ensure the pork is dry before dredging and press the coating firmly.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently while stirring.
What can I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans pair well.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but spice can be added easily.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The gravy freezes well, but pork chops are best fresh.
How do I thicken thin gravy?
Simmer longer or add a small flour slurry.
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, for a richer gravy.
Conclusion
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings classic Southern cooking to your table. With crispy pork, smoky gravy, and simple preparation, it is a dependable recipe that delivers warmth, satisfaction, and timeless appeal in every bite.
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