Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a Southern classic that combines crispy, golden pork chops with a rich, creamy bacon-infused gravy. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering hearty flavors and satisfying textures.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about ½ inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bacon Gravy:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tbsp bacon grease (from cooked bacon)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Mix Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dredge the Pork Chops: Coat each pork chop in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture. Ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Pork Chops: Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each pork chop for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F). Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Bacon Gravy:
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Make a Roux: Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring to prevent lumps. Simmer and cook until thickened (3–4 minutes).
- Combine: Stir in cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper.
Serve:
- Pour warm bacon gravy over the crispy pork chops.
- Pair with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttermilk biscuits.
Nutrients
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 36g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 1g
Enjoy this comforting and delicious Southern recipe with your favorite sides!
Why This Dish is a Southern Favorite
This recipe captures the heart of Southern cooking, which emphasizes comfort, flavor, and tradition. Country fried pork chops are beloved for their crunchy coating and savory taste, while the bacon gravy elevates the dish with a rich, smoky creaminess that perfectly complements the chops. The combination of textures—the crispiness of the pork chops and the smoothness of the gravy—makes it a versatile and indulgent meal suitable for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings.
Perfecting the Pork Chops: Tips for Success
Cooking the pork chops to perfection is key to this dish’s success. Ensuring the chops are evenly coated in the seasoned flour mixture and frying them at the right temperature will yield a golden, crispy crust. The use of bone-in pork chops not only adds flavor but also helps retain moisture during cooking. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is essential to avoid greasy or undercooked chops. A meat thermometer can be helpful to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F, guaranteeing the chops are cooked through without overcooking.
The Star of the Show: Bacon Gravy
Bacon gravy is the soul of this dish, adding a creamy, smoky element that complements the crunchy pork chops. The key to a great gravy is using the bacon grease as a base, which infuses the gravy with a deep, savory flavor. Creating a roux with the bacon grease and flour ensures the gravy thickens properly, while gradually adding milk helps achieve a silky consistency. Incorporating crispy bacon pieces into the gravy adds texture and intensifies the smoky flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is best enjoyed with classic Southern sides that balance its richness. Some ideal pairings include:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes soaks up the flavorful gravy beautifully.
- Green Beans: A simple side of sautéed or steamed green beans adds a fresh, slightly crunchy element to the meal.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are perfect for mopping up every drop of the luscious gravy.
- Collard Greens: A tangy side of collard greens adds a complementary contrast to the dish’s savory richness.
These accompaniments transform the dish into a complete, satisfying Southern feast.
The Legacy of Southern Fried Comfort Foods
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy represents a larger tradition of Southern fried comfort foods. The dish pays homage to the ingenuity of early Southern cooks who used available ingredients like pork and flour to create meals that were not only filling but also deeply satisfying. Today, it continues to be a favorite, with families passing down their unique versions of the recipe through generations.
Variations to Suit Different Tastes
While this recipe is a classic, it lends itself to creative variations that cater to different preferences:
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the gravy for an aromatic touch.
- Cheese Lovers’ Gravy: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the bacon gravy for a cheesy variation.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a version that accommodates dietary restrictions.
These modifications allow the dish to be tailored to personal tastes without compromising its comforting essence.
Nutritional Insights
This dish, while indulgent, provides a substantial amount of protein from the pork chops and bacon. The use of whole milk and bacon grease contributes to its rich flavor and creamy texture but also adds to its calorie and fat content. For a lighter version, substitutions such as low-fat milk and reduced bacon grease can be made, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition. Its crispy pork chops and velvety bacon gravy offer a symphony of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish on any table. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a comforting family dinner, this recipe brings people together, embodying the warmth and richness of Southern cooking. Experiment with sides and variations to make it uniquely yours, and enjoy this Southern classic that never fails to satisfy.