If you’re craving a dish that wraps up crispy comfort and rich, creamy indulgence all on one plate, let me introduce you to the magic of the Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe. This recipe elevates simple bone-in pork chops into a golden, crunchy delight, smothered in a luscious bacon-infused gravy that’s boldly flavorful and so deeply satisfying. Every bite offers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender meat, paired beautifully with the smoky, creamy gravy that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is as straightforward as the cooking itself. Each item plays a vital role: the pork chops provide hearty substance, seasonings add layers of flavor, and the bacon brings that irresistible smoky richness to the gravy—everything blends harmoniously to create a soul-soothing classic.
- 4 bone-in pork chops: These give you juicy, flavorful meat with plenty of surface area for that crispy crust we all love.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Perfect for coating the pork chops to get that golden, crunchy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory depth that complements the pork perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a sweet, mild sharpness to the seasoned flour mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right kick of spice to balance the dish.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Ideal for frying because it withstands high heat without smoking.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: The star ingredient for the gravy, adding that rich smoky punch.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy): The base for thickening your luscious bacon gravy.
- 2 cups milk: Creates the creamy, velvety texture of the gravy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To finish seasoning the gravy perfectly.
How to Make Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pork Chops
Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your pork chops warm later on. Then, in a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create your seasoned coating, setting the stage for that unforgettable crispy crust.
Step 2: Coat the Pork Chops
Generously dredge each bone-in pork chop in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps, which helps achieve an even, crunchy exterior once fried.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the pork chops and fry for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that brilliant golden-brown color and a juicy interior. Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to the preheated oven to keep them warm and juicy while you prepare the gravy.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon for the Gravy
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s wonderfully crispy. The rendered bacon fat combined with those crispy bits sets the foundation for a deeply flavorful gravy that tastes like home.
Step 5: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the bacon and drippings in the skillet. Whisk continuously to combine, cooking the mixture just enough to remove the raw flour taste without browning it too much. This roux thickens the gravy and gives it a luscious texture.
Step 6: Pour in the Milk and Simmer
Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring and cooking the gravy over medium heat until it thickens to a creamy consistency, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. The creamy gravy binds the smoky, crispy bacon and luscious sauce into one beautiful finish.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed. Then, pour this decadent bacon gravy over your warm pork chops and get ready for a meal that’s pure comfort food at its best!
How to Serve Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green freshness that balances the richness of the gravy, while a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top creates an inviting, rustic look.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of the bacon gravy, roasted green beans for a crisp contrast, or even a simple side of buttery corn on the cob for a true Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pork chops on a large platter with gravy drizzled generously on top and scattered crispy bacon bits. Add a small ramekin of extra gravy on the side for gravy lovers. To elevate the experience, layer on caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for additional texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you delicious leftovers to enjoy without losing that crispy, comforting charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the pork chops and the gravy separately for best results. Wrap the pork chops tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, while the gravy should be stored in a sealed container. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pork chops in a low oven to help maintain some crispness. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat while whisking until smooth and heated through to keep its creamy texture. Then pour the warm gravy over the chops just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for the Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used and will cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them while frying to avoid overcooking. The flavor and crispy texture remain just as delightful.
What can I substitute for canola oil when frying the pork chops?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or even light olive oil work well as alternatives. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point so your pork chops get perfectly crispy without burning.
Is the bacon gravy very salty?
Bacon adds a salty, smoky element to the gravy, but you can easily control the salt level by adjusting how much additional salt you add at the end. Taste as you go to keep the gravy balanced.
Can I make the bacon gravy vegetarian?
If you want to skip the bacon, you can use butter or oil and add smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Though it won’t be the classic bacon gravy, it will still be rich and tasty.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, just whisk in a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic and soul-warming about the Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor rich textures, and enjoy each bite with a grateful heart. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods. Give it a try—you’ll be making this golden, crispy, creamy masterpiece again and again!
Print
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy recipe features tender, bone-in pork chops coated in a seasoned flour mixture and pan-fried to a golden brown. The chops are then kept warm while a rich, creamy bacon gravy is made in the same skillet, creating a hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
For the Bacon Gravy
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the cooked pork chops warm while making the gravy.
- Prepare seasoned flour: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Coat pork chops: Coat the bone-in pork chops in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating without clumps.
- Heat oil: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying the pork chops.
- Fry pork chops: Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Keep warm: Remove the cooked pork chops from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet in the preheated oven at 200°F to keep warm while preparing the gravy.
- Cook bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Make roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the bacon and drippings in the skillet, whisking constantly to create a roux and avoid lumps.
- Add milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to combine the roux with the liquid smoothly.
- Thicken gravy: Cook the gravy, stirring constantly until it thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes, ensuring a creamy consistency.
- Season gravy: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed for balance.
- Serve: Serve the country fried pork chops with the warm bacon gravy poured generously over the top. Enjoy your hearty Southern meal!
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before frying to get a crisp crust.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter gravy.
- Keep the cooked pork chops warm in the oven to maintain texture and temperature while making the gravy.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour for a spicy kick.
