Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a dish that brings together the best of comfort food: crispy, pan-fried pork chops and a rich, savory gravy made from real bacon drippings. It’s hearty, indulgent, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving for something warm and filling.
The pork chops are seasoned and dredged in flour, then shallow-fried to a golden brown crispness while staying juicy on the inside. But the real magic happens with the bacon gravy. After rendering thick-cut bacon until crispy, the drippings are used to build a creamy white gravy packed with crumbled bacon and a hint of peppery kick. Ladled generously over the pork chops, it transforms the dish into something truly unforgettable.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or any time you want to serve something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
🍳 Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about ¾ to 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about ½ inch deep in skillet)
For the Bacon Gravy:
- 4–6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings or reserved oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra flavor
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Set aside.
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In a second bowl, add the flour.
Dredge each pork chop first in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and then back into the flour. Press firmly so the coating sticks well. Place dredged pork chops on a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes to help the coating set.
2. Fry the Pork Chops:
Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C).
Fry the pork chops in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Bacon Gravy:
In a clean skillet (or use the same one, wiping out excess oil), cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet.
Sprinkle the flour into the drippings and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Stir in the crispy bacon and season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika to taste.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Place the pork chops on serving plates and spoon the warm bacon gravy generously over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, if desired.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or southern-style green beans.
- Try over buttermilk biscuits or with cheesy grits for a full-on Southern breakfast-for-dinner.
- A side of collard greens or macaroni and cheese rounds out this meal perfectly.
🔁 Tips & Variations:
- Thicker Gravy? Let it simmer a little longer, or add a touch more flour to the roux.
- Lighter Version: Use pan-seared pork chops and a reduced-fat milk for a leaner meal (but let’s be honest—this one’s meant to be indulgent).
- No Buttermilk? Use regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Add Herbs: A sprig of thyme or a bit of sage in the gravy adds extra aromatic depth.
🏆 Final Thoughts:
Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is southern soul food that never goes out of style. It’s rich, filling, and deeply satisfying—the kind of meal that makes you want to sit back, loosen your belt, and savor every bite. Whether for Sunday dinner or a special family meal, this dish delivers flavor, nostalgia, and comfort in every forkful.
Let me know if you want a printable version, or a meal prep variation for this one!