Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort food, featuring crispy, golden-brown pork chops smothered in a rich, smoky bacon-infused gravy. The combination of crunchy breading and creamy sauce creates a satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted vegetables. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a hearty weekend meal, this recipe delivers indulgent flavors with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about ¾-inch thick)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bacon Gravy:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Place them in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor. - Make the Breading:
In a separate shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove the pork chops from the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. - Fry the Pork Chops:
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Prepare the Bacon Gravy:
In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Stir in the butter and flour, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens. Stir in the cooked bacon, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. - Serve:
Place the fried pork chops on a serving platter and generously spoon the bacon gravy over them. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Country Fried Pork Chops:
- Use Bone-In Pork Chops: They retain more moisture and flavor.
- Let the Buttermilk Work: Marinating helps tenderize the meat.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F for even frying.
- Customize the Gravy: Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
This dish is a true Southern classic, delivering crispy, juicy pork chops with a creamy, smoky gravy that ties everything together. Enjoy! 🍽️✨
For more inspiration, check out this recipe.