If you’re craving that perfect harmony of crispy, juicy pork chops and a rich, savory sauce, the Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. This comforting Southern classic delivers golden, perfectly breaded pork chops topped with a luscious bacon-infused gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or want to impress friends with a heartfelt homemade meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a dish bursting with flavor and soul. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your go-to recipe list for good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, making the dish come alive with texture, taste, and color. From the distinctive paprika-spiced flour coating that crisps on the pork chops to the smoky bacon that transforms the gravy, each element works together to create a wonderfully balanced plate.
- Bone-in pork chops (4): These thick chops hold moisture and flavor perfectly during frying.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons): Used first to coat the pork chops and later to thicken the bacon gravy.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle kick that deepens the overall seasoning.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a natural sweetness that complements the pork.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives that gorgeous golden color and a mild smoky flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon plus to taste): Essential for enhancing every flavor note.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon plus to taste): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Canola oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for frying without overpowering the pork’s flavor.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): The star of the gravy, infusing it with a rich, smoky backbone.
- Milk (2 cups): Creates the creamy base for the bacon gravy.
How to Make Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature keeps the pork chops warm and juicy while you whip up the delicious bacon gravy. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in serving the dish perfectly hot.
Step 2: Season and Flour the Pork Chops
Mix together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour along with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour is the secret to a flavorful crust. Coat each bone-in pork chop evenly, then shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
Step 3: Fry the Pork Chops
Heat your canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want a crispy, golden crust that locks in all those flavorful juices while cooking the chops through without drying them out.
Step 4: Keep Pork Chops Warm
After frying, place the pork chops on a baking sheet and transfer them to your preheated oven. Keeping them warm this way means they won’t get cold while you make the irresistible bacon gravy.
Step 5: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cooking the bacon right there lets all its smoky goodness mingle with the pork drippings already in the pan. Cook until the bacon is nice and crispy, which also prepares the pan for the next step.
Step 6: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the crispy bacon and drippings. Whisk it constantly to combine and form a roux — this mixture thickens your gravy and ensures it’s smooth and velvety. Keep the whisk moving so you don’t get any lumps.
Step 7: Add Milk and Thicken the Gravy
Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to blend it with the roux. Stir the gravy constantly over medium heat until it thickens to your liking, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step turns all those flavors into a creamy, silken sauce that perfectly complements the pork chops.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Taste your bacon gravy and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors. Now you’re ready to plate the crispy pork chops and generously ladle the warm, smoky bacon gravy over top. Get ready to dig into a plate of pure comfort!
How to Serve Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note that brightens up the savory richness of the pork chops and bacon gravy. It’s a simple touch that elevates presentation and anticipation.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, perfectly soaking up the luscious bacon gravy with each bite. For some crunch and color, add a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots. These sides offer balance with their freshness alongside the hearty chops.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this dish family-style on a large platter, layering the pork chops and pouring the gravy over them for everyone to share. Or, for a more refined look, plate each chop carefully with a neat drizzle of bacon gravy alongside a scoop of mashed potatoes and a vegetable garnish. Either way, the dish looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover country fried pork chops with bacon gravy keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the pork chops and gravy separately if possible, to maintain the crispiness of the pork coating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pork chops and gravy separately. Wrap the pork chops tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat pork chops gently in a 350-degree oven to help restore some of the crisp texture. Warm the bacon gravy on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Combining reheated chops with warm gravy tastes almost as delightful as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work fine but may cook faster, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking. Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier and add flavor, but boneless is a convenient alternative.
Is there a substitute for canola oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or even light olive oil. The oil’s main job is to fry the pork chops without overpowering their flavor, so any neutral oil with a high smoke point will do.
What can I do if my gravy is too thin?
If your bacon gravy is thinner than you like, whisk a small amount of flour with cold water to make a slurry and add it gradually, cooking until it thickens further. Just be sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and thickness may vary slightly, but the gravy will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoned flour or the gravy as it cooks. This will give your Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe a nice, subtle spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm invitation to slow down and savor every bite. It’s comforting, richly flavored, and satisfying in the best way. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming a beloved favorite in your kitchen — perfect for any day you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to some truly comforting Southern goodness.
Print
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Southern recipe features crispy, golden-brown country fried pork chops smothered in rich, creamy bacon gravy. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried pork chops are kept warm in the oven while a savory bacon-infused gravy is made in the same skillet, delivering a comforting and hearty meal.
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 salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Coat Pork Chops: Dredge the bone-in pork chops thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Heat Oil: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Pork Chops: Add the pork chops to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Keep Pork Chops Warm: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet in the preheated oven to maintain warmth.
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet with the pork drippings, add chopped bacon and cook until the bacon is crispy and browned.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the cooked bacon and drippings in the skillet. Whisk constantly to combine and form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth gravy base.
- Thicken Gravy: Continue cooking the gravy, stirring often, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season Gravy: Taste and season the gravy with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the warm country fried pork chops and generously spoon the bacon gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Using bone-in pork chops helps retain flavor and moisture.
- To ensure juiciness, avoid overcooking the pork chops.
- Keep the pork chops warm in a low oven while preparing the gravy to serve a hot meal.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or milk alternatives, but the gravy’s richness may vary.
- For a spicier twist, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
