It is a Southern classic combining crispy, golden pork chops with rich, creamy bacon-infused gravy. Is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing hearty flavours and satisfying textures.

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Why Make This Recipe

A Southern Comfort Classic

This dish captures the essence of Southern cooking with its crispy fried pork chops and indulgent bacon gravy.

Perfect for Gatherings

With its rich flavours and hearty portions, this recipe is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or treating your family to a memorable meal.

Easy to Customize

You can tweak the seasonings and sides to match your preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.

How to Make Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

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
- Combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
- In a separate 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 for maximum crispiness.

Fry the Pork Chops:

Heat Oil
- Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry
- Fry each pork chop for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Remove the pork chops and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Bacon Gravy:

Cook Bacon
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Make a Roux
- Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Add Milk
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Combine
- Stir in the cooked bacon and season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Plate It Up
- Pour the warm bacon gravy over the crispy pork chops.
- Serve with favourite Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits.

How to Serve Country Fried Pork Chops

This dish pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides such as:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are ideal for soaking up the gravy.
Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans create a vibrant contrast.
Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for sopping up every drop of the bacon gravy.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigeration: Store leftover pork chops and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat pork chops in a skillet over medium heat or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Tips to Make it

Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for depth.
Crispier Chops: Use a wire rack to drain fried pork chops instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
Thicker Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, whisk in a tablespoon of flour and cook for another minute.

Variations

Boneless Chops: Use boneless pork chops for a leaner option that’s easier to cook evenly.
Spicy Gravy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a spicy twist.
Chicken Fried Steak: Swap the pork chops for cubed steak to make a classic chicken-fried steak variation.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the pork chops instead of frying them?

You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes. Spray the chops with cooking oil to mimic the fried texture.

2. Can I make the gravy without bacon?

Yes, substitute butter or oil for the bacon grease and omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly gravy.

3. How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?

A meat thermometer ensures the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, offering crispy, juicy pork chops paired with a rich, savoury gravy. Whether served for a cosy family dinner or a hearty weekend treat, this recipe will surely please.