🐖🍳 Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy
🍽️ Servings: 4 | ⏱️ Time: ~45 minutes
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
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4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
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1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
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2 eggs, beaten
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1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
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Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1–2 cups)
For the Bacon Gravy:
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4–6 strips bacon, chopped
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for some kick)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
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Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up crisp.
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In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
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In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and buttermilk (or regular milk).
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Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat it in the flour again, pressing gently to adhere.
2. Fry the Pork Chops
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil about 1/2-inch deep.
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Once the oil is hot (test by dropping in a small amount of flour — it should sizzle), carefully add the pork chops to the skillet.
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Fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. If the pork chops are thick, you can reduce the heat slightly and cook longer, making sure the inside reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Once done, transfer the pork chops to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Bacon Gravy
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In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 5–6 minutes.
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Remove the bacon bits and set them aside, leaving about 1–2 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.
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Add butter to the pan and melt. Stir in flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes to create a roux (this thickens the gravy).
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Gradually whisk in the milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
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Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne if desired.
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Stir the crispy bacon bits back into the gravy.
4. Serve
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Place the fried pork chops on a plate or serving dish.
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Generously pour the bacon gravy over the pork chops.
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Serve with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a side of green beans for the perfect Southern meal.
✅ Tips & Variations:
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For extra crispy chops, double-dip the pork chops in the flour-egg-flour process.
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You can use cream in the gravy for a richer, smoother texture.
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Add chopped onions to the gravy for extra flavor — sauté them with the bacon.
This meal is best served hot, with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered biscuits. Let me know if you want a dessert suggestion to round out the meal!