Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

This Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy recipe brings you the ultimate Southern comfort food: crispy, golden-brown fried pork chops smothered in a creamy, rich bacon gravy. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving that authentic Southern flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bacon Gravy:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork Chops

1. Prep the pork chops: Place the bone-in pork chops in a shallow dish. Pour the buttermilk over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-covered. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the pork to tenderize and soak up the flavors, ensuring a moist and juicy chop once fried.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Dredge

1. In a separate shallow dish, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. This seasoned flour will coat the pork chops, giving them a flavorful and crispy crust.

Step 3: Fry the Pork Chops

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour in 1/4 cup vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking—perfect for frying the pork chops.
2. Dredge the pork chops: Take each marinated pork chop and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour. This ensures a light, crispy coating.
3. Fry the pork chops: Carefully place the coated pork chops in the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C). Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the crust.
4. Drain and rest: Once cooked, transfer the fried pork chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to keep the crust crispy.

Step 4: Make the Bacon Gravy

1. Cook the bacon: In the same skillet used for frying the pork chops, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. Make the roux: To the bacon drippings, add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt. Stir in 2 tbsp flour, cooking for about 1 minute until the flour has absorbed the butter and begins to form a thick paste.
3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Simmer and season: Let the gravy simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 3-5 minutes). Season the gravy with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
5. Finish the gravy: Stir in the cooked, crispy bacon bits. This adds an irresistible bacon flavor to the gravy.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

1. Plate the fried pork chops: Place the crispy fried pork chops on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Smother with gravy: Generously ladle the rich, creamy bacon gravy over each pork chop. The bacon gravy will drape beautifully over the crispy edges of the pork chop, creating a luscious, savory dish.

Tips for the Perfect Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy:

1. Frying Temperature: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature—too low, and the pork chops will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy. Too high, and the crust will burn before the pork is cooked through. You can test the oil by sprinkling a little flour into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
2. Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it to marinate the pork chops.
3. Crispy Coating: If you prefer an even crispier coating, you can double-dip the pork chops. After dredging them in flour, dip them back in the buttermilk, then coat them again in the flour mixture.
4. Gravy Consistency: If your gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra milk or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer until it thickens to your liking.
5. Add a touch of heat: If you like a little spice in your meal, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the gravy for a mild kick.

Enjoy Your Southern Comfort Meal!

This Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of the South into your kitchen. The crispy pork chops, combined with the savory bacon gravy, create a soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread, this meal will surely be a hit with anyone who loves a hearty, comforting meal!Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies