A Hearty Southern Classic with a Rich, Savory Finish
This Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy recipe delivers tender, crispy pork chops smothered in a creamy, bacon-infused gravy. With a buttermilk marinade for tenderness and a seasoned flour coating for crunch, it’s a Southern-style comfort dish perfect for family dinners, brunches, or hearty weeknight meals.
A rustic, satisfying plate that screams “home cooking”!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥩 Tender Pork Base: Buttermilk softens the meat for juicy results.
- 🧈 Flaky Crust: A spiced flour dredge gives a golden, crunchy finish.
- 🥓 Bacon Gravy Boost: Rich, smoky gravy ties everything together.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: From skillet to plate in under an hour—ideal for busy cooks.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect at family dinners, potlucks, or Sunday suppers.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick – or boneless if preferred)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for a quick substitute)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (adds warmth and color)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or shortening for deeper frying)
For the Bacon Gravy:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon , chopped (or turkey bacon for lighter version)
- 2 tbsp butter (or oil for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 1½ cups milk (whole milk works best – or plant-based with cornstarch)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Pork Chops
Place pork chops in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them, turning to coat.
Let sit for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) to tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Coating
In a bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Mix well for even seasoning distribution.
Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat until shimmering.
Test readiness by dropping in a pinch of flour—it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry
Remove pork chops from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
Dredge each chop in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Shake off excess flour and place in the hot oil.
Fry for 4–5 minutes per side , or until golden brown and cooked through (145°F internal temp ).
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Cook the Bacon for Gravy
In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Leave 2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
Step 6: Make the Roux
Add butter to the bacon fat and melt over medium-low heat.
Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute until bubbly.
Step 7: Build the Gravy
Gradually whisk in milk , a little at a time, to avoid lumps.
Stir constantly until thickened (about 5–7 minutes ).
Season with salt and pepper , then stir in the cooked bacon.
Step 8: Serve Hot & Saucy
Place fried pork chops on a serving platter and spoon bacon gravy over the top .
Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or biscuits .
Each bite brings together:
- Juicy, seasoned pork chops
- Golden, crispy flour crust
- Silky, smoky bacon gravy
- And that classic Southern comfort charm
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Buttermilk Hack: Soak pork chops in buttermilk overnight for extra tenderness.
- 🥣 Gravy Texture: For thicker gravy, simmer longer. For thinner, add more milk.
- 🥄 Rest the Chops: Let fried chops rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
- 🧑🍳 Make Ahead Magic: Prepare gravy while chops rest—keep warm over low heat.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Store uncooked, floured chops in a ziplock bag for future use.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with whipped potatoes or grits to soak up every drop of gravy.
- Great with cornbread, green beans, or macaroni and cheese .
- Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—comfort food in any form.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 – approximate):
(With regular bacon and whole milk – per plate)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~35g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~8g
This Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy proves that Southern comfort food doesn’t need fancy ingredients to be unforgettable. With its crispy crust, tender meat, and rich gravy—it’s a must-cook for lovers of bold, savory dishes.
