Crispy Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy: Country-style Recipe

When it comes to comforting, down-home cooking, few dishes hit the mark quite like Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy. This recipe embodies the essence of Southern hospitality and flavor, combining the crispy goodness of seasoned pork chops with a luscious gravy filled with savory bacon bits. It’s a meal that speaks to the soul, evoking memories of family gatherings and hearty country kitchens.

As someone who found solace in the kitchen during a bout of homesickness, I can attest to the magic of this dish. The crunch of the perfectly fried pork chops, the richness of the bacon-infused gravy – it all comes together in a symphony of flavors that transport you to a simpler, more comforting place. It’s no wonder that even the most discerning eaters, like my father-in-law, find themselves transported back to their childhood with just one bite of these pork chops.

So, if you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or simply looking to add a touch of Southern charm to your dinner table, look no further than these Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy. Let the aroma of sizzling pork and bacon fill your kitchen, and get ready to create a meal that will have your loved ones singing your praises and coming back for seconds.

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Bone-in pork chops provide superior flavor and juiciness, preventing dryness during cooking.
Buttermilk tenderizes and enhances flavor, adding a tangy depth to the dish.
Seasoned flour creates a perfectly flavored, crispy crust that holds up well under the rich bacon gravy.
Bacon enriches the gravy with smoky richness and crispy texture, elevating the overall flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy: Country-style Recipe Recipe

Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe will transport you to a cozy country kitchen with its crispy pork chops and rich bacon gravy, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
Family Favorite: It’s a dish that has become a special dinner request among the family members, often eliciting heartfelt memories and praise.
Superior Flavor: The bone-in pork chops offer superior flavor and juiciness compared to boneless cuts, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Tenderizing Buttermilk: Buttermilk not only tenderizes the pork chops but also adds a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor to the dish.
Perfectly Seasoned: The seasoned flour creates a flavorful crust on the pork chops, enhancing the overall taste and texture, especially when smothered in gravy.
Bacony Goodness: The bacon-infused gravy adds a smoky richness to the dish, creating a velvety sauce with crispy bacon bits that elevate every bite.
Gravy Perfection: Real butter in the gravy contributes richness and a silky mouthfeel, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful sauce.
Adaptable Technique: The recipe is versatile, allowing for variations with different proteins, gravy additions, and spice levels to suit individual preferences.
Perfect Pairings: Simple sides like mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, and buttermilk biscuits complement the pork chops beautifully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Celebratory Dish: These country fried pork chops with bacon gravy are perfect for any celebration, offering a balance of comfort and indulgence that makes them a timeless favorite for special occasions.

Ingredients for Crispy Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy: Country-style Recipe

For the Pork Chops

½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup buttermilk
4 bone-in pork chops

For the Bacon Gravy

½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups milk
4 slices bacon, chopped
½ teaspoon salt

How to Make Crispy Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy: Country-style Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the pork chops

In a shallow dish or large bowl, place the pork chops and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring both sides are coated. Marinate the pork chops in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the seasoned flour

Combine all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish or pie plate. Mix well with a fork or whisk to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 3: Heat the oil

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about ¼-inch. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches around 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, sprinkle a pinch of flour into it – it should sizzle right away without burning.

Step 4: Coat and fry the pork chops

After soaking in buttermilk, coat pork chops in seasoned flour, ensuring all sides are covered. Shake off excess flour before frying in batches in hot oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Drain fried chops on paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Cook the bacon

Once the pork chops have rested, make the gravy by cooking chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 6: Make the gravy base

Combine butter with bacon grease in a skillet over medium heat. Melt the mixture, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until it turns light golden, whisking constantly to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 7: Finish the gravy

Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Whisk until smooth. Simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in crispy bacon.

Step 8: Serve

Plate the fried pork chops and top with hot bacon gravy. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy pork chops and hot gravy.

Storage Tips

Once you have cooked and enjoyed your country fried pork chops with bacon gravy, storing any leftovers properly is essential to maintain their quality. To store the finished dish, it’s best to keep the fried pork chops and gravy separate. Place them in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. When reheating, consider warming the pork chops in the oven to help restore some of their crispiness before topping them with the reheated gravy. This method will help retain the texture and flavors of the dish for a delicious leftover meal.

If you are looking to prepare parts of the dish ahead of time, there are some components that can be made in advance. The seasoned flour mixture can be prepared days before cooking and stored in an airtight container. Additionally, you can marinate the pork chops overnight for deeper flavor penetration. By utilizing these make-ahead strategies, you can streamline the cooking process while still enjoying the delightful flavors of the country fried pork chops with bacon gravy.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist on this recipe, you can substitute the bone-in pork chops with thick-cut slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Both options can be marinated in buttermilk for a similar tenderizing effect and then coated in the seasoned flour mixture before frying. The eggplant or mushrooms will absorb the flavors well and provide a satisfying meaty texture when cooked.

If you prefer a lighter version of the bacon gravy, you can replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor without the meat. Use vegetable broth or mushroom broth instead of milk to create a creamy gravy base. To thicken the gravy, you can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a gluten-free alternative to flour. Adjust the seasoning to taste and add a touch of nutritional yeast for a savory umami boost. This vegan gravy option will still offer depth and richness to complement the crispy fried protein of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider turning these country fried pork chops with bacon gravy into a hearty brunch dish. Serve the crispy pork chops alongside fluffy buttermilk biscuits, topped with a sunny-side-up egg for a delicious and indulgent breakfast feast. The runny yolk from the egg can serve as an additional sauce to complement the rich bacon gravy, creating a symphony of flavors and textures on your plate.

Another serving idea is to incorporate these pork chops into a Southern-inspired tasting menu. Start the meal with a small portion of the country fried pork chop as an appetizer, followed by a main course featuring the pork chop served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and green beans cooked with bacon. Finish the meal with a mini buttermilk biscuit topped with a dollop of the bacon gravy as a sweet and savory dessert bite, encapsulating all the flavors of a comforting Southern dinner in one elegant menu.

FAQs for Crispy Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy: Country-style Recipe

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in for this recipe?

While boneless pork chops can be used, bone-in pork chops provide superior flavor and juiciness due to the bone helping to insulate the meat during cooking, preventing dryness. If using boneless chops, be mindful of adjusting cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Why is buttermilk used in this recipe?

Buttermilk serves as both a tenderizer and flavor enhancer. Its slight tanginess and acidity help break down tough proteins in the pork chops while adding subtle depth to the final dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

What can I serve as sides with these country fried pork chops?

Fluffy mashed potatoes are an ideal side to capture extra gravy and continue the comfort food theme. Southern style green beans cooked with bacon offer vegetable balance and flavor harmony. Buttermilk biscuits are perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy, completing the Southern comfort experience.

How can I store leftovers of this dish?

To preserve leftovers, keep the fried chops and gravy separate in the refrigerator. When reheating, consider restoring some crispness to the chops by reheating them in the oven before topping with the reheated gravy. Component preparation allows for some make-ahead steps, such as preparing the seasoned flour mixture in advance and marinating the pork overnight for deeper flavor.

Conclusion

As you step into your kitchen to recreate these Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy, remember that cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through food. These pork chops have a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and creating moments of pure joy around the dining table.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving some comfort food, these crispy pork chops smothered in rich bacon gravy are sure to hit the spot. So put on some music, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and let the aromas of Southern goodness fill your home. Embrace the simplicity and warmth of this classic dish, and enjoy every bite knowing that you’re carrying on a tradition of delicious, satisfying meals that nourish both the body and the soul.