Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a Southern classic that combines crispy, golden pork chops with a rich, creamy bacon-infused gravy. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering hearty flavors and a satisfying texture. The combination of seasoned pork chops and indulgent bacon gravy makes this a comforting and flavorful meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
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4 bone-in pork chops (about ½ inch thick)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup milk
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bacon Gravy:
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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3 tbsp bacon grease (from cooked bacon)
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Pork Chops:
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In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
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Coat each pork chop in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture to ensure an even coating for crispiness.
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Fry the Pork Chops:
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Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Fry each pork chop for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
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Remove the pork chops and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Make the Bacon Gravy:
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In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
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Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
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Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
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Stir in the cooked bacon and season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve:
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Pour the warm bacon gravy over the crispy pork chops.
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Serve with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttermilk biscuits.
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Nutrients (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 827 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 49g
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Protein: 46g
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Fat: 51g
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Saturated Fat: 18g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 19g
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Trans Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 219mg
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Sodium: 5511mg
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Potassium: 455mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 46g
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Vitamin A: 726IU
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Vitamin C: 2mg
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Calcium: 52mg
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Iron: 3mg
The Perfectly Fried Pork Chops
The foundation of this dish lies in the perfectly fried pork chops. Bone-in pork chops, with their tender, juicy meat, are seasoned generously with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The key to achieving the crispy, golden crust is the double coating technique: first, the pork chops are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then dipped into a milk and egg mixture, and coated again in the seasoned flour. This double coating ensures that the pork chops fry up to a crispy, flavorful exterior while maintaining a juicy, tender interior.
The frying process is simple but crucial. The pork chops are fried in hot vegetable oil, allowing them to cook evenly on both sides. In just 3-4 minutes per side, the pork chops reach the perfect golden brown color, while maintaining the tenderness of the meat inside. After frying, they are placed on paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring the final dish is crispy without being greasy.
Indulgent Bacon Gravy
What sets this dish apart is the rich, indulgent bacon gravy that’s poured over the crispy pork chops. The bacon gravy is made by first cooking chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. The bacon is then removed from the skillet, but the rendered bacon grease is kept in the pan to form the base of the gravy. This bacon grease gives the gravy a smoky, savory depth of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the fried pork chops.
Next, flour is added to the bacon grease to form a roux, which thickens the gravy. The milk is gradually whisked in, and the mixture is simmered until it thickens into a smooth, creamy gravy. The final touch is the crispy bacon, which is stirred into the gravy, adding a delightful crunch and an extra burst of flavor. A pinch of salt and pepper completes the seasoning, ensuring the gravy is well-balanced and rich in flavor.
A Hearty and Satisfying Meal
Once the pork chops are fried to perfection, and the bacon gravy is ready, it’s time to serve up this mouthwatering dish. The crispy pork chops are topped with the warm, creamy bacon gravy, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The gravy soaks into the pork chops, adding richness and flavor to each bite. The dish is hearty, filling, and satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Classic Southern Sides
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is often served with classic Southern sides that complement the dish’s rich flavors. Mashed potatoes are a natural choice, as the creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory gravy. Green beans or other sautéed vegetables add a light, fresh element to the meal, while buttermilk biscuits are the perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover gravy. These sides round out the meal and enhance the overall dining experience.
Nutritional Information
While Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is undeniably indulgent, it offers a well-rounded combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Each serving of this dish contains approximately 827 calories, with 46 grams of protein, making it a hearty and filling meal. The 51 grams of fat, including 18 grams of saturated fat, come from the pork chops and the bacon gravy, contributing to the rich, savory flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
With 49 grams of carbohydrates and 46 grams of sugar, this dish is on the heavier side, making it an occasional treat rather than an everyday meal. The sodium content is relatively high at 5511 mg per serving, so it’s important to be mindful of your salt intake if you’re watching your sodium levels. However, this dish does provide a good amount of potassium (455 mg) and some essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
Conclusion: A Comforting Southern Classic
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a quintessential Southern dish that combines the best of comfort food and indulgence. The crispy, golden pork chops paired with the smoky, creamy bacon gravy create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will please anyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and hearty textures, it’s a meal that embodies the essence of Southern cooking and will quickly become a favorite in your household.