Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

Crispy, golden-brown country-fried pork chops smothered in rich, creamy bacon gravy—now that’s Southern comfort food at its finest! This dish is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with smoky bacon flavor in every bite.

Served with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or cornbread, these crispy fried pork chops with homemade bacon gravy make for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

So, grab your cast iron skillet, and let’s make some Southern-style fried pork chops with rich, smoky bacon gravy!

Description

These country-fried pork chops are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried to crispy perfection, and topped with a creamy, smoky bacon gravy made from scratch. This classic Southern dish is hearty, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or biscuits!

Ingredients

For the Country Fried Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about ½ inch thick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bacon Gravy:

• 4 slices bacon (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons bacon grease (reserved from cooking the bacon)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk.

Step 2: Bread the Pork Chops

1. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the pork chops to create a thick, crispy coating.
2. Place the breaded pork chops on a plate and let them rest for 5-10 minutes—this helps the coating stick better when frying.

Step 3: Fry the Pork Chops

1. Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bacon Gravy

1. In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
2. Add butter to the bacon grease and melt it.
3. Stir in flour, whisking constantly for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth roux.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thick and creamy.
6. Add the cooked bacon back into the gravy and stir.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Pour the creamy bacon gravy over the crispy pork chops.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or extra crispy bacon bits.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal!

Notes

• For extra crispy pork chops, let the breaded chops rest for 10 minutes before frying.
• Use a meat thermometer—pork chops should be cooked to 145°F (63°C) internally.
• If the gravy is too thick, add a little extra milk and whisk until smooth.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Comfort Food
Keywords: fried pork chops, bacon gravy, country-fried pork, Southern comfort food

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Paper towels for draining

Helpful Tips for the Best Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

1. Choose the Right Pork Chops

• Bone-in pork chops have more flavor and stay juicier.
• Boneless pork chops cook faster but can dry out—watch your cook time!
• ½-inch thickness is ideal for frying.

2. Get the Crispiest Coating

• Pat pork chops dry before breading to help the flour stick.
• Double-dip in flour for an extra thick, crunchy crust.
• Let breaded chops rest for 5-10 minutes before frying—this helps the coating stick better.

3. Use the Right Oil for Frying

• Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil with a high smoke point.
• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying to prevent greasy pork chops.

4. Avoid Soggy Pork Chops

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches for even cooking.
• Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crispy.

5. Perfect the Bacon Gravy

• Use the bacon grease for extra smoky flavor.
• Whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.
• If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, simmer longer.

6. Cook Pork Chops to the Right Temperature

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for juicy, tender meat.

7. Make It Spicy

• Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the flour or gravy.

8. Best Sides to Serve With

• Mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, or green beans pair perfectly with this dish!

9. Reheating for Best Texture

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep the breading crispy.
• Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.

10. Make It Ahead for Easy Meals

• Bread the pork chops in advance and refrigerate until ready to fry.
• Prepare the gravy ahead and reheat with a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Conservation and Storage for Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

• Store leftover pork chops and gravy separately in airtight containers.
• Pork chops stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Bacon gravy can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

• Freeze cooked pork chops without gravy in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Bacon gravy is best fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month—store in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Instructions

For Crispy Pork Chops:

• Oven (Best Method):
  • Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place pork chops on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Air Fryer:
  • Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

For Bacon Gravy:

• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
• Stir constantly to keep it creamy and smooth.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Bread the pork chops ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Cooked pork chops can be reheated in the oven for easy meal prep.
• Gravy can be made ahead and stored in the fridge—just reheat and stir before serving.

Substitutions and Variations for Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

This classic Southern dish is easily customizable! Whether you need a healthier option, a different protein, or a flavor twist, here are some great ways to make it your own.

Protein Substitutions

• Chicken Fried Pork Chops: Double-coat in flour for an extra crispy crust, just like chicken-fried steak.
• Chicken: Swap pork chops for chicken breasts or thighs, following the same breading and frying process.
• Beef Cube Steak: Use tenderized cube steak instead for a chicken-fried steak version.
• Turkey Cutlets: For a leaner option, bread and fry turkey cutlets the same way.

Gravy Variations

1. Sausage Gravy Instead of Bacon Gravy

• Swap bacon for crumbled breakfast sausage for a Southern-style sausage gravy.

2. Spicy Cajun Bacon Gravy

• Add ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce for a spicy, smoky twist.

3. Cheddar Bacon Gravy

• Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the gravy for a cheesy upgrade.

4. Herb & Garlic Gravy

• Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an herby flavor boost.

Breaded Coating Variations

• Extra Crunchy Coating: Add ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
• Cornmeal Crunch: Replace half the flour with fine cornmeal for extra crispiness.
• Parmesan Crust: Mix in ¼ cup grated parmesan for a cheesy, crispy breading.

Lighter & Healthier Variations

• Oven-Fried Pork Chops:
  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway for an even crisp.
• Air Fryer Pork Chops:
  • Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Low-Carb/Keto Version:
  • Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of regular flour.
  • Serve with cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes.

Flavor Twists

• Southern Hot Honey Glaze: Drizzle with spicy honey after frying for a sweet heat.
• Garlic Butter Fried Pork Chops: Add garlic powder and a little melted butter to the breading.
• Buffalo Fried Pork Chops: Toss in Buffalo sauce after frying for a tangy kick.

Serving Variations

• Over Biscuits: Serve the pork chops and gravy over flaky buttermilk biscuits.
• With Waffles: Make it a Southern-style chicken & waffles twist using fried pork chops.
• Over Rice or Grits: Serve over buttery grits or rice for a comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

1. Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

Yes! Boneless pork chops work well, but they cook faster than bone-in chops. Reduce the frying time slightly to prevent them from drying out.

2. How do I keep the breading from falling off?

• Pat the pork chops dry before breading.
• Press the flour coating firmly onto the chops.
• Let the breaded pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.
• Avoid flipping too often while frying.

3. Can I make this without buttermilk?

Yes! Use regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

4. What oil is best for frying pork chops?

Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil because they have high smoke points and won’t burn easily.

5. How do I know when the pork chops are done?

Use a meat thermometer—pork chops are fully cooked at 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

6. Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes!

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly spray the pork chops with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. How do I make the bacon gravy thicker?

If the gravy is too thin, simmer it longer or add ½ tablespoon extra flour.

8. What can I serve with country-fried pork chops?

• Mashed potatoes or biscuits (perfect for soaking up the gravy!)
• Southern-style green beans or collard greens
• Mac & cheese or cornbread for a full comfort meal

9. Can I reheat fried pork chops without losing crispiness?

Yes! Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it will soften the crust.

10. Can I freeze fried pork chops and bacon gravy?

Gravy can be frozen for up to 1 month, but whisk in extra milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Freeze pork chops (without gravy) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Crispy, juicy pork chops + creamy bacon gravy = ultimate comfort food! These Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy are a Southern classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your plate of crispy goodness!

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