Craving comfort food that’s crispy, savory, and utterly delicious? Look no further! This recipe for Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We’re taking juicy pork chops, giving them a golden-brown crust, and smothering them in a rich, smoky bacon gravy. Get ready for a taste of Southern heaven!
The Ultimate Country Fried Pork Chops Experience
This recipe isn’t just about frying pork; it’s about crafting a symphony of flavors and textures. The crispy, seasoned breading complements the tender pork perfectly, while the bacon gravy adds a creamy, smoky depth that’s simply irresistible. We’ll walk you through each step to ensure your chops are perfectly cooked and your gravy is luscious and flavorful.
Preparing the Pork Chops
The key to tender and juicy country fried pork chops starts with proper preparation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose the Right Cut: Boneless, center-cut pork chops are ideal. Look for chops that are about ¾ inch thick for even cooking.
- Tenderize: Gently pound the pork chops with a meat mallet to tenderize them. This also helps them cook more evenly.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! A mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika works wonders.
The Crispy Breading Process
Achieving that perfect golden-brown crust is all about the breading process. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
- Set up a Breading Station: You’ll need three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs (we recommend panko for extra crispiness).
- Coat the Pork: Dredge each pork chop in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs.
- Repeat (Optional): For an extra thick and crispy crust, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Frying to Golden Perfection
Now for the fun part – frying those chops to crispy, golden perfection!
- Heat the Oil: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil or canola oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in.
- Fry the Chops: Carefully place the breaded pork chops in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Cook Evenly: Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Drain and Rest: Remove the cooked pork chops and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
The Irresistible Bacon Gravy
No country fried pork chop is complete without a luscious bacon gravy. This is where the magic happens!
- Render the Bacon: Cook chopped bacon in the same skillet you used to fry the pork chops until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Make a Roux: Whisk flour into the bacon grease to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly browned.
- Add the Liquid: Slowly whisk in milk or a combination of milk and chicken broth until the gravy is smooth.
- Season and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Bacon: Finally, stir the cooked bacon back into the gravy.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions and variations to take them to the next level:
- Classic Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or coleslaw for a complete Southern meal.
- Biscuit Bliss: Serve the chops and gravy over buttermilk biscuits for a truly decadent experience.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading or gravy for a little kick.
- Mushroom Gravy: Substitute some of the bacon grease with butter and sauté sliced mushrooms before making the roux for a mushroom bacon gravy.
Conclusion
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy, savory flavors and creamy, smoky gravy, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow our easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest!
