Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy Recipe

There's nothing quite like the crunch of country fried pork chops smothered in rich, creamy bacon gravy. The crispy, golden-brown crust gives way to juicy, tender pork, while the smoky, savory gravy ties everything together in the most comforting way. Whether it's a Sunday family dinner or a special weeknight meal, this dish is pure Southern comfort on a plate.

I first fell in love with this recipe on a trip to a small-town diner in Tennessee. One bite of the crispy pork chop, drenched in a luscious bacon-infused gravy, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After some trial and error, I landed on this version—just as delicious but easy enough for any home cook to master.

Why You'll Love This Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe

Get ready to make your new favorite comfort food! These country fried pork chops with bacon gravy check all the boxes for a satisfying and easy meal.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and a simple cooking process, you'll have this meal on the table in under an hour.

The crispy breading is absolute perfection. A blend of flour and seasoning ensures every bite is packed with flavor and crunch, while the juicy pork inside stays tender and moist.

And let's talk about the bacon gravy—rich, smoky, and indulgent. This creamy sauce, made with rendered bacon fat and a splash of milk, takes the dish to the next level and makes every bite pure bliss.

Best of all, this recipe is budget-friendly. Pork chops are often more affordable than beef, and with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk, this meal is easy on your wallet but big on flavor.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from a few well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the crispy pork and the luscious gravy.

Pork Chops – Bone-in or boneless pork chops work well, but aim for about ½-inch thick for even cooking. Too thick, and they won’t cook through properly; too thin, and they might dry out.

Flour & Seasonings – A blend of flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder creates a flavorful crust that enhances the natural taste of the pork. A little cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat if you like it spicy.

Eggs & Buttermilk – This mixture acts as the binding agent for the breading, ensuring it adheres well to the pork chops and fries up crispy.

Bacon – The key to that irresistible bacon gravy. Frying up a few strips of bacon first not only gives you delicious crispy bits but also provides rendered bacon fat to build the flavorful gravy.

Milk & Chicken Broth – The base of the gravy, combining creamy milk with savory broth for the perfect balance of richness and depth.

A heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet works best for frying, as it retains heat well and helps create that signature crispy crust.

How To Make Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

Making these crispy, gravy-smothered pork chops is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for the perfect Southern-style meal.

Start by frying the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s crisp, remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

While the bacon is cooking, prepare the breading station. In one shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In another, mix the flour and seasonings. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it again in the flour. This double-dredging method ensures an ultra-crispy crust.

Heat the reserved bacon fat along with a little vegetable oil in the skillet. Once it’s hot, carefully add the breaded pork chops. Fry them until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

To make the bacon gravy, keep about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pan. Whisk in a bit of flour and let it cook for a minute until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until it thickens into a creamy, smooth sauce. Crumble in the crispy bacon and season to taste.

Serve the pork chops hot and smothered in bacon gravy, with mashed potatoes or biscuits to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store the pork chops and gravy separately. The pork chops will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.

The bacon gravy can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin it out.

For longer storage, freeze the pork chops for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. The gravy, however, is best enjoyed fresh as dairy-based sauces don’t freeze well.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are a few ways to make it your own:

If you prefer a lighter version, try using air-fried pork chops. Simply coat them as directed and cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Want to add some spice? Stir a bit of hot sauce into the buttermilk mixture or add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mix.

Not a fan of pork? You can easily swap the pork chops for chicken breasts or cube steak to make a different twist on this country classic.

For a gluten-free option, use a blend of cornstarch and gluten-free flour for the breading, and swap regular flour for cornstarch in the gravy.

No buttermilk on hand? Make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

This country fried pork chops with bacon gravy recipe is pure comfort food at its best. Whether you're making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it up for guests, one thing’s for sure—everyone will be asking for seconds!

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