Introduction
Hey there, Angel Recipes fans! Ready to turn simple pork chops into a truly unforgettable meal? This recipe for Country Fried Pork Chops with Creamy Bacon Gravy is all about transforming everyday ingredients into a comforting, delicious masterpiece. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even impressing your friends (they won’t believe how easy it is!). Get ready to dive into a flavor explosion!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s the perfect blend of crispy, juicy pork chops and a rich, savory gravy. The bacon adds a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s also super easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Plus, who doesn’t love a good, hearty comfort food classic?
Key Ingredients
- 🐷 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 🥓 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🌾 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 🥛 2 cups milk
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 胡椒 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🥚 1 large egg, beaten
- 🍞 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3️⃣ Brown the Pork Chops: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet with the bacon grease. Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Gravy: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
5️⃣ Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
6️⃣ Season the Gravy: Stir in the reserved bacon, salt, and pepper.
7️⃣ Bread the Pork Chops: Dip each pork chop in the beaten egg, then dredge in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
8️⃣ Fry the Pork Chops: Add the breaded pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
9️⃣ Serve: Serve the country fried pork chops immediately, topped with the creamy bacon gravy.
Handy Tips
- For extra crispy pork chops, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before breading.
- If your gravy is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the pork chops; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for both cooking the bacon and frying the pork chops. High heat will burn the bacon and the breading, while low heat will result in soggy pork chops. Keep a close eye on the temperature and adjust as needed.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from the perfectly crispy breading and the rendered bacon bits in the gravy. For an extra crispy breading, you can even add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of cooking your own.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for a deeper, richer flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumbs or the gravy.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pork chops and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These pork chops would make a thoughtful and delicious gift! Package them individually in pretty containers, with a small jar of the gravy on the side. Tie it all up with a ribbon for a lovely presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Add minced garlic to the bread crumbs and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
🌟 Spicy Jalapeño: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the gravy for a spicy kick.
🌟 Apple Cider Gravy: Substitute apple cider for some of the milk in the gravy for a sweet and savory twist.
🌟 Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the bacon before making the gravy for an earthy flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Pork Chops: If your pork chops are dry, make sure you don’t overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Lumpy Gravy: If your gravy is lumpy, whisk vigorously while adding the milk and make sure there are no clumps of flour remaining.
- Soggy Breading: If your breading is soggy, ensure your pork chops are completely dry before breading and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in pork chops? Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make the gravy ahead of time? Yes, the gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- What kind of milk should I use? Whole milk is best for creating a creamy gravy.
- Can I freeze these pork chops? It’s best to freeze the pork chops before breading. Once cooked, they are best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
There you have it – a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! These Country Fried Pork Chops with Creamy Bacon Gravy are unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #AngelRecipes and tag us! Enjoy!