Country Fried Pork with Gravy

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with country fried pork chops and creamy bacon gravy. Bone-in pork chops are marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, then fried to golden perfection. The rich, savory bacon gravy is made by combining crispy bacon, butter, flour, and whole milk, seasoned to perfection. Indulge in this classic Southern dish perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Fatiha
Updated on Tue, 20 May 2025 19:00:43 GMT
A plate of fried chicken with gravy. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with gravy. | zestplate.com

This country fried pork with bacon gravy transforms humble ingredients into nostalgic comfort food that guarantees clean plates at my family table. The combination of crispy, seasoned pork chops smothered in rich, smoky bacon gravy creates that perfect Southern comfort dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I first made this recipe when hosting my in laws for dinner and was nervous about impressing them. Now it's become their requested meal whenever they visit, which tells me everything I need to know about its crowd pleasing potential.

Ingredients

  • Bone in pork chops: Provide better flavor and juiciness than boneless versions
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat while adding tanginess to balance the richness
  • All purpose flour: Creates that perfect golden crust when combined with the seasonings
  • Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the coating
  • Bacon: Forms the flavor foundation of the gravy with its rendered fat
  • Whole milk: Creates the creamiest gravy texture that clings perfectly to the meat

How To Make Country Fried Pork with Bacon Gravy

Marinate the pork:
Place your pork chops in the buttermilk bath for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This crucial step not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the seasoned flour adhere properly during cooking. For even better results let them soak overnight in the refrigerator.
Prepare the coating:
Mix the flour with all seasonings until evenly distributed. This seasoned mixture creates your flavor packed crust. Taste a tiny bit of the flour mixture to ensure proper seasoning balance before coating your precious pork chops.
Fry to perfection:
Heat your oil until shimmering but not smoking in a heavy skillet. The proper temperature ensures your chops develop that gorgeous golden crust without burning. Listen for a gentle sizzle when the meat hits the pan about 4 to 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Make the bacon base:
Cook your chopped bacon until perfectly crisp with enough rendered fat to flavor your gravy. Reserve both the bacon bits and fat separately as both play important roles in the final product. The bacon should be crisp enough to crumble but not burnt.
Create the roux:
Combine the bacon fat with butter and flour to form a smooth paste. Cook this mixture for a full minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. The roux should be pale blonde and smell slightly nutty when ready.
Develop the gravy:
Gradually whisk in milk in a slow, steady stream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it reaches a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces for texture and extra flavor.
Serve immediately:
Pour the hot gravy generously over the freshly fried pork chops while everything is still warm. This ensures the gravy slightly softens the crust while maintaining its integrity.
A plate of meat covered in gravy. Pin it
A plate of meat covered in gravy. | zestplate.com

My grandmother always insisted on using cast iron for frying the pork chops, claiming it creates the most even golden crust. After years of making this recipe in various pans, I have to agree with her wisdom. There's something about that seasoned surface that distributes heat perfectly for country fried anything.

Troubleshooting Your Gravy

Gravy making strikes fear in many home cooks, but it shouldn't. If your gravy develops lumps, simply strain it through a fine mesh sieve or blend it briefly with an immersion blender. Too thick? Add a splash more milk. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer or make a small amount of additional roux in a separate pan and whisk it in.

The perfect bacon gravy should be silky, not gluey, with visible bacon pieces throughout. It should coat the back of a spoon but still flow nicely when poured. Remember that gravy thickens as it cools, so it's better to err on the slightly thinner side initially.

A bowl of meat with gravy. Pin it
A bowl of meat with gravy. | zestplate.com

Suggested Sides for Country Fried Pork

This hearty Southern classic pairs beautifully with traditional sides that complement its rich flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes make an ideal bed for capturing extra gravy. For vegetable options, consider slow cooked collard greens with a splash of vinegar to cut through the richness, or buttery corn on the cob in summer months.

For a complete Southern experience, serve with flaky buttermilk biscuits for sopping up every last bit of that bacon gravy. If you're looking for something lighter, a simple vinegar based coleslaw provides refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Country fried pork is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but you can prepare components ahead of time. The seasoned flour mixture can be made days in advance and stored in an airtight container. You can also marinate the pork in buttermilk overnight in the refrigerator for even more tender results.

Leftover pork chops and gravy will keep refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat the pork in a 300°F oven to maintain some crispness, and warm the gravy separately on the stovetop with a splash of fresh milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you get the pork chops crispy?

Marinate the pork chops in buttermilk, coat them in seasoned flour, and fry them in hot vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy.

→ What type of bacon is best for the gravy?

Use thick-cut smoked bacon for maximum flavor in the gravy. Chop it before cooking for even crispness.

→ Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but bone-in chops often retain more flavor and moisture when fried.

→ How thick should the bacon gravy be?

The gravy should have a smooth and creamy consistency. Simmer it until it coats the back of a spoon without being too thick.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread complement the pork and gravy perfectly.

Crispy Pork with Bacon Gravy

Crispy pork chops with creamy bacon gravy—classic Southern comfort.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Southern

Yield: 4 Servings (4 pork chops with bacon gravy)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pork Chops

01 4 bone-in pork chops
02 250 ml buttermilk
03 125 g all-purpose flour
04 1 tsp salt
05 0.5 tsp black pepper
06 0.5 tsp paprika
07 0.5 tsp garlic powder
08 0.5 tsp onion powder
09 60 ml vegetable oil

→ Bacon Gravy

10 4 slices bacon, chopped
11 30 g unsalted butter
12 16 g all-purpose flour
13 360 ml whole milk
14 0.5 tsp salt
15 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Place pork chops in a shallow dish and pour over the buttermilk. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 02

In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 03

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium temperature until it shimmers.

Step 04

Remove pork chops from the buttermilk, dredge each in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Fry in the hot oil for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 05

In a clean skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat in the pan.

Step 06

Add butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and allow to melt. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 07

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for several minutes until thickened, then stir in crispy bacon.

Step 08

Ladle warm bacon gravy over fried pork chops before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Shallow dish
  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 28 g