Country Fried Pork Chops
Country Fried Pork Chops feature crispy breaded chops cooked in bacon fat, served with rich cream and crumbled bacon, perfect for hearty family meals or comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wipe the pork chops with a damp cloth and slash the fat a bit around the edges to keep them from curling during cooking.
- In a large skillet, fry bacon until crisp, then remove and drain on absorbent paper.
- Dip the pork chops in flour, then in lightly beaten eggs, then roll in bread crumbs.
- Brown the chops quickly in bacon fat, turning with a spatula, being careful not to loosen the crumbs.
- After browning, add salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup cream to the skillet.
- Reduce heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the chops are tender.
- Remove the meat to a hot platter; add 1/2 cup cream to the pan drippings.
- Pour this sauce over the chops, then sprinkle with crumbled bacon bits.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for a few hours before breading. If you don't have fine bread crumbs, you can pulse regular bread in a food processor. To add an extra layer of flavor, you might try using flavored salts or herb blends in the seasoning. This recipe pairs beautifully with Dutch Potatoes or other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Country Fried Pork Chops with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with sweet and tangy sides like Sweet And Sour Chestnuts, offering a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the dish. Don't forget to garnish with additional crumbled bacon for extra crunch!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream to keep them moist, covering the pan to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Fried Pork Chops contains roughly 279 calories, with 10g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1974mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken or turkey cutlets for the pork chops. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.
What can I do if I don't have bacon?
If you don't have bacon, you can use cooking oil or butter for frying the pork chops. To add a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the breading or seasoning of the chops.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can bake the breaded pork chops in the oven instead of frying them. Use whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs for added fiber, and opt for a lighter cream or a reduced-fat alternative to lower the calorie count.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).