Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy

### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the Pork Chops:**
Start by prepping the pork chops. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.

#### **2. Dredge the Pork Chops:**
Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down lightly to make sure the coating sticks. Repeat this process for all four pork chops.

#### **3. Fry the Pork Chops:**
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).

Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### **4. Make the Bacon Gravy:**
In the same skillet where you fried the pork chops, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped bacon and cook until the bacon is crispy and browned. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Once the bacon is crispy, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.

#### **5. Serve:**
Place the crispy fried pork chops on plates and spoon the bacon gravy generously over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a side of sautéed greens for a complete southern meal.

### **Tips for Success:**
– **Pork Chops:** Bone-in pork chops give the dish extra flavor and moisture, but boneless chops will work as well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for thinner cuts.
– **Gravy Thickness:** If the gravy gets too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
– **Flavor Variations:** For extra flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy or toss in some sautéed onions for added sweetness.

### **Conclusion:**
Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish that brings the best of southern flavors to your table. The crispy, golden pork chops paired with the rich, savory bacon gravy are a match made in heaven. Whether it’s for a Sunday family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Serve it up with your favorite sides, and you have a meal that’s both delicious and soul-warming!