Southern Comfort Pork Chops with Savory Gravy
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with these Southern-style pork chops. This recipe makes use of simple ingredients often found in your fridge, creating a delightful meal that is both quick and satisfying. The beautiful caramelization of the pork chops combined with crispy bacon and soft, sautéed onions creates an irresistible harmony of flavors. The gravy, enriched with the cooking drippings and thickened to perfection, pairs exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Experience a taste of the South with this delicious, hearty dish that serves two, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner.
2
Servings
270
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
2 (Bone-in or boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
Medium Onion
1/2 (Diced)
Bacon
1-2 slices (Cooked until crispy)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Divided use)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (For thickening gravy)
Water
3/4 cup (For cooking and thickening gravy)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a 12-inch skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Once cooked, remove bacon from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind.
2
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the diced onion in the butter until it becomes transparent and fragrant, then transfer the onion to a plate.
3
Lower the heat to medium. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Brown each side for approximately 2-4 minutes until golden.
4
Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and add it back to the skillet along with the sautéed onions.
5
Pour in 3/4 cup of water (feel free to add more if you prefer a richer gravy), then add 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for super tender chops.
6
Just before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with approximately 1/4 cup of cool tap water, stirring well to combine.
7
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on serving plates. Add the cornstarch mixture to the drippings and gravy in the skillet and bring it to a quick boil, stirring frequently until it thickens into a rich gravy.
8
Spoon the gravy over the pork chops and serve immediately, paired with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Pork Chops with Savory Gravy?
It is a comforting and flavorful Southern-style dish featuring caramelized pork chops, crispy bacon, and sautéed onions in a rich, thickened gravy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings, making it perfect for a small household or a cozy dinner for two.
What types of pork chops can I use for this recipe?
You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops, just ensure they are trimmed of any excess fat before cooking.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
One serving of these Southern-style pork chops contains 15g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates in each serving of this recipe.
How much protein does this meal provide?
This recipe provides 16g of protein per serving.
Why is bacon used in this pork chop recipe?
Bacon adds a crispy texture and deep flavor, and its rendered drippings are used to sauté the onions and brown the pork.
How should the onion be prepared for this dish?
The recipe calls for half of a medium onion to be diced and sautéed in butter until transparent and fragrant.
How do I thicken the savory gravy?
The gravy is thickened by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cool water and stirring it into the boiling drippings.
How long should the pork chops simmer for maximum tenderness?
While they can simmer for 5-10 minutes, you can leave them for up to 45 minutes to achieve super tender results.
What size skillet is recommended for cooking?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended to provide enough space for the bacon, onions, and both pork chops.
When should I season the pork chops?
You should season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet to brown.
How long does it take to brown the pork chops?
It takes about 2-4 minutes per side over medium heat to achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
Can I adjust the amount of water in the recipe?
Yes, you can add more than the specified 3/4 cup of water if you prefer a thinner or more plentiful gravy.
What side dishes are recommended for this meal?
This dish pairs exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes or a variety of steamed vegetables.
How much butter is needed in total?
A total of 2 tablespoons of butter is used throughout the recipe in divided stages.
Do I need to cook the bacon separately?
Yes, you cook the bacon in the skillet first until crisp, then remove it and use the drippings to continue the recipe.
Is this recipe considered Southern-style?
Yes, it is a traditional Southern-style comfort food recipe featuring a classic savory gravy.
Why must I use cool water for the cornstarch mixture?
Using cool water ensures the cornstarch dissolves smoothly without forming lumps before it hits the hot liquid in the pan.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick and easy recipe, making it suitable for busy weeknight dinners.
Does the gravy need to reach a boil?
Yes, after adding the cornstarch slurry, you must bring the gravy to a quick boil while stirring to allow it to thicken properly.
What are the eight main ingredients for this recipe?
The ingredients are pork chops, medium onion, bacon, butter, cornstarch, water, salt, and pepper.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
Based on the provided nutritional facts, this recipe does not contain a significant amount of fiber.
Is there sugar in these Southern pork chops?
No, the nutritional information indicates that this recipe contains zero grams of sugar.
What is the sodium content for this dish?
The specific sodium amount is not listed, but it will depend on the amount of salt you use to taste.
Is cholesterol information available for this recipe?
Cholesterol information is not provided for this particular recipe.
When do I add the chopped bacon back into the skillet?
Add the chopped bacon back into the skillet along with the sautéed onions just before adding the water and butter to simmer.
What heat level should I use to brown the meat?
The pork chops should be browned over medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
Should I remove the pork chops from the pan before making the gravy?
Yes, remove the chops first and place them on plates, then thicken the remaining drippings in the skillet to make the gravy.