Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Fried Breakfast Chops?
Southern Fried Breakfast Chops are thin pork chops that are breaded and fried until golden and crispy, then served with a rich, homemade creamy gravy.
What type of pork chops should I use?
You should use very thin breakfast pork chops for this recipe to ensure they cook quickly and achieve the right crunch.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people depending on appetite.
Do I need to trim the pork chops?
Yes, you should begin by trimming any visible fat from the edges of the pork chops.
Why should I pound the pork chops with a mallet?
Pounding the chops ensures they are an even thickness, which helps them cook uniformly and stay tender.
What seasonings are in the flour breading?
The flour is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How much flour is used for the coating?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of flour mixed with seasonings for the initial dredging.
What is the purpose of the eggs?
The beaten eggs act as a binder to help the seasoned flour adhere to the pork chops.
How do I bread the pork chops?
Dip each chop in the beaten eggs until fully coated, then dredge them in the seasoned flour, pressing gently.
What temperature should I use for frying?
Preheat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
How much oil is required?
Since the chops are thin, you only need a sufficient amount to cover the bottom of the pan.
How long do the pork chops take to cook?
They should be fried for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
They are ready once they achieve a rich golden-brown color on both sides.
Should I season the chops while they are frying?
Yes, you can season them with additional salt and pepper during the cooking process if desired.
What should I do after frying the chops?
Remove the chops from the pan and drain them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
How much grease is needed for the gravy?
You should leave approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
Should I remove the browned bits from the pan?
No, keep the browned bits in the pan as they provide significant flavor to the gravy.
How much flour goes into the gravy?
Add approximately 1/4 cup of flour to the remaining grease to start the gravy.
How long do I cook the flour and grease mixture?
Whisk the flour and grease continuously over medium heat for about one minute until slightly browned.
How do I add milk to the gravy?
Gradually add the warmed milk 1/2 cup at a time while whisking vigorously.
Why should the milk be warmed?
Using warmed milk helps the gravy incorporate more smoothly and reduces the chance of lumps.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
Whisking vigorously and adding the milk slowly in stages is the best way to eliminate lumps.
What seasonings go into the creamy gravy?
The gravy is seasoned with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
How do I adjust the gravy consistency?
Continue adding milk and whisking until the gravy reaches your specific desired thickness.
What sides pair well with these pork chops?
They go perfectly with mashed potatoes, Southern-style green beans, and fluffy biscuits.
Can I use bone-in chops for this recipe?
While the recipe specifies thin breakfast chops, you can use bone-in, but they will require longer cooking times.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, because the chops are thin, they cook very quickly, making this a fast meal.
What is the total amount of garlic powder used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder divided between the flour coating and the gravy.
What is the total amount of onion powder used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder in the flour mixture.
How should the pork chops be served?
Serve the crispy pork chops hot and generously topped with the creamy homemade gravy.