Delicious Pork Chops with Cream Gravy Recipe
Southern-style cuisine is one of the tastiest and most comforting food cultures in America. If you’re a fan of home-cooked meals and are looking to add some southern flair to your dinner menu, then look no further than Southern Living’s Pork Chops with Cream Gravy Recipe. This recipe is a classic, straight from the heart of the south, and will surely satisfy all your comfort food cravings.
As an experienced chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I can tell you that there is nothing quite like these tender pork chops smothered in rich cream gravy. The combination of savory pork chops and creamy gravy is truly divine, making it one of my all-time favorite dishes to make and enjoy.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your apron and let’s get started on whipping up this delicious delight that’ll transport you straight to the heart of southern hospitality.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, my friends, let’s talk about why you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Southern Living pork chops with cream gravy recipe. I mean, come on! Who doesn’t love a juicy and tender pork chop smothered in a creamy, savory gravy that will leave your taste buds craving for more?
Let me tell you why this recipe is the real deal. First off, it is so dang easy to make – just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry right now. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious but don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen.
And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering aroma that will be wafting through your home while these pork chops are cooking up. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen – comforting, familiar, and oh-so-delicious.
What I personally love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can switch things up and use different cuts of pork or even chicken if you prefer. The cream gravy can also be adapted to suit your taste – add some extra black pepper for a bit of a kick or a touch of dijon mustard for tanginess.
But the best part? This recipe is comfort food at its finest. Every bite will transport you straight to the heart of the South with its rich and soulful flavors. And when you share it with your loved ones, they’ll know just how much you care.
So there you have it, folks – don’t think twice about giving this Southern Living pork chops with cream gravy recipe a shot. Trust me, it’ll become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredient List
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of what you’ll need to make this scrumptious Pork Chops With Cream Gravy recipe. To serve four hungry mouths, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops, about 1/2-inch thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups of whole milk
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Don’t fret! These ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store. If you have some trouble finding anything, consult with a friendly employee who will happily help you locate these items.
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to get cookin’? This Southern Living pork chops with cream gravy recipe is a must-try. In this section, you will learn how to make perfectly juicy and tender fried pork chops smothered in a creamy gravy that is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients and let’s start cooking! You’ll need:
– 4 thick pork chops (1-2 inches in thickness)
– Salt and pepper
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of milk
– Vegetable oil (enough to fill a large skillet about 1 inch deep)
Preparation
- Season both sides of each pork chop generously with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Dredge each pork chop through the flour mixture on both sides, placing them on a plate as they are completed.
Frying the Pork Chops
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a large skillet (use cast iron if possible) over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add the breaded pork chops in batches to the skillet with enough room between them so they’re not touching [Tip: Overcrowding will cause the chops to steam, resulting in less crispy texture]. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through [Tip: The internal temperature of the pork should be at least 145°F].
- Remove from skillet and place onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making Cream Gravy
- Pour off all but about 6 tablespoons of the remaining oil from skillet [Note: Keep some of the leftover bits for more flavor]. Using an all-purpose whisk, stir in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth [Tip: Do this process quickly as the oil mixture may be hot].
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the gravy is thickened and bubbly. [Tip: If you want a thinner consistency, add more milk]
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling
- In a serving dish or plate, spoon the cream gravy over the pork chops and serve hot.
Enjoy your country-fried pork chops smothered in cream gravy!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s face it, we all have our own take on a recipe. And that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it’s even better when we experiment with ingredients that we like or those that are readily available in our household. For this Pork Chops with Cream Gravy Recipe from Southern Living, there are a lot of ways to customize and vary the dish to your liking.
First off, you can substitute the pork chops with other proteins like boneless pork loin, chicken thighs or beef steaks. You can also use a slow cooker or Dutch oven for a more braised pork texture. In addition, you can swap the cream gravy with other types of sauces such as mustard sauce, brown gravy, mushroom sauce or dijon sauce.
For keto enthusiasts, you may want to try using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a low-carb version. You can also reduce or eliminate milk from the recipe and instead use chicken broth for added flavor. For some added kick and spice, try seasoning the pork chops with Cajun spice mix or cayenne pepper.
If you’re looking for something beyond smothered or fried pork chops, then Tuscan Smothered Pork with garlic and creamy mushroom sauce might be up your alley. Or maybe an Onion Gravy over your thick-cut chops will make your taste buds dance with joy – whatever your heart desires!
Overall, there are lots of ways to make this recipe uniquely yours so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust until you find what works best for you. Whatever variation or substitution you choose to make, this Pork Chops with Cream Gravy will always be a crowd-pleaser that will leave you coming back for more.
Serving and Pairing
“Serving and pairing is what really sets this recipe apart. It’s all about presenting a dish that not only looks tasty but also tastes amazing. This delicious Pork Chop with Cream Gravy recipe goes well with many side dishes and drinks.
First, let’s talk about the perfect sides to serve with these pork chops. I recommend pairing them with some classic southern-style sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens or mashed potatoes. All of these sides are sure to complement the rich cream gravy perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, roasted vegetables or a simple garden salad can also work as they’ll provide a balance to the richness of the pork chop.
When it comes to pairing this dish with drinks, you might want to try serving it with some sweet tea, lemonade or even a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. These choices will help cut through the richness of the pork chop and enhance its flavors.
For a more festive gathering, why not try pairing this meal with some soulful tunes? Some old school R&B, jazz, or blues tunes can be just the thing to get everyone in the right mood.
Whatever you pair this dish with, make sure it’s something that complements its delicious flavor while enhancing your overall dining experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Let’s be real. Sometimes, cooking a meal from scratch can be time-consuming and stressful. That’s why it’s important to know how to make-ahead, store, and reheat your meals properly so that you can enjoy them without the hassle.
With this Pork Chops with Cream Gravy recipe, you can easily make ahead and store the pork chops for later use. To make-ahead, simply cook the pork chops according to the recipe instructions and let them cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container. The pork chops can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat the pork chops, there are a few ways you can do it. You can either microwave them or place them in the oven. If microwaving, place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 1-2 minutes until heated through. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the pork chops in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Now let’s talk about that delicious cream gravy. Leftover gravy can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating the gravy, it is important to do so slowly over low heat while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
By knowing how to make-ahead, store, and reheat this Pork Chops with Cream Gravy recipe properly, you’ll have a meal ready on hand whenever you’re craving some Southern comfort food. Plus, if you happen to have any leftovers, you won’t have to worry about wasting food as they will keep well in the refrigerator for a few days.
Tips for Perfect Results
Hey there! Don’t leave just yet because I have some tips on how to achieve perfection with our Pork Chops with Cream Gravy Recipe. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this because we all want our dishes to be satisfyingly delicious. Let’s dive right in:
First and foremost, ensure that your pork chops are at room temperature before cooking. Why? It ensures even cooking throughout the chop so you won’t end up with dry patches.
When preparing your dredging mixture, make sure it is well seasoned with salt and pepper since we aim for layers of flavor. Also, use equal parts of all-purpose flour and cornmeal for a nice crunch in every bite.
For the gravy, keep it simple by using only a few ingredients but doing them right which involves generously seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper as well. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
It’s important to use quality vegetable oil when frying your pork chops. Safflower, peanut, and canola oil work best since they have high smoke points that can handle high temperatures without burning.
Finally, when making cream gravy, never add hot milk into the roux – instead, gradually incorporate cold milk while whisking vigorously to ensure no lumps form. And make sure to avoid overcooking the gravy because it becomes too thick and loses its smooth texture.
That’s it! These tips will take your Pork Chops with Cream Gravy Recipe from good to memorable. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Now that we’ve got the recipe for these delicious Southern pork chops with cream gravy, you might have some questions. No need to worry! I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help ensure you get the best results possible with this recipe. So buckle up and let’s dive into what you need to know!
What is the secret to juicy pork chops?
Achieving juicy pork chops is all about giving them a quick brine. Brining is a surefire way to ensure that your pork chops remain moist and delicious during cooking. A 30-minute brine (or longer up to 4 hours) can work wonders in bringing out the best flavors and textures in your pork chops. So, the next time you bring pork chops home, don’t forget to brine them first!
What does soaking pork chops in milk do?
If you want your pork or other meats to be succulent and full of flavor, you should consider brining them with milk. It’s a fantastic method for tenderizing the meat, as it helps the protein to absorb the delicious taste of the brine. Moreover, it prevents the meat from drying out while cooking, resulting in a juicy and tender piece of meat.
Why are my smothered pork chops tough?
When it comes to cooking pork chops, overcooking is the number one culprit for tough meat. Pork chops are typically lean, which means they cook fairly quickly. It doesn’t take much to go from juicy and tender to tough and chewy. To avoid this, it’s crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the meat using a thermometer. Start checking for doneness toward the beginning of the recommended cooking time to ensure optimal results.
How to cook pork chops so they are soft?
Achieving deliciously tender chops depends on the proper cooking of the outer layer of fat at a high temperature. Quick cooking is essential to avoid dehydrating the inner meat. A solution to maintain succulence is to marinate the chops in a brine.
Bottom Line
Conclusion:
I hope you enjoy trying out the Southern Living’s Pork Chops with Cream Gravy Recipe! It is a classic southern dish that is perfect for a comforting and indulgent meal. The creamy gravy paired with the tender and juicy pork chops is absolutely mouth-watering.
This recipe allows for versatile options, from country-style to Tuscan-style, and even keto or slow-cooker versions. You can also experiment with different variations of the cream gravy by adding different spices or vegetables.
By following my tips and tricks, you can effortlessly achieve perfect results every time. Serve it with your favorite sides such as mash potatoes or sautéed greens for a complete meal.
With this flavorful recipe in your culinary arsenal, you will impress all your dinner guests and become a true master of southern cuisine. So go ahead, give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Southern Living’s Pork Chops With Cream Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -6 pork chops (1/2-inch thick)
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon browning sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from pork chops.
- Sprinkle pork chops lightly with salt and pepper.
- Brown chops on both sides in hot oil, and drain on paper towels.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet.
- Add flour to skillet, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in seasoning sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Add pork chops to gravy; cover and simmer 45 minutes, turning chops occasionally.
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings.