Creamy Bacon Pork Chops

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These Creamy Bacon Pork Chops are the epitome of comfort food. Perfectly pan-seared pork chops are nestled in a rich, velvety bacon cream sauce that’s packed with savory goodness. It’s an easy and elegant dish that feels fancy but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

The combination of crispy bacon and juicy pork chops in a creamy, garlicky sauce makes this dish a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces

4 pork chops (see notes)
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter (if needed)

1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, to taste)

Directions:

Take the pork chops out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes prior to starting the recipe if possible.
Cut the bacon into small pieces and add it to a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until crispy (about 10 minutes). Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season them with salt & pepper.
Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side (3 minutes for thinner chops and 5 minutes for pork chops up to 1 inch thick). Once seared, transfer them to a plate.
If the pan is dry, add a tablespoon of butter. If there’s still some bacon fat left, sprinkle the flour in, stir, and cook for about 30 seconds.

Whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Stir and let it cook for about a minute or until reduced slightly.
Stir in the cream, then add the bacon and pork chops back to the skillet (along with any juices left on the plate). Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens a bit and the pork chops are cooked through (145°F minimum). Let the sauce bubble gently but avoid a vigorous boil.
Season the sauce with extra salt & pepper if needed and top with chopped parsley if using.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of crispy bacon, juicy pork chops, and a luscious cream sauce creates a dish that’s full of savory goodness. It’s a comforting meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.
Family-Friendly: With its familiar flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Kids and adults alike will love the creamy sauce and tender pork chops.
Versatile: While the creamy bacon sauce is rich and indulgent, you can pair it with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal. Serve it over mashed potatoes, with a side of roasted vegetables, or even over pasta for a comforting dinner.

Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Bacon Pork Chops

Use the Right Pork Chops: For best results, use boneless pork chops that are about 0.75-1 inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Don’t Overcook the Pork: Pork can quickly become tough if overcooked. The safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness, and remember that the pork’s temperature will continue to rise slightly after you remove it from the heat.
Customize the Sauce: While the recipe calls for heavy cream to create a rich and luxurious sauce, you can add a personal touch by incorporating your favorite herbs or spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a hint of warmth and complexity to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Potatoes: Pair these creamy bacon pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even a baked potato for a hearty meal.
Vegetables: Serve alongside buttered Brussels sprouts, roasted green beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a well-rounded dinner.
Salad: A light and fresh salad, such as an arugula salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette, can help balance the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pork chops and sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of cream to revive the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Freezing: This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate upon thawing.

Possible Variations

Make It Wine-Infused: Substitute half of the chicken broth with a dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a more sophisticated flavor.
Add Veggies: Add a handful of fresh spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: For a spicy variation, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Pairing pork chops with bacon may seem unconventional, but it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Both pork chops and bacon come from the same source, and when combined, they amplify each other’s flavors, creating a dish that is both hearty and indulgent. This recipe was inspired by the classic French approach of combining pork with creamy sauces, bringing an elegant touch to a weeknight dinner. The addition of heavy cream transforms the dish into a velvety, comforting meal that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Ingredient Breakdown

Bacon: Using high-quality bacon is crucial to this recipe as it forms the base of the sauce. Opt for thick-cut bacon if you want more substantial pieces in the dish. The rendered bacon fat adds depth and richness to the sauce, giving it a smoky, savory flavor.
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are used for quick and even cooking. If using bone-in pork chops, adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked while maintaining their juiciness.

Butter and Flour: These are essential for creating a roux, which thickens the sauce. The butter adds a creamy flavor, while the flour helps the sauce cling to the pork chops, making each bite delectable.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is used to deglaze the pan and infuse the sauce with a savory undertone. You can use homemade chicken broth for an extra layer of flavor.
Lemon Juice: Just a touch of lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the cream with a hint of acidity. This small addition ensures the sauce isn’t too heavy and provides a lovely depth of flavor.

Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish. You can substitute it with fresh minced garlic if you prefer a more robust garlic flavor.
Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce, heavy cream, creates a luxurious and smooth texture. It also adds a sweet and mild flavor that complements the salty bacon and savory pork chops.
Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish, parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

Pat the Pork Dry: Before cooking, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them develop a golden-brown crust when seared, locking in the juices.
Use a Heavy Skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it retains heat well and provides an even sear on the pork chops. It also helps reduce the sauce evenly, creating a perfectly creamy consistency.
Monitor the Heat: When cooking the sauce, avoid boiling it vigorously. Instead, let it gently bubble to prevent the cream from curdling and to help the sauce thicken gradually.

Let the Pork Rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in tender and juicy pork chops.

Pairing Suggestions

Wine Pairing: This rich dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or a dry Riesling. The acidity in the wine cuts through the creaminess of the sauce, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Starch: For an indulgent pairing, serve the pork chops over creamy mashed potatoes, which will soak up the delicious sauce. Rice or buttered egg noodles are also excellent options.

Vegetables: To balance the richness of the pork chops, serve with green vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus. The fresh, crisp texture of the vegetables complements the creamy sauce.

Dietary Modifications

Low-Carb/Keto: This recipe is naturally low-carb, making it suitable for those following a keto diet. Serve it with a side of cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles to keep the meal keto-friendly.
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Dairy-Free: While the creamy sauce is a key feature of this dish, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, giving it a subtle coconut taste.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

Make-Ahead: While this dish is best served fresh, you can cook the bacon and sear the pork chops in advance. Store them separately, and prepare the sauce just before serving to ensure it’s creamy and fresh.
Meal Prep: Prepare the dish as directed and divide into meal prep containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream to the sauce to restore its silky texture.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Bacon’s Popularity: Bacon has been beloved for centuries. It originated from the Middle Ages when it was a staple food in many European countries. Today, bacon is celebrated worldwide for its rich, smoky flavor.
Pork Chops: Pork chops are one of the most popular cuts of pork, known for their versatility and quick cooking time. They come from the loin of the pig and can be boneless or bone-in.

Cream Sauces: Cream-based sauces have been a hallmark of French cuisine for centuries. They add a luxurious texture to dishes and can be infused with various flavors, from herbs to spices.

Conclusion

Creamy Bacon Pork Chops are a quick and indulgent dish that combines juicy pork chops with a rich, velvety bacon cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner that will become a family favorite.