Country Fried Pork Chops from Cracker Barrel feature tender, hand-breaded pork chops seasoned with a savory blend of spices, fried to golden perfection, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich brown gravy, delivering a comforting Southern classic with crispy and juicy flavors.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Meat tenderizer (optional)
- Shallow dredging trays or plates
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Frying pan or skillet
- Slotted spoon or spatula
- Paper towels
- Saucepan (for gravy)
- Potato masher or ricer (for mashed potatoes)
- Peeler (for potatoes, optional)
- Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 2 boneless pork chops
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- For mashed potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- For brown gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- Salt
- Black pepper
Use boneless pork chops for even cooking and tender texture, and consider lightly pounding them with a meat tenderizer to enhance juiciness. The seasoned flour mixture with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates the signature Southern flavor, so be sure to measure spices accurately. Use whole milk in the egg wash to help the breading adhere better to the pork chops. For creamy mashed potatoes, opt for starchy russet potatoes and mash them thoroughly using a ricer or masher for a smooth consistency. Your meal will taste just like the Country Fried Pork Chops from Cracker Barrel copycat menu when you follow these ingredient tips carefully.
Instructions
- Prep work area and gather all equipment and ingredients.
- Peel and chop potatoes; place in large pot with salted water.
- Bring potatoes to a boil and cook until fork-tender.
- While potatoes cook, pat pork chops dry and tenderize if desired.
- Set up dredging station:
- a. Mixing bowl 1: Flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- b. Mixing bowl 2: Whisk eggs with milk
- Dredge each pork chop in seasoned flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat again in flour.
- Heat oil in frying pan/skillet over medium heat.
- Fry pork chops until golden brown and cooked through; drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, melt butter for gravy over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until golden (roux).
- Gradually whisk in beef broth; cook until thickened.
- Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain cooked potatoes; mash with butter and milk until smooth.
- Season mashed potatoes with salt and pepper.
- Plate pork chops with mashed potatoes; pour brown gravy on top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Country Fried Pork Chops from Cracker Barrel copycat dishes can be customized based on the ingredients you have. If vegetable oil is unavailable, you can substitute with canola or peanut oil for frying, both of which have a high smoke point to achieve the desired crispiness. When making mashed potatoes, swapping russet potatoes with Yukon Gold provides a creamier texture and buttery flavor without altering the classic taste. For the brown gravy, chicken broth can replace beef broth if needed, but consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor profile. You can tenderize thick pork chops with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and tender results, enhancing the dish's juiciness.
Tips
Ensure pork chops are patted dry before dredging to help the breading adhere properly and achieve a crispy texture. Use a meat tenderizer if you prefer softer pork; this can reduce cooking time and improve juiciness. Monitor oil temperature carefully during frying--too hot will burn the coating, too cool will make it greasy. When mashing potatoes, drain them well before adding butter and milk to avoid watery mashed potatoes, and season them to your taste for balanced flavor.
Nutritions
Country Fried Pork Chops from Cracker Barrel provide a protein-rich meal with approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients. The pork chops deliver essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, while the mashed potatoes offer potassium and vitamin C. The brown gravy adds flavor but also contributes sodium and fat, so moderation is advised. You can balance this Southern classic by incorporating vegetables or adjusting the gravy's salt content.
Storage
To store Country Fried Pork Chops, place the cooled pork chops, mashed potatoes, and brown gravy in separate airtight containers to maintain texture and flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days; reheat pork chops in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness, while reheating mashed potatoes and gravy gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Your meal will stay fresh and delicious when properly stored and reheated following these steps.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute boneless pork chops with bone-in ones for extra flavor and juiciness. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the breading process. Enhance the mashed potatoes by mixing in roasted garlic or cream cheese for added richness. Consider using turkey or chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter brown gravy variation.
Allergies
Country Fried Pork Chops from Cracker Barrel contain common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat, which are present in the breading, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The use of all-purpose flour and whole milk may trigger allergic reactions for individuals sensitive to gluten or dairy. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to any of these ingredients to avoid adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Country Fried Pork Chops from Cracker Barrel are highly favored for their crispy, golden-brown breading and tender, juicy pork meat that offers a comforting, homestyle flavor. The dish is paired with savory gravy and classic Southern sides, enhancing its rich taste and making it a satisfying meal. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate this beloved combination in your own kitchen, offering the chance to customize seasoning and freshness to your preference. Your homemade version can capture the authentic essence of the dish while providing a cost-effective and tasty alternative to dining out.