These creamy bacon pork chops are a tasty treat! Tender pork chops are cooked until golden, then smothered in a rich and creamy sauce with crispy bacon. What’s not to love?
I can’t help but smile when I make these! The sauce is so good, I often end up spooning it over rice or pasta for extra flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one often!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops work best for flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops are an acceptable substitute. Just watch the cooking time as they may cook quicker.
Bacon: Bacon adds a rich smoky flavor. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option. However, it won’t get as crispy or impart as much flavor.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative if you’re watching calories or lactose. The sauce will be less rich but still tasty.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have Dijon, you could use yellow mustard in a pinch. It changes the taste slightly but works for flavoring.
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Perfectly Seared?
Seared pork chops add great texture and flavor. The key is to ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the chops. Start by preheating your skillet on medium-high heat. To test, add a drop of water; if it sizzles, it’s good to go.
- Make sure to pat the pork chops dry before seasoning—this helps them sear better.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed to get that perfect golden brown.
- Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy.
How to Make Creamy Bacon Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, resulting in a total time of around 35 minutes from start to finish. The yumminess is worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper. This helps enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large skillet (cast iron works best for even cooking), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits and set them on paper towels to drain, but keep that lovely bacon fat in the skillet!
3. Searing the Pork Chops:
If needed, add olive oil to the skillet to ensure there’s enough fat for frying. Increase the heat to medium-high and carefully add the pork chops. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are beautifully golden brown. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside for later.
4. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until it’s translucent, roughly 3 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Creating the Sauce Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and make sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These add great flavor to your sauce!
6. Adding Cream and Bacon:
Now, stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and, if using, smoked paprika. Add back the cooked bacon and mix everything well. Let the sauce gently simmer.
7. Finishing the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and let them simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked (aim for an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
8. Final Touches:
Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is perfect, remove from heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the pork chops hot, drizzled with the creamy bacon sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a slice of crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Bacon Pork Chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes! Boneless pork chops can be used as a substitute. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; they may cook faster than bone-in pork chops, usually around 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. Just check the labels to manage flavor and thickness, and adjust any seasonings as needed!
What Should I Serve with Creamy Bacon Pork Chops?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! You might consider serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed vegetables. Crusty bread also makes a great choice for soaking up the delicious sauce!
