These creamy bacon pork chops are a treat! Juicy pork chops are cooked in a rich and flavorful cream sauce with crispy bacon bits. It’s like a hug on your plate!
I love how simple it is to make this dish. The best part? The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice. Just thinking about it makes me hungry! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops lend great flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, boneless chops can be used, but watch cooking time closely as they cook quicker.
Bacon: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good substitute. Just expect a different taste!
Cream: Heavy cream creates that luscious sauce. You can replace it with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.
Chicken Broth: This is for flavor depth. If you don’t have any on hand, vegetable broth or even water works as a substitute.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is my favorite for this dish! If you only have dried thyme, use half the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Sear Pork Chops Perfectly?
Searing pork chops makes them golden brown and flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with pork chops at room temperature; it helps cook evenly.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the chops.
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough that you hear a sizzle when the chops touch the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps create a crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use tongs to flip the chops only once. Avoid moving them around too much for that lovely sear!
Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking for the juiciest results. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Creamy Bacon Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning both sides of your pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This helps build flavor.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until it’s nice and crispy, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
3. Searing the Pork Chops:
If there isn’t enough fat from the bacon, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet. Next, place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet and sear them on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through—around 4-5 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and keep them warm.
4. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
5. Adding Liquids for Flavor:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—those bits add great flavor! Let this mixture simmer for a minute or so.
6. Cream It Up:
Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, giving it time to thicken slightly.
7. Finish the Sauce:
Mix in the crispy bacon and chopped parsley to the sauce, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
8. Combine and Serve:
Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the creamy bacon sauce over the chops and let it simmer for another couple of minutes until everything is heated through and well-combined. Make sure the sauce is generous!
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the pork chops topped with that delicious creamy bacon sauce. This dish goes perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your indulgent and delicious Creamy Bacon Pork Chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook faster than bone-in chops, typically around 3-4 minutes per side.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Bacon Pork Chops?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a great substitute, though it will add a distinct coconut flavor.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when sautéing the onion and garlic. They’ll enhance the dish’s flavor and add some color.