These creamy bacon pork chops are a true comfort food! With juicy chops wrapped in crispy bacon and a rich, tasty sauce, every bite is a delight.
You can never go wrong with bacon, right? I love serving these with mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s like a hug on a plate! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are my choice for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using chicken breasts instead. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds great crunch and flavor. If you want a healthier twist, turkey bacon or pancetta can be used. Keep in mind that they may give a different taste.
Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy texture. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut cream or cashew cream is a fantastic substitute that still gives a rich feel to the sauce.
Chicken Broth: For a deeper flavor, homemade broth is best. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter dish or even water in a pinch. Just be sure to season it well!
How Can I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Juicy?
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, but there are easy ways to ensure they turn out juicy. First, don’t skip seasoning! A good sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the flavor. When you sear them, aim for a nice golden brown crust—you want that caramelization!
- Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat—it seals in the juices.
- Checking doneness with a meat thermometer is smart; 145°F is perfect.
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute.
By following these tips, your pork chops will be incredibly juicy and delicious every time! Enjoy cooking! 🍽️
Easy Creamy Bacon Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total: about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning your boneless pork chops generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This adds great flavor right from the start!
2. Cooking the Bacon:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside. Don’t throw away the bacon fat; it’s going to add lots of flavor to your dish!
3. Searing the Pork Chops:
If your skillet looks a little dry, feel free to add a tablespoon of olive oil. Then, raise the heat to medium-high. Sear the pork chops in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once they’re cooked, take them out and set them aside too!
4. Making the Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté it in the leftover bacon fat until it’s softened and translucent (around 3 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Adding Flavor:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any delicious browned bits. These add so much flavor to your sauce!
6. Creamy Goodness:
Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it). Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. You want it nice and creamy!
7. Bringing it All Together:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon some of that luscious sauce on top, and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes. This will heat the chops through and meld all the flavors.
8. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces and chopped parsley over the pork chops before serving. It adds a lovely touch and makes everything look appetizing!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these creamy bacon pork chops hot with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Don’t forget to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Now dig in and enjoy your rich, creamy bacon pork chops! They’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table! 🍽️
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will add even more flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—145°F is ideal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce seems too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Bacon Pork Chops?
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed vegetables. It’s also great alongside a simple salad for a lighter meal!
