Cracker Barrel Country Fried Pork Chops

Growing up in the South, Saturday dinners at Cracker Barrel were a family tradition. When perfectly breaded pork chop hit the table, with its golden-brown crust crackling under my fork, I knew I had to recreate this comfort food classic at home. After years of testing, I’ve finally mastered the secret to achieving that signature Cracker Barrel crunch while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.

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What makes Cracker Barrel Fried Pork Chops so irresistible? 

For authentic down-home cooking, it’s tough to beat breaded pork chops. And when it comes to restaurants that offer homestyle cooking, Cracker Barrel is at the top of the list.

This Country Fried Pork Chops Cracker Barrel style recipe offers a flavorful crispy crust and tender, juicy meat so good, you’ll think you are in Mama’s kitchen. Serve these breaded Fried Pork Chops with your choice of the brown pan gravy below, or go with Cracker Barrel’s famous sawmill gravy.

Why you’ll love this recipe 

• Budget-friendly comfort food that feeds the whole family
• The double-breading technique creates an extra-crispy crust
• From fridge to plate in less than 30 minutes, these pork chops make a great weekday meal!
• Perfect make-ahead meal for busy families
• Restaurant-quality results at a fraction of the cost

Should you use bone-in or boneless pork chops?

Bone-in pork chops are preferable in this recipe since they offer more flavor and cost less. They also take longer to cook and are more forgiving when overcooking. However, you may need to talk to the butcher directly since most supermarkets no longer prepackage bone-in chops. 

Breaded Fried Pork Chop Ingredients

To bread the pork chops, you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour – Creates the crispy exterior and helps seasonings adhere
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the meat
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds subtle heat and depth
• Buttermilk – Tenderizes the pork and helps create a thick, flavorful crust
• Water – Thins the buttermilk for ideal coating consistency
• Pork chops – The bone helps retain moisture and adds flavor

You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops, but bone-in chops are a better option. Check out below to learn why. 

To fry the pork chop, you’ll need:

• Neutral oil 
• Breaded and rested pork chops

How to make Fried Pork Chops

To prepare the breading station and bread the pork chops:

1. Whisk the flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a wide, shallow container. 
2. Whisk together the buttermilk and water in a separate, wide, shallow container. 
3. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, and then season the pork chops well with salt and pepper on both sides. 

4. Dredge a seasoned pork chop in the flour mixture and shake off any excess. 
5. Dip the floured pork chop into the buttermilk and water and drop it back into the flour mix. Dredge in flour again and shake off any excess. 
6. Place the double-floured pork chop on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or wire rack over a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining pork chops. 

To fry the pork chops:

1. Pour three to four inches of oil into a deep pan or a deep fryer. If you are using a pan, attach a clip-on deep-fry thermometer to the side. 
2. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F. 
3. Add about two pork chops at a time to the hot oil. Fry for 7 to 8 minutes, using tongs to turn the pork chops over once midway through the cooking time. 
4. Remove the pork chops from the oil and drain them. 
5. Repeat with the remaining breaded pork chops. 

How to make brown gravy with the pan drippings

Brown gravy is a traditional sauce for lots of fried foods since it is economical and easy to make:

• 3 tablespoons reserved frying oil – Base for the roux
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy
• 2 cups liquid (stock, milk, or water) – Creates gravy consistency
• Salt and pepper to taste – Seasons the gravy

1. Drain the fat from the pan, reserving about three tablespoons.
2. Warm the fat over medium heat. 
3. Sprinkle two tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the hot fat and stir constantly to avoid lumps. 
4. Slowly add about two cups of liquid to the pan while stirring. You can use water, milk, or stock (or a combination of all). 
5. Continuously stir until the gravy thickens enough to coat a spoon’s back.
6. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper. 

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Meat Selection: Bone-in chops provide better flavor and are more forgiving when cooking
• Temperature Control: Maintain oil at 350°F for optimal crispiness
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature
• Resting Time: Let breaded chops rest before frying for better crust adhesion
• Oil Recovery: Allow oil to return to temperature between batches

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend
• Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with dairy-free milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Lower-Fat: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack

What to serve with Southern Fried Pork Chops

Try pairing your breaded Fried Pork Chops with one of these:

• Mashed Potatoes. You can’t get more classic than mashed potatoes! The secret to these Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes is evaporated milk and butter!
• Macaroni and Cheese. Whether you prefer baked mac and cheese or the stove-top variety, both go great with country Fried Pork Chops. 
• Coleslaw. Cold and creamy, coleslaw contrasts with breaded Fried Pork Chops. This version from the Brookville Hotel is super simple but still tasty!

How to store leftover Country Fried Pork Chops

Before individually wrapping any extra pork chops in plastic wrap, let them cool to room temperature. Put the wrapped pork chops in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

What is the best way to preheat fried pork chops? 

To reheat the pork chops in the oven, remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Place on a wire rack on a baking tray and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through.

More Cracker Barrel copycat recipes

• Chicken Fried Chicken
• Country Fried Steak
• Fried Chicken Tenders
• Grilled Chicken Tenders
• Hamburger Steak
• Meatloaf
• Mushroom Pot Roast
• Southern Fried Chicken
• Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Favorite pork chop recipes

• Mustard Pork Chops
• Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
• Shake n Bake Pork Chops
• Sour Cream Pork Chops

Check out more of my easy recipes for pork and the best copycat Cracker Barrel recipes on CopyKat!