Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe

Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience with our Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops! This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms with the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked pork chops. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast, this recipe will become a favorite in your household. Follow along for a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this delicious masterpiece.

Ingredients

Before you embark on this flavor adventure, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Side Dish (Garlic Mashed Potatoes):

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan (for optional side dish)
• Potato masher or electric mixer (for optional side dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Chops

1. Season the Pork Chops: Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and create a nice crust during cooking.
2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This ensures that the pork chops will sear properly, locking in their juices.
3. Sear the Pork Chops: Add the seasoned pork chops to the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Use tongs to flip them carefully. Once seared, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage as they will finish cooking later.

Step 2: Preparing the Bacon and Mushroom Sauce

1. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Add the Mushrooms: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
5. Incorporate the Cream and Mustard: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
6. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Combining and Cooking

1. Return the Pork Chops: Nestle the seared pork chops back into the skillet, ensuring they are surrounded by the bacon mushroom sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops to coat them evenly.
2. Simmer Until Cooked Through: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pork chops simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
3. Rest the Pork Chops: Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Step 4: Optional Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes and Garlic: Place the cubed potatoes and peeled garlic cloves in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the saucepan. Add the milk and unsalted butter. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped chives.

Serving Suggestions

Plate the bacon mushroom pork chops with a generous spoonful of the creamy bacon mushroom sauce on top. Serve alongside a heaping portion of garlic mashed potatoes, allowing the sauce to mingle with the creamy potatoes. Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs, good quality bacon, and fresh mushrooms make a significant difference.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the pork chops are of uniform thickness for even cooking. If they are thicker, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Don’t Rush the Searing: Allow the pork chops to develop a good sear before flipping. This caramelization adds a lot of flavor to the final dish.
• Resting the Meat: Always let the meat rest after cooking. This step is crucial for juicy, tender pork chops.

Congratulations! You’ve just created a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. Our Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops are a testament to the magic that happens when simple, high-quality ingredients are combined with careful cooking techniques. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to an elegant dinner party. Enjoy your flavor adventure!