A true Southern comfort food classic, this Homemade Southern Fried Pork Chop Dinner brings together crispy, golden fried pork chops with creamy baked macaroni and cheese, slow-simmered collard greens, sweet candied yams, classic deviled eggs, and warm cornbread. Every bite is packed with rich, homemade flavor, making it the perfect meal for Sunday supper, family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving authentic Southern soul food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, juicy Southern fried pork chops

Rich and creamy baked mac and cheese

Traditional slow-cooked collard greens

Sweet buttery candied yams

Homemade deviled eggs

Fresh baked cornbread

A complete Southern comfort meal

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

For the Southern Fried Pork Chops

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)

2 cups buttermilk

2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon black pepper

1½ teaspoons kosher salt

Vegetable oil for frying

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

½ cup Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Southern Collard Greens

2 bunches collard greens

1 smoked turkey leg or smoked ham hock

1 tablespoon bacon grease

1 medium onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

5 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Candied Yams

3 large sweet potatoes

4 tablespoons butter

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Deviled Eggs

6 large eggs

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish

Salt and pepper

Paprika for garnish

Chopped parsley

Southern Cornbread

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 cup buttermilk

¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork Chops

Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl.

Add the pork chops and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Collard Greens

Wash and chop the greens thoroughly.

Heat bacon grease in a large pot.

Cook the onion until softened.

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add the smoked turkey leg or ham hock.

Pour in the chicken broth.

Season with Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Simmer for 30 minutes.

Add the collard greens.

Cover and cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish with apple cider vinegar.

Step 3: Make the Candied Yams

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thick rounds.

Arrange them in a buttered baking dish.

Mix together:

Melted butter

Brown sugar

Maple syrup

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Vanilla

Salt

Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes.

Cover with foil.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake another 20 minutes, basting occasionally until caramelized.

Step 4: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

Cook the macaroni until just al dente.

Drain.

In a saucepan, melt butter.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream.

Cook until smooth.

Add:

Cheddar

Monterey Jack

Mozzarella

Parmesan

Dijon mustard

Smoked paprika

Season with salt and pepper.

Fold in the macaroni.

Transfer to a buttered baking dish.

Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Make the Deviled Eggs

Boil the eggs for 10–12 minutes.

Cool in ice water.

Peel and slice in half.

Remove the yolks.

Mash the yolks with:

Mayonnaise

Mustard

Pickle relish

Salt

Pepper

Pipe or spoon the filling back into the egg whites.

Sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley.

Step 6: Bake the Cornbread

Combine all dry ingredients.

Whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.

Mix until just combined.

Pour into a greased baking pan.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Step 7: Fry the Pork Chops

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

Combine flour with:

Paprika

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Cajun seasoning

Salt

Pepper

Remove the pork chops from the buttermilk.

Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour.

Fry for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Drain on a wire rack.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Assemble the Plate

Serve one crispy fried pork chop with:

Creamy baked mac and cheese

Slow-cooked collard greens

Candied yams

Two deviled eggs

A slice of warm Southern cornbread

Enjoy immediately while everything is hot.

Tips for Success

Marinate Overnight

An overnight buttermilk soak makes the pork chops incredibly tender and flavorful.

Freshly Grated Cheese

Fresh cheese melts smoother and creates the creamiest mac and cheese.

Cook Greens Low and Slow

Long simmering develops the deep, savory Southern flavor.

Use a Thermometer

Maintain the frying oil at 350°F to ensure a crispy crust without greasy results.

Rest the Pork Chops

Resting the meat keeps the juices inside and prevents them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern comfort meal pairs perfectly with:

Sweet iced tea

Homemade lemonade

Peach cobbler

Banana pudding

Apple pie

Fresh biscuits

Hot pepper vinegar for the greens

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer

The fried pork chops, mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat the pork chops in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness. Warm the side dishes in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, but bone-in pork chops stay juicier and have more flavor.

Can I prepare the side dishes ahead of time?

Absolutely. The mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, and deviled eggs can all be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.

Can I air fry the pork chops?

Yes. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

What cut of pork is best?

Bone-in center-cut pork chops about 1 inch thick provide the best combination of tenderness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Southern Fried Pork Chop Dinner with Baked Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Deviled Eggs, and Cornbread is the definition of classic Southern comfort food. Every component is made from scratch, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, family celebrations, and holiday gatherings. Crispy pork chops, creamy macaroni, tender greens, sweet yams, and homemade cornbread come together in one unforgettable plate that’s guaranteed to satisfy.