This recipe for Shake and Bake Pork Chops is a homemade take on the childhood favorite. Juicy pork chops are coated in a tasty breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden brown and delicious.
I believe that I have yet to make any recipe that calls for deep frying. I vow to someday get over that fear. BUT I get nervous around a pot of hot oil. It looks like the temperature has to be just right, and I’m always afraid that my coating won’t stick, the meat will be raw inside, it will be too greasy, etc. etc. etc.
Shake N Bake is manufactured by Kraft Foods and was first introduced in 1965. With ads like “Why fry? Shake N Bake” and “Shake N Bake: It’s better than frying,” it has been marketed as a healthier and less-greasy way to cook.
The coating is flavored bread crumbs and is made for chicken and pork. It comes in a baggie so you can shake your meat to cover it with the coating.
I remember eating Shake and Bake as a kid, growing up. Even though it’s been a while, I still think this version tastes a lot like the last one!
Fill a Ziploc bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake the bag until the chops (or chicken pieces) are covered in the crumb mixture. Then bake until the coating gets nice and brown and crispy.
Shake and bake pork chops are a weeknight dinner staple in many households. That iconic ziploc bag of seasoned breadcrumb coating delivers juicy pork chops with a crispy, golden exterior in minutes. But what should you serve alongside those easy yet delicious shake and bake chops?
The possibilities are endless, but some sides pair particularly well. Here are 12 perfect pairings, from classic to creative, that will make your shake and bake pork chops shine.
1. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a no-brainer pairing for breaded pork chops. Their creamy, rich texture provides the perfect balance to the crunchy chopped coating. Jazz them up with sour cream, cheese, roasted garlic or crispy fried onions.
2. Mac and Cheese
Another comforting classic, mac and cheese is a fantastic complement to shake and bake chops. The soft, cheesy noodles pair nicely with the crispy breadcrumb exterior. Take it up a notch with chopped bacon, sautéed veggies or toasted breadcrumbs.
3. Roasted Veggies
A medley of roasted vegetables like carrots Brussels sprouts and potatoes adds a pop of color and natural sweetness. Drizzle them with fresh lemon juice or balsamic glaze after roasting. Their slightly charred flavor pairs wonderfully.
4. Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw provides the perfect fresh, tangy crunch alongside breaded chops. Pack yours with shredded carrot for extra color and sweetness. Toasted almonds or pecans also add tasty crunch.
5. Cornbread
Few sides are as quintessentially Southern as fresh cornbread. The subtly sweet, crumbly cornbread complements the saltiness of the seasoned breadcrumb coating. Mix in corn kernels, chiles or cheese for extra flavor.
6. Baked Beans
You can’t go wrong pairing pork chops and baked beans. Their sweet, smoky and tangy flavors complement each other brilliantly. Jazz them up with crispy bacon bits, mustard and brown sugar.
7. Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
For ultimate comfort food, try creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. Milk-soaked slices of potato get ultra rich and tender when baked with cheddar. They’re the perfect pairing for crispy chops.
8. Fried Rice
Fun fried rice loaded with veggies, egg and soy sauce provides an easy one-pan side. Kids love it, and it balances the shake and bake chops with an Asian twist. Add peanuts for extra crunch.
9. Glazed Carrots
For some color on your plate, make sweet glazed carrots. Boil and glaze baby carrots with brown sugar, butter and a touch of cinnamon. Their natural sweetness stands up to the salty pork beautifully.
10. Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich, fried pork chops deliciously. Add nuts, fruit and creamy cheese for even more contrasting flavors and textures.
11. Cheesy Risotto
Creamy, cheesy risotto is a savory complement to crispy pork chops. The rice soaks up pan sauces while melted cheese contrasts the coating. Stir in peas or mushrooms for extra flavor.
12. Skillet Corn
When corn is in season, try skillet corn sautéed in butter with red pepper, onion and smoked paprika. It’s easy, fresh and brightens up any plate of shake and bake chops.
With so many options, from filling starches to bright veggies and beyond, you can always whip up the perfect pairing for those easy yet delicious shake and bake pork chops. Now grab that bag of coating and get cooking!
How to bake Shake and Bake pork chops
Cook in a 425-degree oven for 25 minutes, until the internal temperature registers 145-degrees on a meat thermometer. I prefer to use boneless pork chops for this recipe, but you can also use bone-in pork chops.
If you’re cooking other items alongside your pork chops, you can adjust the temperature:
- Cook pork chops at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Cook pork chops at 375 degrees for 35 minutes.
- Cook pork chops at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
How to make Shake and Bake chicken breasts (boneless)
For 15 to 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant read thermometer reads 165 degrees, cook in an oven heated to 400 degrees.
SHAKE AND BAKE PORK CHOPS COPYCAT RECIPE
FAQ
What sides go with shake and bake pork chops?
Why are my shake and bake pork chops soggy?