If you grew up with boxed Shake ‘N Bake seasonings, then you already know shake-and-bake pork chops taste wonderful. Sure, you can buy the box mix from the store, but a homemade shake-and-bake seasoning saves a trip, is less expensive and is a whole lot tastier. Try it for yourself with our recipe below.
What are shake-and-bake pork chops?
Shake-and-bake pork chops are made by shaking bread crumbs and spices with pork in a bag before baking in the oven. The two major actions (shake and bake) are its namesake, famously known from Kraft’s Shake ‘N Bake boxed seasoning mix.
Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops Ingredients
- Dry bread crumbs
- Paprika
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Celery salt
- Onion powder
- Dried parsley flakes
- Pepper
- Bone-in pork loin chops (1/2 inch thick)
- Canola oil
The Best Pork for Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops
The best pork for shake-and-bake pork chops is 1/2-inch thick bone-in pork loin chops. As with all pork chop recipes, be sure that the pork chops are all around the same size so they finish cooking at the same time. You can use boneless pork chops in this recipe, but decrease the cooking time by around 5 minutes.
Directions
Step 1: Mix seasonings
Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix bread crumbs, paprika, salt, garlic powder, celery salt, onion powder, dried parsley flakes and pepper in large, resealable plastic bag.
Step 2: Prepare pork chops
Pat dry each pork chop with a paper towel. Brush both sides of the pork chops with oil.
Step 3: Shake pork chops in seasonings
Add one pork chop to the bag. Close the bag, trapping some air in it, and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Place the pork chop on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this step with each pork chop, shaking each chop one at a time.
Step 4: Bake pork chops
Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, or until a thermometer reads 145°.
Editor’s Tip: If you cut into the pork and see a bit of pink, that’s OK! As long as the pork has reached 145° or above, it’s safe to eat.
Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops Variations
- Cajun: Use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend in place of the herbs and spices.
- Barbecue: Try barbecue flavors with brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, mustard powder and ground coriander.
- Italian: Go Italian-style with a few tablespoons of Italian seasoning and a big sprinkling of Parmesan.
- Panko: You can use panko bread crumbs in place of regular bread crumbs, but know that panko have airier and larger flakes which will give the pork chops a much crispier texture than bread crumbs.
- Seasoned bread crumbs: Just make sure the seasonings pair well. This recipe uses a few stronger seasonings like paprika, celery salt and parsley flakes, so pair wisely!
How do you store shake-and-bake pork chops?
Store leftover shake-and-bake pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat shake-and-bake pork chops, bake in a 350° oven for 10 minutes, in an air fryer at 370° for 4 to 5 minutes, or in the microwave for a few minutes. Note that using the microwave may yield soggier coating.
Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops Tips
What can you use instead of a zip-top bag to shake the pork chops?
Instead of a zip-top bag, try using a food storage container following the same method. Another alternative is simply mixing all of the breading ingredients in a shallow bowl, dipping the pork chops one at a time to coat both sides and shaking off the excess (but that method’s not as fun).
Why are my shake-and-bake pork chops soggy?
Your shake-and-bake pork chops may be soggy due to excess moisture from the pork, especially if you thawed your pork chops. Before coating them in the oil and seasonings, blot your pork chops dry with paper towels.
Another culprit could be an accumulation of steam from underneath the pork chops as they bake on the tray. To avoid this, fit an oven-safe cooling rack on the parchment-lined baking sheet, place the seasoned pork chops on the rack and bake. This will provide proper air circulation all around the entirety of the pork chops.
What do you serve with shake-and-bake pork chops?
Applesauce is the famous accompaniment for pork chops, or a side of classic creamed spinach gives this recipe a fiber boost. And, since you already have the oven on, you might as well make roasted potatoes with garlic butter or our best-ever mac and cheese.
