12 Delicious Sides to Serve with Shake and Bake Pork Chops

As a home cook and food blogger, Shake ‘n Bake pork chops were a staple growing up There’s something so nostalgic about those crispy, breaded chops fried up in the pan But coming up with side dishes to complement them can be tricky. You want something that adds flavor and balances out the fried chops.

In this article, I’ll share 12 of my favorite sides to serve with Shake ‘n Bake pork chops. From roasted veggies to cheesy potatoes, there’s something here for every tastebud. I’ll also include tips on how to jazz up basic sides to make them even more delicious. Let’s dive in!

The Classic: Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong pairing Shake ‘n Bake pork chops with creamy, comforting mashed potatoes. The rich savory chops are perfectly balanced by the smooth buttery potatoes.

To jazz them up:

• Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness
• Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan
• Top with crispy fried onions or chives
• Add roasted garlic or fresh herbs
• Drizzle with gravy or truffle oil

Fresh: Green Salad

A crisp green salad is a lovely light side with breaded pork chops. The freshness balances the hearty fried meat.

Try these fun add-ins:

• Tangy vinaigrette, blue cheese, or caesar dressing
• Dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, or fresh berries
• Toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds
• Grilled chicken, hardboiled eggs, or bacon bits
• Croutons or baked wonton strips

Savory: Rice Pilaf

Rice is a natural pairing for Shake ‘n Bake chops. An herb-flecked rice pilaf adds flavor and soaks up any pan sauces or gravy nicely.

Jazz it up with:

• Chicken or vegetable broth instead of water
• Sautéed mushrooms, carrots, peas or other veggies
• Grated Parmesan, crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or chives

Colorful: Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and potatoes adds a pop of color. Their natural sweetness balances the pork chops.

Take it up a notch with:

• Balsamic glaze or lemon juice drizzle
• Minced garlic or thyme for aroma
• Grated Parmesan or feta cheese sprinkled on top
• Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
• Diced pancetta or bacon bits

Comforting: Baked Beans

You can’t beat classic baked beans alongside breaded pork chops. Their sweet and tangy flavors complement each other perfectly.

Make them extra tasty with:

• Diced onion, bell pepper and jalapeño
• Molasses, maple syrup or brown sugar
• Dijon or yellow mustard
• Chopped bacon or ham
• Dash of vinegar or splash of bourbon

Familiar: Mac and Cheese

For ultimate comfort food, try cheesy macaroni and cheese with your Shake ‘n Bake chops. The soft noodles pair nicely with the crunchy breading.

Dress it up with:

• Mix of cheddar and Monterey jack
• Breadcrumb or Ritz cracker topping
• Chopped ham or bacon
• Sautéed onions or peas
• Spices like paprika, mustard powder or cayenne

Fresh: Coleslaw

Cool, creamy coleslaw is a classic complement to fried pork chops. The crunch of the cabbage balances the tender meat.

Punch it up with:

• Toasted almonds or pecan pieces
• Shredded carrot for sweetness and color
• Poppyseed dressing for tang
• Diced apple or dried cranberries
• Chopped green onion and dill

Savory: Fried Rice

For a fun Asian flair, try fried rice loaded with veggies and egg. It’s an easy one-pan side that kids love too.

Make it restaurant-worthy with:

• Garlic, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil
• Scrambled eggs and frozen peas
• Baby corn, carrots, onions and mushrooms
• Oyster sauce, fish sauce or rice vinegar
• Chopped peanuts, cashews or shrimp

Tasty: Cornbread

Warm cornbread muffins or wedges are perfect for mopping up any juices from the pork chops. The hint of sweetness balances the salty breading.

Mix it up with:

• Cheddar, Monterey Jack or jalapeño for spice
• Kernels of corn or diced green chiles
• Bacon drippings or buttermilk for extra moisture
• Honey butter spread

Smooth: Mashed Cauliflower

For a lighter, low-carb option try mashed cauliflower “potatoes.” They pair wonderfully with the pork without the carbs and calories.

Make them next level with:

• Chives, garlic powder, salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan or crumbled Gorgonzola
• Sour cream or cream cheese for creaminess
• Chopped bacon or pancetta
• Diced mushrooms or roasted red peppers

Hearty: Stuffing

Classic bread stuffing is a hearty, filling side for breaded chops. The texture contrast is perfect.

Take it up a notch with:

• Chicken or veggie broth and melted butter
• Sautéed onions, carrots and celery
• Dried cranberries, raisins or apricots
• Fresh sage, thyme or rosemary
• Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans

Cheesy: Scalloped Potatoes

For ultimate comfort, try cheesy scalloped potatoes. They’re decadent yet easy to whip up and bake alongside the pork chops.

Make them next-level with:

• Heavy cream or evaporated milk for extra richness
• Sharp cheddar, Gruyère or smoked Gouda
• Minced garlic or fresh thyme
• Crumbled bacon or diced ham
• Breadcrumb or Ritz cracker topping

There you have it – 12 of my go-to sides for Shake ‘n Bake pork chops! From mashed potatoes to mac and cheese, coleslaw to cornbread, there’s an option for every mood and menu. Don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own unique flavor combinations too. Just keep in mind balance and contrast. Now get to cooking up those crispy, nostalgic chops and yummy sides!