Crispy, golden breaded pork chops are always a hit at dinner. But when you have leftovers, things can get boring fast eating the same thing again. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! With a little creativity, breaded pork chops can be transformed into a variety of quick and easy meals.
After cooking up a batch of breaded pork chops for my family, I found myself with plenty of leftovers. Through experimenting in the kitchen, I discovered endless ways to give those leftovers new life. From soups and sandwiches to cheesy bakes and tacos, breaded pork adds flavor and crunch to all kinds of dishes.
Here are my top 20 recipes for repurposing leftover breaded pork chops into exciting new meals:
Simple Ways to Use Leftover Breaded Pork
1. Pork Chop Sandwiches
For a classic sandwich, layer cold breaded pork chops on buns with mustard, pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce. The crispy coating adds great texture
2. Chop and Toss into Salads
Cube up the pork and toss it into leafy green or grain-based salads for a protein punch. The breaded bits add crunch
3. Slice and Serve with Eggs
Chop up breaded pork chops to mix into scrambled eggs, omelets or breakfast hash for a hearty start to the day.
4. Pork nachos or Quesadillas
Pile chopped pork onto tortilla chips or quesadillas along with cheese beans salsa and guacamole for easy Mexican-inspired meals.
5. Eat Cold as a Snack
Eat leftover breaded pork chops cold right out of the fridge for a high-protein snack on the go. The crispy coating stays appealing.
Recipes to Repurpose Leftover Breaded Pork
When you have more time, try these delicious recipes to transform leftover breaded pork into brand new dishes:
6. Cheesy Pork Chop Casserole
In a baking dish, layer breaded pork chops with potatoes, veggies and cheese sauce. Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly.
7. Pork Chop Soup
Simmer chopped pork in chicken or veggie broth with potatoes, carrots, onion and seasonings for a hearty and comforting soup.
8. BBQ Pulled Pork
Chop pork chops and toss with barbecue sauce. Pile onto buns for easy pulled pork sandwiches.
9. Sweet and Sour Pork
You can fake takeout with this homemade version. Sauté pork and veggies in a sweet and tangy sauce thickened with corn starch.
10. Pork Fried Rice
Stir chopped pork into leftover rice with soy sauce, eggs, peas, carrots and green onions for quick fried rice.
11. Pork and Pepper Stir-Fry
Slice pork chops and stir-fry with colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli in a teriyaki or oyster sauce.
12. Pork Sliders
Pile crispy breaded pork, cheese, pickles and sliced onions onto mini burger buns for handheld fun.
13. Pork Tacos
Warm breaded pork in taco shells and top with pico de gallo, avocado and lime crema for an easy taco night.
14. Pork Chop Salad
Chop pork chops and toss with greens, dried cranberries, nuts and a vinaigrette for a lighter, fresh-tasting salad.
15. Breakfast Hash
Mix pork into potato hash with onions, peppers, seasoning and a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or dinner.
16. Pork Mac and Cheese
Stir cubed pork chunks into cheesy macaroni and cheese. Top with breadcrumbs and more cheese for comfort food bliss.
17. Pork Chop Sub
Layer breaded pork, cheese, lettuce, tomato and creamy dressing on a sub roll. Toast until melted for an easy hot sandwich.
18. Pork and Rice Bowl
Combine breaded pork with your favorite rice bowl additions like sauteed veggies, avocado, egg and teriyaki sauce.
19. Cheesy Pork Enchiladas
Warm chopped pork in enchilada sauce then wrap in tortillas with Mexican-style toppings for a zesty baked dish.
20. Pork Pot Pie
Make an easy homemade pot pie by baking breaded pork and vegetables in a creamy sauce topped with pie dough.
Don’t Let Leftovers Go to Waste!
As you can see, crispy leftover breaded pork chops can be easily transformed into all kinds of delicious family meals. Whether enjoyed cold in sandwiches or repurposed into cheesy bakes, hearty fried rice or zesty tacos, breaded pork adds flavor, protein and crunch. With a little creativity, you’ll look forward to leftovers instead of letting food go to waste.
How to upgrade Pork chop leftovers
FAQ
How to reheat leftover breaded pork chops?
What to do with dry pork chop leftovers?
How long do breaded pork chops last in the fridge?
How good are leftover pork chops good for?
What can I make with leftover pork chops?
To give leftover pork chops a new lease on life, sautee up some veggies and toss in your chopped pork. Finish the dish with a flavorful sauce for a meal that’s packed with punch. Alternatively, you can make an Asian-inspired dish by adding veggies, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs. This hearty and delicious meal is ready in just 20 minutes.
What to do with leftover pork?
Leftover pork can be chopped up into bite-sized pieces. Before frying anything, mix all sauces together in a small bowl. Then, heat up a large wok and throw in the pork. Add diced carrots, one spoon of vegetable or olive oil, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook the pork with these ingredients.
What are some ways to use up cooked pork chops?
You can use cooked pork chops in various dishes. For example, you’ll slice potatoes super-thin, add cream of mushroom soup and milk, onions, and butter. Chop up your cooked pork for this one and disperse it throughout. Then bake it up and relax, or make a refreshing salad to go along with it. This recipe results in a rich and creamy dish, making it a great way to use up your pork chops.
Can you eat leftover pork chops with rice?
You can eat leftover pork chops with rice. Not only can you pair it with pasta, but the pork chops can also be eaten with rice in the recipe for ‘Leftover Pork Chops With Rice Pilaf’.