Reimagining Leftover Shake and Bake Pork Chops: 12 Creative Ways to Use Them Up

As a home cook who loves quick and easy meals, shake and bake pork chops are a staple in my kitchen The crispy breadcrumb coating pairs perfectly with the juicy, tender pork inside However, leftovers are inevitable and it can get boring eating the same thing multiple nights in a row.

If you find yourself with leftover shake and bake pork chops, don’t despair! With a little creativity, you can transform them into a variety of mouthwatering dishes. In this article, I’ll share 12 delicious ways to use up those leftovers.

For those unfamiliar, shake and bake pork chops are thin, boneless pork chops that are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture then baked in the oven until crispy on the outside and cooked through The coating is a simple mix of breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and spices that sticks to the chops when you shake them in a bag with the crumbs.

The crisp coating keeps the interior of the chop nice and juicy. However, if you reheat them, the coating can lose its crunch. That’s why it’s better to repurpose leftover shake and bake chops in new recipes rather than eating them as is.

12 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Here are 12 tasty recipe ideas to give those leftovers new life:

1. Pork Chop Hash

Dice up the pork chops and mix with potatoes, onions, peppers and spices. Cook in a skillet until lightly browned and serve with eggs for a hearty breakfast or brinner.

2. Pork Fried Rice

Chop pork into small pieces. Toss with cooked rice, veggies like peas and carrots, soy sauce, eggs and sesame oil for quick fried rice.

3. Pork Quesadillas

Warm tortillas, top with shredded pork, cheese, sautéed peppers and onions. Fold and grill for easy pork quesadillas.

4. Pork Tacos

Shred the pork chops and pile onto warmed corn tortillas with lime wedges, onion, cilantro and your favorite taco toppings for tasty street tacos.

5. Pork Salad

Chop pork and mix with leafy greens, tomatoes, cheese, beans, corn, avocado – whatever sounds good! Dress with a tangy vinaigrette.

6. BBQ Pork Pizza/Flatbread

Top pizza dough or naan with bbq sauce, shredded pork, red onion, cilantro and mozzarella. Bake until crispy for homemade bbq chicken pizza.

7. Pork Omelette

Chop pork. Make fluffy omelette, fill with cheese, pork chops, sautéed veggies. Quick protein-packed breakfast!

8. Pork Stir Fry

Slice pork thin and stir fry with snap peas, bell pepper, carrots, garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Serve over rice.

9. Pork Mac and Cheese

Mix chopped, shredded or diced pork with macaroni noodles and cheesy sauce. Top with breadcrumbs or more cheese and bake.

10. Pork Chili

Cook white beans in tomato sauce with onions, peppers, spices and chopped pork chops. Top with cheese, sour cream for hearty pork chili.

11. Pork Casserole

Mix pork with potatoes, rice, veggies, cream of mushroom soup. Top with cheese and bake for simple one-dish casserole.

12. Pork Egg Rolls

Fill egg roll wrappers with pork, shredded veggies, sesame oil. Roll up and deep fry for great leftover appetizers or snacks.

Tips for Repurposing Shake and Bake Pork Chops

• Remove any breading that didn’t get crispy before using pork in new recipes

• Chill and shred, dice or slice chops for easiest prep and best texture

• Add extra seasonings or sauces to boost flavor

• Cook in a skillet, stir fry or bake into casseroles to reheat thoroughly

• Play with different cuisine styles – Mexican, Italian, Asian – for fun new flavors

• Pair with veggies and starches like rice, potatoes or pasta for complete meals

Get Creative in the Kitchen!

As you can see, with a bit of creativity, some pantry staples and seasonings, you can give leftover shake and bake pork chops an exciting makeover. Next time you have extras, try one of these recipes or experiment with your own ideas. Giving new life to leftovers saves money, reduces waste and lets you enjoy delicious new meals from old ingredients. So get creative in the kitchen and start cooking up tasty ways to use up those shake and bake pork chops!