How to Make Shake 'n' Bake Pork Chops

Start to Finish: 45 minutes for 1/2-inch chops Servings: 4 Difficulty Level: Beginner

It's a blast from the past -- introduced in 1965, originally in chicken and fish flavors. But if you loved Shake 'N Bake growing up, you are certainly allowed it as a guilty -- or even straight-up -- pleasure now. It's a breeze to coat your pork chops, and they look and taste scrumptious after baking, as if they were fried.

Ingredients: Shake 'N Bake seasoning packet, for pork or chicken 4 pork loin chops, any thickness

Equipment Baking pan Baking rack Aluminum foil or parchment paper Plastic bag (if you've used up the ones provided in the Shake 'N Bake package) * Digital instant-read thermometer

Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with foil or parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top of the pan. Fill a shallow bowl with water and dip the pork chops in it. Let the wet chops sit on top of the pan briefly. Add 2 tablespoons of Shake 'N Bake to the provided bag. Shake the first chop in the bag until it is thoroughly coated, remove it and place it on the rack; similarly shake the remaining chops. Add more seasoning to the bag as needed. For additional chops, repeat the process.

Place the racked pork chops in the oven and set the timer for about 30 minutes for 1/2-inch thick chops, and 45 minutes for 1-inch thick chops. Check the chops for doneness with an instant-read thermometer, which should read 145 F for safety. Allow the chops to cool for about 5 minutes so they retain their juices when sliced.

• You can use the more widely available chicken Shake 'N Bake in place of the pork version. The chicken version contains a [similar amount of paprika](http://www.kraftrecipes.com/Products/ProductInfoDisplay.aspx?SiteId=1&Product=4300005789) and [more celery seed](http://www.kraftrecipes.com/Products/ProductInfoDisplay.aspx?SiteId=1&Product=4300005788) than pork, but the instructions on the chicken Shake 'N Bake box, with roughly similar ingredients, note it can be used on pork.

• For a homemade version of Shake 'N Bake for pork, [combine breadcrumbs, oil and seasonings](http://www.platingsandpairings.com/shake-n-bake-pork-chops/), including salt, paprika, onion flakes, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, basil, oregano and parsley.

• Shake 'N Bake offers a modernized alternative, with [panko breadcrumbs](http://www.kraftrecipes.com/Products/shake-n-bake.aspx), suitable for pork chops or roasts.