The Surprising Crust You Should Be Adding To Your Pork Chops

Maybe the most obvious crust to use for making pork chops is bread crumbs. Whether you buy them already seasoned or prefer to season them yourself like Andrew Zimmern, a bread crumb coating gives your chops a yummy layer that packs a little crispiness and some extra flavor. If you've mastered basic, breaded pork chops and are ready to move past the Shake 'n Bake level of your cooking game, there are some surprising ingredients you can use to make your crust, and one of those ingredients is shredded or flaked coconut.

According to Delish, shredded coconut can be used in a pork chop crust, and not surprisingly, it will make the dish sweeter. One way to go about making coconut-crusted pork chops is on top of the stove. Rachel Ray has a recipe for pork chops that calls for triple dredging with ingredients like flour, eggs, soy sauce, bread crumbs, seasoning, and coconut flakes (via Food Network). It's served with warm pineapple salsa and worthy of a starring role in any staycation.

If you're not a fan of coconut flavor (unpopular opinion?) or have an allergy to coconut, don't worry; there are plenty of other ingredients you can use to make a delicious pork chop crust. Delish lists some ingredients that you can use that are common snacks you might already have in your cupboard (or laying beside you in bed; no judgment) including cornflakes, potato chips, and pretzels.

Another bread crumb substitute that can kick your chops up a notch is nuts. There are several types of nuts that make a great pork chop, so take your pick. If pistachios are up your alley, Food.com offers a recipe that works those in. If you're more into walnuts, the BBC has an applicable recipe, or if you're just trying to use up a big jar of peanuts, the Star Tribune has you covered. So, the next time you are in the mood for pork chops but are out of bread crumbs, look around, you might already have what it takes to make something delicious — of course, first you've got to have the chops.