How to make Homemade Shake and Bake. This quick, simple seasoning mix gives you crispy outsides and juicy insides for pork chops, chicken breasts, or other proteins—no frying required.
Kraft’s boxed Shake ’N Bake is convenient, but a homemade Shake and Bake mix is fresher, more flavorful, and made from simple pantry ingredients—no high fructose corn syrup or mysterious “natural flavors.” You likely already have everything you need to make this at home.
This mix is fast to make and easy to scale: double or triple the recipe and store it for busy weeknights. It’s excellent on chicken and pork, and it crisps beautifully whether you bake, air fry, or roast.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for the Perfect Shake and Bake Recipe
- How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Seasoning
- How Much Shake and Bake Seasoning Do I Need Per Pound of Meat?
- Which Meat is Best with Homemade Shake and Bake?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ingredients for the Perfect Shake and Bake Recipe
Find the printable recipe and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Shake and Bake is essentially seasoned breadcrumbs. This version mixes plain breadcrumbs with a touch of cornstarch for extra crispness and better adhesion. Flavor comes from garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Tip: Swap 2–3 tablespoons of the base blend for homemade ranch or Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile. Using a mix of regular and panko breadcrumbs can add crunch—just keep at least half regular breadcrumbs for best adhesion.
How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Seasoning
Step 1: Combine breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Stir until evenly mixed. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
How Much Shake and Bake Seasoning Do I Need Per Pound of Meat?
Use about 1/2 cup of the coating mixture per pound of meat. The amount can vary based on how thick you want the coating and whether you use panko (which is flakier and may require more volume) or regular breadcrumbs.
Which Meat is Best with Homemade Shake and Bake?
This coating works well on a variety of proteins. Favorites include:
- Chicken: The classic choice—breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or tenders all crisp up nicely.
- Pork: Pork chops are an excellent match; the crust stays crisp while the inside remains juicy.
- Fish: Light white fish like tilapia or cod take the coating well for a flaky, crunchy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shake ’N Bake is a seasoned breadcrumb-style coating used for baking chicken and pork. It became popular for providing a crispy coating without deep-frying.
Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and verifying that your spices are certified gluten-free.
Yes. Toss chopped vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or potatoes with a little oil, coat with the seasoning, and roast or air-fry until golden and crispy.
Homemade Shake and Bake Recipe
Jessica Randhawa
Ingredients
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until evenly distributed. Store leftover seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Notes
Yield: Makes about 1 1/4 cups of seasoning—enough for roughly 2 pounds of meat, depending on how thickly you coat.
- Use regular breadcrumbs, panko, or a mix. For best adhesion and texture, use at least half regular breadcrumbs.
- Optional additions: a pinch of sugar for balance or cayenne for heat.
Storage: Double or triple the batch and store in a sealed jar or container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 92 g |
Protein: 16 g |
Fat: 6 g |
Sodium: 3123 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.