Pulled pork is a fantastic family dinner whether served with pasta, as sandwiches or on its own. But what should you serve with pulled pork? Here’s a look at some of the best options.
Pulled pork is a succulent and flavourful dish that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. This tender, shredded meat is a versatile main course that’s perfect on sandwiches, as tacos, with pasta, or as a side dish of its own.
Because pulled pork is so versatile and can be used in various ways, it can be hard to know what to serve with it.
Here’s a look at some of the best options when considering what to serve with pulled pork.
*This post may contain affiliate links to products I find useful when making this recipe. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*
Pulled Pork Dinner Complements
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic and comforting side dish with pulled pork dinner. They are packed with flavour and have a sweet, tangy taste that complements the rich flavour of the pork. The delicious combination of tender beans, barbecue sauce, and a touch of brown sugar creates an irresistible, filling and satisfying dish.
Baked beans with pulled pork are ideal if you aren’t serving with bread of any kind or you want to make the kids happy!
Vegetable Sides for Pulled Pork
Serving vegetable sides with your pulled pork dinner is a fantastic way to add a fresh, colourful, and healthy element to the meal. Some popular options include:
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: Vegetables like courgettes, peppers, onions, and tomatoes can be simply seasoned and cooked to perfection on the grill or in the oven.
- Coleslaw: A crisp, refreshing coleslaw adds a tangy touch that perfectly balances pulled pork’s savoury flavours.
- Green beans: A simple side of steamed or sautéed green beans with garlic and almonds offers a light and delicious addition to your meal.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, seasoned with butter and a sprinkle of salt, is a summertime classic that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a quintessential side dish for pulled pork dinners, and for good reason. The combination of tender boiled potatoes, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy vegetables creates a pleasant contrast of textures that enhances the overall dining experience. There are countless variations of potato salad, with ingredients such as eggs, bacon, or pickles, allowing you to customise the dish to suit your personal preferences and the overall theme of your meal.
Pasta Salad
A delicious pasta salad provides a versatile and tasty side dish accompanying pulled pork. Classic ingredients like fresh vegetables, cheese, and olives, combined with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy sauce, create an appealing and satisfying side. A well-prepared pasta salad complements the robust flavour of pulled pork, providing a delightful and complete dinner experience.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Tacos
Pulled pork tacos are a popular dish easily customised with various side dishes. This section will cover a few side components that can be served with pulled pork tacos, including cheese, grilled corn, and onion rings.
Cheese
Adding cheese to pulled pork tacos will enhance the overall flavour and provide a delightful texture. Some popular choices include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack. Each type of cheese offers a distinct taste, ranging from the mild flavour of cheddar to the spiciness of pepper jack. Experiment with different kinds of cheese to find the perfect match for your pulled pork tacos.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is a fantastic side dish with a smoky flavour and crunchy texture to your pulled pork tacos. You can serve grilled corn on the cob or remove the kernels and mix them with various ingredients to create a corn salsa. Combine corn kernels with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and fresh coriander for a refreshing and flavourful side that complements the rich taste of pulled pork tacos.
Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings are another great addition to pulled pork tacos, offering a contrasting texture and enhancing the overall dish. To prepare onion rings, slice onions into thick rings, dip them in a seasoned batter, and fry them until golden brown. You can serve onion rings separately or place them on the pulled pork tacos for added crunch and flavour.
Healthy Sides for Pulled Pork
Green Beans
Green beans are a fantastic and healthy side to serve with pulled pork. They are low in calories, high in fibre, and rich in vitamins and minerals. To prepare this dish, blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Drain them well, then toss them in a mixture of:
- A drizzle of olive oil
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
This simple dressing enhances the natural flavour of the green beans while adding a zestiness that complements the richness of the pulled pork.
Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes are another nutritious and satisfying side dish that pairs well with pulled pork. They are an excellent source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamin A and potassium. To ensure a perfect bake, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Pierce the skin of each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub a small amount of olive oil onto the skin of each potato and season with salt.
- Place the potatoes directly onto the oven rack and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
When serving baked sweet potatoes with pulled pork, you can provide a variety of healthy toppings, such as Greek yoghurt, fresh herbs, and a light sprinkle of cheese, further elevating the flavours dish’s flavour and keeping the meal balanced and nutritious.
Another option is using pulled pork as a topping for your baked potato.
Perfect Sides for Pulled Pork Sandwiches
When serving pulled pork sandwiches, it’s essential to complement their rich flavours with side dishes that bring a different taste and texture. This section will discuss four popular side dishes: Coleslaw, Baked Potato, Sweet Potato Fries, and Potato Wedges.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic and refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork sandwiches. Its crisp and tangy taste helps balance the meat’s richness. To make coleslaw, simply mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, and then stir in a sauce made of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. You can also customise your coleslaw by adding different vegetables or herbs to suit your preference.
Baked Potato
A baked potato is another great side dish to serve with pulled pork sandwiches. This hearty option provides a tasty contrast to the tender meat due to its fluffy interior and crispy exterior. To prepare a baked potato, pierce the skin several times with a fork and bake it in the oven until it’s soft. After cooking, slice it open and top it with a generous portion of butter and your favourite condiments like sour cream, chives, or cheese.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a satisfying, colourful, and slightly healthier alternative to regular fries. Their natural sweetness complements the savoury flavours of the pulled pork sandwich. To make sweet potato fries, cut them into thin strips, season them with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika or cinnamon, and bake them in the oven until crispy. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavour.
Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are a versatile side dish that can be seasoned with various herbs and spices to match the flavours in your pulled pork sandwich. To make potato wedges, cut potatoes into thick pieces, coat them with a blend of oil and your chosen seasonings, and bake them in the oven until crisp and golden. Popular seasoning options for potato wedges include garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Pairs nicely with a tangy dipping sauce or enjoyed plain, potato wedges can add a warm, comforting component to your meal.
Exploring Different Combinations
Potato dishes are popular, and we’ve already looked at fries and baked potatoes. Other options include:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, perfect for soaking up any sauce from the pulled pork.
- Roast potatoes: Offering a crispy, satisfying texture that pairs well with tender pulled pork.
For a lighter option, grilled or roasted vegetables make an excellent accompaniment to pulled pork. Try grilling or roasting seasonal vegetables, like carrots, courgettes, and peppers, tossed with olive oil and seasoning. This not only adds a healthy component to your meal but also introduces a variety of colours and flavours.
Another popular choice when it comes to pulled pork sides is cornbread. This slightly sweet and crumbly side is a staple in Southern cuisine. It goes particularly well with barbecued or smoked pulled pork.
Finally, for a more indulgent option, consider macaroni and cheese. This rich and creamy dish can be enjoyed independently or used as a topping for the pulled pork, creating a decadent meal.
In conclusion, pulled pork’s versatility allows for a wide range of side dishes, from lighter options like coleslaw and grilled vegetables to heartier choices like potato dishes and macaroni and cheese. Experimenting with combinations will help you find the perfect balance of flavours and textures for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
