63 BEST SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH PULLED PORK

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re wondering what to serve with your pulled pork.

In this essay, I cover 63 of the most popular pulled pork side dishes.

In a rush? Heres the short answer.

Potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, roasted sweet potatoes, and smoked mac & cheese are all excellent accompaniments to pulled pork. Pulled pork may also be served with Alabama white sauce. For extra possibilities, try rice and beans, kale apple salad, homemade biscuits, kimchi, turnip greens, or grits.

Ready? Lets jump right in.

Great flavor pairings for pulled pork

Pulled pork is traditionally prepared using slow-cooked pork shoulder in a braising broth until fork-tender.

It has a smokey, salty, sweet, sticky, and rich flavor. The following foods go well with pulled pork:

• Creamy, cold tastes such as delicious mayo or yogurt-based sauces give a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pulled pork. Another alternative is avocado.
• Tangy, acidic aromas from citrus fruits and condiments like vinegar and mustard help cut through the richness of your pulled pork. Pickled veggies are ideal palette cleaners.
• Sweet tastes Brown sugar and warming spices like clove and cinnamon will enhance the natural but slight sweetness of your pulled pork (or not so subtle if it’s coated in barbecue sauce).
• Strong, smoky tastes Strong tastes such as smoked paprika or chipotle may add depth and complexity to the smokey flavor of the pork.

Starches

Pulled pork and starchy sides are a marriage made in heaven!

Pulled pork is often stuffed into fluffy brioche buns or sliders, but why not add a Southern touch with flaky handmade biscuits?

Or, for a wonderful Mexican fusion treat, pack it in warm tortillas.

Dill potato salad

This isnt your run-of-the-mill potato salad.

The apple vinegar-seasoned red potatoes and mayo-sour cream-dill dressing make it particularly creamy and tart.

This variation is ideal for cutting through your rich pulled pork.

Why we love this recipe: it’s simple yet packed with creamy, fresh tastes.

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Smoked mac and cheese

Instead of using the stove, smoke this traditional pasta meal on the grill.

You’ll get the same creamy, cheesy pasta you know and love, but with a crispy BBQ crust and seductive smokey taste.

Just remember to slightly undercook your pasta to prevent a soggy disaster!

Why we love this recipe: it explains exactly how to make the best smoked mac & cheese.

Recipe FeaturedMac and cheese with smoked baconMake it without dairy.Mac and cheese that is veganReduce the carbs.Macaroni and cheese with cauliflower

Spanish rice and beans

Need something hearty with your pulled pork?

You can’t go wrong with some hot Spanish rice and beans.

It’s rich of taste, with the beans making it healthy and offering a tender bite to contrast all the soft textures.

Psst… I like to make an egg frittata with the leftovers in the morning.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a simple and fast dish that adds additional nutrition to your meals.

Recipe FeaturedRice and beans from SpainLeave out the beans.Rice with cilantro and limeKeep things simple.Cauliflower rice from Mexico

Garlic parmesan roasted sweet potatoes

These roasted sweet potatoes are sure to impress at your next BBQ.

They’re seasoned with traditional Italian spice, garlic, thyme, and a parmesan cheese topping for the ideal sweet-savory taste combination.

Serve these with a big portion of spicy pulled pork to kick things up a notch.

Why we like this recipe: it requires little effort and cooks everything in a single baking dish.

Recipe FeaturedRoasted sweet potatoes with garlic and parmesanCrisp it up.slices of sweet potatoGo all out.Sweet potato fondant

Homemade biscuits

These handmade biscuits go well with pulled pork.

They have flaky layers and wonderfully golden crusts, and are light, fluffy, and tall.

Tear one open, stuff it with your favorite pulled pork, then slather it with barbecue sauce. Yum!

Why we like this recipe: it uses equal parts buttermilk and milk to provide a delicate texture and a mild, tangy taste that doesn’t overshadow the pork.

Recipe FeaturedBiscuits cooked from scratchMake it simple.Drop cookies in 15 minutesAnother Southern traditionCornbread that is fluffy and juicy

Cheesy grits

Serve the leftover pulled pork over a bed of grits for a hearty breakfast.

Because of the cheddar and pepper jack cheese, they’re rich and creamy, with a salty, gently spicy bite.

Not a fan of this pairing? Replace them with any excellent melting cheese. Gouda and mozzarella are two of my favorite cheeses.

Why we love this recipe: it’s fantastic for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.

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Homemade flour tortillas 

You can purchase flour tortillas at the grocery store, but preparing them from home is preferable.

The handmade version is softer and chewier, yet it couldn’t be simpler to prepare!

To make a dozen tortillas, Half-Baked Harvests only need five pantry ingredients (including water) and 30 minutes.

Fill them with your pulled pork to create tasty tacos or quesadillas.

Why we like this recipe: you can prepare a large batch and freeze the leftovers so you always have them on hand when the cravings strike.

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Vegetables

With these healthy vegetable sides, you can balance off the richness of the pulled pork!

You may keep it basic with roasted or butter veggies, but for something different, add kimchi.

Grilled corn on the cob

To maximize the smokey charred overtones, I grill the corn without the husk. And the smoky tastes complement the flavorful pulled pork well.

To avoid scorching, soak the corn in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling it in the husks.

Don’t forget to cover the corn with garlic butter afterward.

Without the husk and coated in foil.Why we like this recipe: it shows you three different methods to cook corn.

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Quick kimchi

This traditional Korean dish may not be a customary accompaniment to pulled pork.

However, the pleasantly spicy and bright tastes of this fast kimchi will perfectly balance out the smokiness of your pulled pork.

Furthermore, it is milder than ordinary kimchi, so it will not overshadow the pork.

Why we like this recipe: it does not need fermentation, therefore it may be served right away.

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Skillet turnip greens

Want something a little lighter than your typical collard greens?

Try this recipe for pan turnip greens; it’s a healthful side dish with just enough bitter and sour tastes to balance off the richness of your pulled pork.

Its easy to make, plus its super healthy too!

Why we love this recipe: it just takes 15 minutes to prepare a family-sized portion of this meal.

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Harvest succotash 

One of my favorite vegetable sides is succotash.

It doesn’t need the use of an oven, and you may add whatever vegetable you choose as long as you stick to the classic basis of corn and butter beans!

Zucchini, okra, and green beans are some of the additional vegetables I generally use when I prepare this.

Serve with pulled pork for a well-rounded dinner.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a visual and gastronomic feast.

Recipe FeaturedSuccotash harvestingMake things easier.Green beans with herb butterA Cajun classicMaque choux de corn

Creamed collard greens

You’ve probably heard of creamed spinach, so why not try it on another lush green?

The mix of heavy cream, nutmeg, and broth balances the sharpness of the collard greens and gives a note of sweetness that enhances the savory pulled pork.

Remember to blanch the greens before tossing them in the cream sauce to ensure they’re properly soft.

Why we love this recipe: it’s rich yet filling.

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Salads

Instead of starchy sides, serve your pulled pork with a healthy bowl of salad.

When I’m in a hurry, I enjoy a refreshing cucumber salad, but you may also choose for a grain-based salad like quinoa for a more filling lunch.

Kale apple and quinoa salad

This salad is a great fresh side dish for your pulled pork.

It has sweet, salty, and bitter flavors that are all tempered by a simple and zesty lemon dressing.

It’s a tastebud fiesta with all the complementary textures and tastes.

Why we love this recipe: this salad may be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to four hours.

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Asian sesame ginger slaw

Switch things up and try this Asian slaw!

Fresh, crisp vegetables are mixed in a bright, acidic, and umami-packed Asian dressing (soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce).

To make a full and healthful dinner, toss the pulled pork in the slaw and combine.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a lighter version of traditional coleslaw, but it’s also more nuanced and tasty.

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Southwestern salad

This vibrant salad adds a tasty Tex-Mex twist to your pulled pork entrée.

It’s loaded with crunchy lettuce leaves, sweet potatoes, maize, black beans, and tortilla chips, all drenched in a delicious cilantro dressing.

Is your mouth watering yet?

The creamy dressing on Pinch of Yum is made with Greek yogurt, but I’ve had luck using a full avocado to make it dairy-free!

Why we love this recipe: its Insta-worthy.

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Cucumber tomato salad

When I need something fast and fresh, I turn to this cucumber tomato salad.

The herb vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes provide a fresh, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the pulled pork.

Cucumbers of any species may be used, but I like English cucumbers for their additional crisp taste.

Why we like this recipe: each dish has just 107 calories.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with cucumbers and tomatoesMake it hot.Salad with mashed cucumbers from ChinaCreate a condimentDill and seed pickles prepared from scratch

Appetizers/snacks

Do you want to spoil yourself? Serve your pulled pork with these delicious side dishes!

I generally get French fries, but fried okra adds a delicious Southern flavor.

If you like cheese, opt for mozzarella sticks.

Fried okra

With fried okra, you can add a crisp contrast bite to your pulled pork.

The cornmeal and flour combo coats each okra slice with a delightful crispy coating.

Dip them in your pulled pork sauce and enjoy!

Why we adore this recipe: frying okra reduces its slimy texture, making it much more palatable.

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Homemade French fries

I like the simplicity and comfort of baking fries, but double-frying them is the way to go.

This method requires more effort, but it assures that your fries acquire a crispy surface and a soft, fluffy middle.

For the ultimate movie night treat, pile your golden fries on a dish and cover them with your juicy pulled pork.

Why we enjoy this recipe: these fries taste just like the ones you get in restaurants.

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Onion rings

To obtain that crispy taste, most onion ring recipes call for a panko breadcrumb coating, but I prefer Just A Tastes beer batter approach.

The effervescent beer creates a wonderfully crisp, airy coating that will entice you to return for more!

Avoiding alcoholic beverages? Don’t worry, any carbonated beverage will have the same effect.

Why we like it: it has a 4.87 rating out of 144 votes.

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Sauces

Pulled pork is often served with a dark, sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce, but why not branch out?

Alabama white sauce

Instead of your preferred BBQ sauce, try this Alabama white sauce on your pulled pork.

This mayonnaise-based sauce has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste.

Not a lover of mayonnaise? To provide more tang, substitute Greek yogurt.

Why we love this recipe: making this sauce is a snap. Simply combine all of your ingredients in a mixing bowl, give it a good stir, and you’re done!

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Carolina gold BBQ sauce

Another condiment for your pulled pork is this bright yellow BBQ sauce.

It’s produced with a combination of prepared yellow mustard, ketchup, and white vinegar, and it gives your pulled pork a noticeable acidic bite with a little sweetness.

This sauce may be used right away, but it benefits from an overnight rest in the fridge to let the flavors to combine and develop.

Why we like this recipe: it keeps in the fridge for a week.

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The best side dishes for pulled pork

• Dill potato salad
• Smoked mac and cheese
• Spanish rice and beans
• Garlic parmesan roasted sweet potatoes
• Homemade biscuits
• Cheesy grits
• Homemade flour tortillas
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Quick kimchi
• Skillet turnip greens
• Harvest succotash
• Creamed collard greens
• Kale apple and quinoa salad
• Asian sesame ginger slaw
• Southwestern salad
• Cucumber tomato salad
• Fried okra
• Homemade French fries
• Onion rings
• Alabama white sauce
• Carolina gold BBQ sauce