Enjoy a feast of flavors with these 25 delicious side dishes for pulled pork. From classic coleslaw and cornbread to unique combinations like loaded potato skins and Mexican street corn, these recipes provide a plethora of options to complement your main dish.
With options to suit every taste preference, this list serves as a comprehensive guide to side dishes, ensuring you always have the perfect accompaniment for your pulled pork. Create your own culinary masterpiece by selecting the side that complements your BBQ to perfection, and explore the myriad of flavors these dishes bring to your table.
1. Classic Coleslaw
A Perfect Pairing
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich and smoky flavors of pulled pork. The crisp, fresh vegetables in the coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the savory pork.
Versatility at Its Best
Coleslaw is versatile and easy to customize to your tastes. Add some heat with a dash of hot sauce, or some tang with a squeeze of lime. It’s your coleslaw, so make it your own.
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2. Baked Beans
A Classic Comfort Food
Baked beans are a comfort food classic that complement the hearty flavors of pulled pork. Their sweet and tangy sauce balances out the smoky, savory pork perfectly.
Easy to Personalize
You can easily personalize this dish by adding in extra ingredients, such as bacon for a smoky crunch, or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
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3. Macaroni and Cheese
A Hearty Side
Macaroni and cheese is a hearty side that goes great with pulled pork. Its creamy, cheesy goodness provides a delicious contrast to the tangy flavors of the pork.
Make It Your Own
Personalize your mac and cheese by adding different cheeses, spices, or even some vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.
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4. Cornbread
A Southern Staple
Cornbread is a Southern staple that’s a must-have with pulled pork. Its sweet, crumbly texture is the perfect accompaniment to the smoky, juicy pork.
Easy to Customize
Cornbread can be easily customized to your liking. Add in some jalapenos for a spicy kick, or some honey for extra sweetness.
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5. Grilled Vegetables
A Healthier Option
Grilled vegetables are a healthier side option that pair well with pulled pork. Their charred, smoky flavors complement the rich, smoky pork perfectly.
Variety is Key
Mix up your vegetable selection to keep things interesting. Try grilling different types of peppers, onions, or zucchini.
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6. Potato Salad
A Picnic Classic
Potato salad is a picnic classic that goes great with pulled pork. Its creamy, tangy flavors balance out the smoky, rich pork perfectly.
Personalize Your Potato Salad
Feel free to customize your potato salad by adding different herbs, spices, or even some chopped pickles for extra tang and crunch.
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7. Hush Puppies
A Deep South Delight
Hush puppies are a deep-fried delight from the Southern United States that pair excellently with pulled pork. Their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior provide a satisfying contrast to the tender pork.
Customizable to Your Tastes
Hush puppies can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Try adding in some chopped jalapenos for a kick of heat or a handful of corn kernels for added sweetness and crunch.
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8. Fried Green Tomatoes
A Southern Classic
Fried green tomatoes are another Southern classic that goes great with pulled pork. The tangy flavor and crispy coating of the tomatoes provide a delicious contrast to the smoky and savory pork.
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Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different types of breading or dipping sauces to create your perfect fried green tomato dish.
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9. BBQ Deviled Eggs
A Tasty Twist
BBQ deviled eggs are a tasty twist on the traditional deviled egg recipe. The smoky, tangy BBQ flavors blend perfectly with the creamy egg yolk filling, making these a great side dish for pulled pork.
Customize Your Deviled Eggs
You can easily customize your deviled eggs by adding different herbs, spices, or even a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
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10. Collard Greens
A Nutritious Side
Collard greens are a nutritious side dish that pairs well with pulled pork. The bitter, earthy taste of the greens complements the rich, savory flavors of the pork.
Customizable to Your Tastes
Customize your collard greens by adding ingredients like bacon, onions, or garlic for extra flavor.
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11. Sweet Potato Fries
A Sweet and Savory Pairing
Sweet potato fries are a sweet and savory side that pairs well with the rich and smoky flavors of pulled pork. The crispy, sweet fries are a delightful contrast to the savory pork.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings on your fries. From cinnamon to chili powder, the options are endless.
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12. Grilled Corn on the Cob
A Summer Classic
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer classic that complements the smoky flavors of pulled pork. The sweet, juicy corn kernels and the charred, smoky flavor from the grill make this a favorite side dish.
Easy to Personalize
You can easily personalize grilled corn by adding different herbs, spices, or flavored butters.
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13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A Flavorful, Nutritious Side
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a flavorful, nutritious side dish that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork. The caramelization from roasting brings out a sweetness in the sprouts, balancing the savory pork.
Easy to Customize
You can easily customize roasted Brussels sprouts by adding different herbs, spices, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor and a touch of indulgence.
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14. Southern-Style Green Beans
A Southern Staple
Southern-style green beans, cooked until they’re tender and full of flavor, make a great side dish for pulled pork. The smoky, savory flavors of the beans pair perfectly with the rich, juicy pork.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to personalize this dish by adding in bacon, onions, or your favorite spices.
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15. Corn Pudding
A Creamy Delight
Corn pudding is a creamy, sweet dish that works wonderfully as a side for pulled pork. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory, smoky flavor of the pork.
Customizable to Your Tastes
You can customize corn pudding by adding different ingredients, such as jalapenos for a spicy kick or cheese for a savory twist.
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16. Grilled Asparagus
A Healthy Side
Grilled asparagus is a healthy, simple side dish that pairs nicely with pulled pork. The smoky, charred flavor of the asparagus complements the rich, savory pork.
Personalize Your Asparagus
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or sauces to give your grilled asparagus a unique twist.
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17. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A Comfort Food Classic
Garlic mashed potatoes are a comfort food classic that goes great with pulled pork. The creamy, garlicky potatoes offer a delicious contrast to the smoky, tangy pork.
Make It Your Own
You can customize your mashed potatoes by adding different herbs, cheeses, or even some roasted garlic for extra flavor.
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18. Biscuits and Gravy
A Hearty Companion
Biscuits and gravy make a hearty side dish for pulled pork. The fluffy, buttery biscuits and the rich, creamy gravy can hold their own against the robust flavors of the pork.
Personalize Your Biscuits and Gravy
Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your gravy or add herbs to your biscuits for added flavor.
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19. Pickled Vegetables
A Tangy Treat
Pickled vegetables are a tangy side dish that can help cut through the richness of the pulled pork. They add a nice crunch and a burst of acidity, balancing out the meal.
Create Your Own Pickle Mix
You can easily make pickled vegetables with your favorite veggies, making them as sweet or as tangy as you like.
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20. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
A Nutritious Complement
Sautéed spinach with garlic is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements pulled pork beautifully. The mild, earthy flavor of the spinach and the aromatic garlic contrast nicely with the smoky, savory pork.
Customizable to Your Tastes
Feel free to add other ingredients to your sautéed spinach, such as a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
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21. Jalapeno Poppers
A Spicy, Cheesy Delight
Jalapeno poppers are a spicy, cheesy delight that pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of pulled pork. The heat from the jalapenos and the creamy cheese make for a delicious contrast to the pork.
Customize Your Poppers
You can customize jalapeno poppers by choosing different cheeses or adding a smoky bacon wrap.
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22. Onion Rings
A Crispy, Savory Treat
Onion rings are a crispy, savory side dish that goes wonderfully with pulled pork. The sweet, tender onions and the crunchy batter make for a satisfying contrast to the tender, juicy pork.
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Make It Your Own
Customize your onion rings by playing around with different types of batter, such as adding beer for a lighter, crispier texture.
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23. Loaded Potato Skins
A Hearty, Indulgent Side
Loaded potato skins are a hearty, indulgent side dish that pairs well with pulled pork. The crispy potato skins, filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, offer a rich counterpoint to the smoky, tangy pork.
Personalize Your Potato Skins
Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your potato skins, such as using sweet potatoes, different types of cheese, or adding some green onions for a fresh touch.
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24. Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
A Healthy, Flavorful Side
Roasted broccoli with garlic is a healthy, flavorful side dish that complements pulled pork nicely. The charred, crispy edges of the broccoli and the aromatic garlic contrast beautifully with the rich, savory pork.
Customize Your Broccoli
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings on your roasted broccoli, such as adding some parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or crushed red pepper flakes.
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25. Guacamole
A Creamy, Refreshing Side
Guacamole is a creamy, refreshing side dish that goes great with pulled pork. The rich, creamy avocado and the tangy lime juice in the guacamole pair beautifully with the smoky, savory flavors of the pork.
Customize Your Guacamole
Feel free to customize your guacamole by adding different ingredients, such as diced tomatoes, cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce.
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Conclusion
Each of these side dishes brings its own unique flavor and texture to the table, enhancing the delicious, smoky pulled pork and creating a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something fresh and crunchy, creamy and indulgent, or hot and spicy, there’s a side dish on this list that’s perfect for you. Remember, the best part about cooking is making it your own, so feel free to experiment with these dishes and add your own personal touch. Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal to the fullest!