Pulled pork sandwiches are a barbecue staple, especially when the weather warms up. The tender, smoky, and flavorful pork piled high on a bun is simply irresistible. But to make it a complete meal, you need the perfect side dishes. If you’re wondering “What To Serve With Pulled Pork Sandwiches,” you’ve come to the right place. From classic Southern sides to fresh and vibrant options, we’ve got a list of delicious pairings that will elevate your pulled pork feast.
Close up of a pulled pork sandwich drizzled with BBQ sauce
Pulled pork sandwiches are a fantastic main course, offering rich and savory flavors. To complement this hearty dish, you’ll want sides that offer a variety of textures and tastes. Think about balancing the richness of the pork with acidity, freshness, and different cooking methods. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a casual weeknight dinner, or just craving some Southern comfort food, choosing the right sides is key to a memorable meal.
Classic BBQ Side Dishes for Pulled Pork
When it comes to BBQ, certain side dishes are just expected. These classics are popular for a reason – they perfectly complement the smoky, savory flavor of pulled pork.
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Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is a quintessential BBQ side. Creamy, tangy, and comforting, it’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason. A good classic potato salad recipe, like the old-fashioned kind with eggs and celery, provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm pulled pork.
A woman holds a bowl of traditional potato salad over a table of other BBQ dishes
Image: Bowl of classic potato salad, a creamy and traditional side dish perfect with pulled pork. -
BBQ Baked Beans
Baked beans are another must-have at any BBQ. Sweet, smoky, and savory, they echo the flavors of the pulled pork while adding a different texture and sweetness. Homemade BBQ baked beans, especially those made in an Instant Pot for convenience, offer a depth of flavor that canned versions simply can’t match. Look for recipes that are spicier and less sugary for a more balanced taste.
Vegetarian Baked Beans are served in a white bowl in front of an Instant Pot
Image: Hearty BBQ baked beans in a white bowl, a classic sweet and savory side dish for BBQ. -
Memphis-Style Creamy Coleslaw
Coleslaw is almost mandatory with pulled pork sandwiches, especially if you’re serving them Memphis-style, where the slaw is piled right on top of the pork. A creamy coleslaw, particularly a Memphis-style recipe, offers a tangy and crunchy contrast to the rich pork. The cool, creamy dressing cuts through the richness of the pulled pork, making each bite more refreshing.
A bowl of coleslaw next to a bowl of baked beans
Image: Bowl of Memphis-style creamy coleslaw, a tangy and crunchy topping or side for pulled pork sandwiches. -
Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest, and it pairs surprisingly well with pulled pork. The creamy, cheesy richness of mac and cheese complements the smoky and savory pork. An Instant Pot macaroni and cheese recipe is a game-changer for ease and speed, allowing you to focus on the main dish and other sides.
Bowls of Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese are served
Image: Creamy Instant Pot macaroni and cheese, a comforting and cheesy side dish loved by all.
Fresh and Lighter Side Dish Options
To balance out the richness of pulled pork, consider adding some fresh and lighter side dishes to your menu. These options provide a welcome contrast and prevent your meal from feeling too heavy.
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No Mayo Potato Salad
For those who prefer a lighter option or dislike mayonnaise, a no-mayo potato salad is a fantastic alternative. These salads often use vinaigrette-based dressings, offering a tangy and bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the pulled pork. They are just as satisfying as classic potato salad but feel a bit fresher.
A bowl of no mayo potato salad on a white towel with tongs
Image: Bowl of no-mayo potato salad, a lighter and tangy alternative to traditional potato salad. -
Cucumber Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
Cucumber salad is incredibly refreshing and light, making it an ideal side for a summer BBQ. A cucumber salad with feta vinaigrette adds a salty and tangy element that works beautifully with pulled pork. The crisp cucumbers and flavorful dressing provide a cooling contrast to the warm, smoky meat.
Close up of cucumbers and salad dressing in a white bowl on top of a blue striped towel
Image: Refreshing cucumber salad with feta vinaigrette, a light and tangy side dish for summer. -
Simple Fruit Salad
A simple fruit salad is another refreshing and light option. The sweetness and acidity of fresh fruits like berries, melon, and grapes provide a palate-cleansing contrast to the savory pulled pork. It’s an easy side to prepare and is always a welcome addition to a BBQ spread.
Image: Colorful and simple fruit salad, a sweet and refreshing side dish that balances rich BBQ flavors. -
Grilled Peach Salad with Burrata
For a slightly more sophisticated salad option, consider a grilled peach salad with burrata. The smoky sweetness of grilled peaches combined with creamy burrata and peppery arugula creates a delightful flavor combination. This salad offers a balance of sweet, savory, and creamy elements, making it a surprisingly good pairing with pulled pork.
Close up of an arugula salad with peaches
Image: Elegant grilled peach salad with burrata, a summery and flavorful salad option.
Vegetable Sides with a Twist
Don’t forget your veggies! These vegetable-based side dishes are packed with flavor and offer different textures to complement your pulled pork sandwiches.
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Oven Fried Okra
Fried okra is a Southern classic, and oven-fried okra offers a lighter, crispier take on this favorite. Oven frying reduces the mess and grease while still delivering that satisfying crunch. It’s a fun and flavorful vegetable side that fits right in at a BBQ.
Overhead of Oven Fried Okra on top of paper towels with a bowl of ketchup and two lemonades
Image: Crispy oven-fried okra, a lighter and healthier version of a Southern classic. -
Oven Roasted Green Beans
Roasted green beans are a simple yet delicious way to serve vegetables. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a slightly crispy texture. They are much more flavorful than canned green beans and provide a healthy and tasty side dish.
Roasted green beans on a white platter
Image: Platter of perfectly roasted green beans, a simple and flavorful vegetable side dish. -
Collard Greens with Bacon
Collard greens, especially when cooked with bacon, are a flavorful and hearty vegetable side. The slight bitterness of the greens is balanced by the smoky bacon, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Adding a touch of Brazilian flair can elevate this classic side even further.
Image: Savory collard greens with bacon, a hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired side dish.
Fun and Unexpected Sides
Looking to add some unexpected flair to your pulled pork meal? These sides are a bit different but incredibly delicious and complementary.
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Oven Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are a fun and addictive appetizer or side dish. Oven-fried pickles offer the same tangy, crunchy goodness with less mess and grease than deep-frying. They are a surprisingly great pairing with pulled pork, offering a tangy and salty counterpoint to the savory meat.
Close up of a white plate of Oven Fried Pickles next to a dipping sauce
Image: Plate of crispy oven-fried pickles with dipping sauce, a fun and tangy side dish. -
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, fluffy fried cornbread, are a classic Southern side dish that goes perfectly with BBQ. Their slightly sweet and savory flavor and soft texture make them a delightful accompaniment to pulled pork. They are easy to eat and always a crowd-pleaser.
Image: Golden brown hush puppies, fluffy and savory fried cornbread, a classic Southern side. -
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a Southern staple that brings a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the meal. Made with fresh sweet corn and perhaps a bit of bacon for extra flavor, it’s a comforting and delicious side that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Image: Bowl of creamy and rich creamed corn, a sweet and comforting Southern side dish.
Don’t Forget the Fries!
Fries are always a welcome addition to any sandwich meal. Whether you prefer classic French fries or sweet potato fries, they are a guaranteed hit.
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Baked French Fries
Crispy baked French fries are a healthier and easier homemade option. Made in the oven, they achieve a satisfying crispiness without the need for deep frying. They are perfect for dipping in BBQ sauce or ketchup and are a universally loved side dish.
Image: Crispy baked French fries, a classic and universally loved side dish. -
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweeter and more nutritious alternative to regular fries. Air fryer sweet potato fries are particularly easy to make and come out perfectly crispy. Their sweetness pairs well with the savory and smoky flavors of pulled pork, especially when dipped in BBQ sauce.
Image: Air fryer sweet potato fries, a slightly sweet and healthier alternative to regular fries.
Homemade BBQ Sauce: The Essential Condiment
While not a side dish, homemade BBQ sauce is an essential element for pulled pork sandwiches. A sweet and spicy BBQ sauce can elevate your pulled pork and tie all the side dishes together. Making your own sauce allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Glass jar of sauce next to spoon
Image: Jar of homemade spicy BBQ sauce, an essential condiment for pulled pork sandwiches.
Drinks to Pair with Pulled Pork Sandwiches
To complete your pulled pork feast, you need refreshing drinks. Classic lemonade, strawberry iced tea, or cherry limeade are all excellent non-alcoholic options, especially during summer. For cocktails, pineapple margaritas or Pimm’s punch would be fantastic pairings, offering fruity and refreshing flavors that complement the BBQ.
Choosing the right side dishes for your pulled pork sandwiches can transform a simple meal into a memorable feast. Whether you opt for classic BBQ sides, fresh salads, or fun and unexpected options, the key is to create a balanced and flavorful meal that everyone will love. So, fire up the grill, pull out your favorite pulled pork recipe, and get ready to enjoy the perfect BBQ experience!
