Pulled pork sandwiches are a quintessential American BBQ delight, perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, or a casual weeknight dinner. The tender, smoky, and flavorful pulled pork piled high on a bun is incredibly satisfying. But to truly elevate your pulled pork experience, you need the perfect side dishes. Wondering what the Best Sides To Serve With Pulled Pork Sandwiches are? You’ve come to the right place!
From classic Southern staples to fresh and vibrant salads, we’ve rounded up a delicious collection of side dishes that will perfectly complement your pulled pork and create a memorable meal. Get ready to discover your new favorite pairings!
Close up of a pulled pork sandwich drizzled with BBQ sauce
Classic BBQ Side Dishes for Pulled Pork
When it comes to BBQ, some sides are simply non-negotiable. These classic options are crowd-pleasers for a reason and pair exceptionally well with the rich flavor of pulled pork.
Creamy Potato Salad
Potato salad is a BBQ staple, and its creamy, tangy coolness provides a wonderful contrast to the smoky pulled pork. A classic potato salad recipe, made with potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onion, is always a hit. Its comforting texture and familiar flavors make it one of the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches.
A woman holds a bowl of traditional potato salad over a table of other BBQ dishes
Memphis-Style Creamy Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another must-have for pulled pork sandwiches. In Memphis, they even put the coleslaw right on top of the pulled pork! A Memphis-style creamy coleslaw, with its balance of sweet and tangy flavors, is the perfect complement to the savory pork. The crispness of the cabbage and carrots adds a delightful textural contrast. This is undeniably one of the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches, especially when piled directly onto the sandwich.
A bowl of coleslaw next to a bowl of baked beans
BBQ Baked Beans
No BBQ spread is complete without baked beans. BBQ baked beans, especially when made from scratch or with a flavorful, less-sweet recipe, are a hearty and satisfying side. The smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes in baked beans mirror and enhance the BBQ flavors of the pulled pork. They are a robust and flavorful addition to any pulled pork meal, making them one of the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches.
Vegetarian Baked Beans are served in a white bowl in front of an Instant Pot
Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is comfort food at its finest and a fantastic side for pulled pork. Macaroni and cheese, whether made in a classic style or with a gourmet twist, offers a rich and decadent counterpoint to the pulled pork. Its cheesy goodness is a crowd-pleasing option and consistently ranks as one of the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches, especially for family-friendly gatherings.
Bowls of Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese are served
Fresh and Light Sides for Pulled Pork
To balance out the richness of pulled pork, consider adding some fresh and lighter side dishes to your menu. These options provide a refreshing contrast and prevent your meal from feeling too heavy.
No Mayo Potato Salad
For those who prefer a lighter potato salad or want to avoid mayonnaise, a no mayo potato salad is an excellent alternative. These salads often feature vinaigrette-based dressings and fresh herbs, offering a bright and tangy flavor profile that cuts through the richness of the pulled pork. It’s a lighter yet flavorful option among the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches, perfect for warmer weather.
A bowl of no mayo potato salad on a white towel with tongs
Cucumber Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
A cucumber salad with feta vinaigrette is a crisp and refreshing side dish that’s incredibly easy to make. The cool cucumbers, salty feta, and tangy vinaigrette provide a delightful contrast to the savory pulled pork. It’s a light, bright, and flavorful choice that makes it one of the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches, especially during hot summer months.
Close up of cucumbers and salad dressing in a white bowl on top of a blue striped towel
Simple Fruit Salad
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple fruit salad! Fresh, seasonal fruits offer a naturally sweet and juicy counterpoint to the smoky and savory pulled pork. A mix of berries, melons, and grapes can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to your BBQ spread. It’s a surprisingly effective and healthy option when considering the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches.
Vegetable Sides for Pulled Pork
Adding some vegetable-based sides ensures a balanced and nutritious meal. Grilled, roasted, or even fried vegetables can be delicious accompaniments to pulled pork.
Oven Roasted Green Beans
Oven roasted green beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s far superior to canned green beans. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly crispy texture. Seasoned with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, they are a healthy and delicious addition to your pulled pork feast. These are a wholesome and tasty option among the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches.
Roasted green beans on a white platter
Oven Fried Okra
For a Southern-inspired vegetable side, oven fried okra is a fantastic choice. Oven frying okra results in a crispy and less greasy version of this classic dish. Its unique flavor and texture pair wonderfully with pulled pork, adding a touch of Southern charm to your meal. This is a flavorful and textural delight and truly one of the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches for a Southern BBQ experience.
Overhead of Oven Fried Okra on top of paper towels with a bowl of ketchup and two lemonades
Collard Greens with Bacon
Collard greens with bacon are a hearty and flavorful Southern side dish that adds depth to your BBQ meal. Stewed collard greens, especially when cooked with bacon or ham hock, offer a savory and slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweetness of BBQ sauce. This robust and flavorful side dish is a Southern classic and ranks high among the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches for a truly authentic BBQ meal.
Fun and Unique Sides
Looking to branch out beyond the classics? These fun and unique side dishes offer exciting flavor combinations and are sure to impress your guests.
Oven Fried Pickles
Oven fried pickles are a surprisingly addictive side dish. The tangy pickles, coated in a crispy batter and baked to golden perfection, offer a fun and unexpected flavor and textural contrast to pulled pork. Serve them with a dipping sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. These crispy, tangy bites are a fun and unique addition, making them one of the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches for a more adventurous palate.
Close up of a white plate of Oven Fried Pickles next to a dipping sauce
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, those fluffy, deep-fried cornbread balls, are a quintessential Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ. Their slightly sweet and savory flavor and soft, yet crispy texture make them a delightful accompaniment to pulled pork sandwiches. These golden, savory fritters are a Southern comfort food classic and are definitely among the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches for a truly Southern feast.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn, especially when made with fresh corn on the cob, is a sweet and creamy side dish that’s incredibly comforting. The sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cream provide a lovely balance to the savory pulled pork. Adding crispy bacon bits takes it to the next level! This sweet and creamy classic is a comforting and delicious option when considering the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches.
Don’t Forget the Drinks!
To complete your pulled pork sandwich feast, don’t forget the drinks! Classic choices like fresh-squeezed lemonade, strawberry iced tea, or cherry limeade are always refreshing. For adult gatherings, consider pineapple margaritas or Pimm’s punch for a summery cocktail.
Choosing the best sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches is key to creating a balanced and delicious BBQ meal. Whether you stick with classic BBQ sides or venture into lighter and more unique options, the goal is to find flavors and textures that complement the star of the show – the pulled pork itself! So fire up the grill, get your pulled pork ready, and pick a few of these fantastic side dishes for your next BBQ!
