Pulled pork, with its smoky, tender, and flavorful meat, is a barbecue staple that’s loved across the United States and beyond. Whether you’re slow-cooking it for a family gathering, a backyard BBQ, or a casual weeknight dinner, the question inevitably arises: “What Is Pulled Pork Served With?” The beauty of pulled pork lies in its versatility; it pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes, from classic Southern comfort food to fresh and vibrant salads.
To help you create the perfect pulled pork feast, we’ve compiled a list of 35 incredible side dishes that will elevate your meal and leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to explore a world of flavors that perfectly complement the rich taste of pulled pork.
Classic Southern Sides for Pulled Pork
For an authentic Southern BBQ experience, you can’t go wrong with these time-honored side dishes that are practically made for pulled pork.
1. Southern Skillet Cornbread
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No Southern meal is complete without cornbread, and skillet cornbread is a quintessential choice. This recipe, requiring just six simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, yields a hot, moist, and tender cornbread perfect for soaking up the smoky juices of pulled pork. Cut it into wedges and serve alongside your BBQ for a truly comforting experience.
2. Classic Coleslaw
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Coleslaw and BBQ sandwiches are a match made in heaven, and this classic coleslaw recipe is the ideal creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet counterpart to rich pulled pork. Its refreshing crispness cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and flavorful bite. Every Southerner knows a BBQ sandwich isn’t complete without it, and neither is your pulled pork plate.
3. Hush Puppies
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Flavorful and fried to golden perfection, hush puppies bring that authentic BBQ restaurant vibe right to your table. These savory, deep-fried cornbread balls are surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples like flour, cornmeal, buttermilk, and onion. Serve them hot and fresh alongside pulled pork for a delightful crunchy and savory side.
4. Southern-Style Collard Greens
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For a truly soulful side, look no further than Southern-style collard greens. This classic recipe, simmered low and slow with smoky flavors, is the epitome of Southern comfort food. While they require a couple of hours to cook, the slow cooker does most of the work, and the depth of flavor they develop is well worth the wait. Make them ahead of time as they reheat beautifully, making them perfect for gatherings.
5. Classic Potato Salad
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Sometimes, simplicity is key, and classic potato salad is a testament to that. This timeless and old-fashioned recipe uses basic ingredients like russet potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and celery to create the perfect creamy and tangy side. It’s a crowd-pleaser that complements just about any BBQ dish, especially pulled pork.
6. Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans
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Baked beans are a BBQ staple, and this smoky-sweet version takes them to the next level. If you’re looking for a healthier take on this Southern classic, this recipe reduces the sugar and adds grated sweet potato for natural sweetness and added nutrients. The savory, smoky, and hearty flavors of these beans are a perfect match for pulled pork.
7. Texas-Style Baked Beans
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For those who like a bit more boldness in their baked beans, Texas-style baked beans are the answer. These homemade beans are easy to whip up and offer a much richer flavor than canned versions. Savory, smoky, hearty, and with a touch of spice, they feature salty pork and brown sugar to balance the heat, making them a robust side for your pulled pork.
8. Cajun Mac and Cheese
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Spice up your mac and cheese game with this Cajun-inspired recipe. Pepper jack cheese, Cajun seasoning, and bell peppers add a delightful pizzazz to this classic comfort food. The creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors of this mac and cheese make it an exciting companion to a plate of tender pulled pork.
9. Barbecue Mac and Cheese
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What’s better than mac and cheese with BBQ? Barbecue mac and cheese is practically designed for outdoor cookouts and pulled pork feasts. Infused with BBQ flavors, this mac and cheese can even incorporate leftover pulled pork for an extra layer of smoky goodness, creating a harmonious BBQ-centric side dish.
10. Mom’s Mac and Cheese
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For ultimate comfort and nostalgia, Mom’s mac and cheese is always a winner. This recipe evokes those wholesome family meals and delivers a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying side dish. It’s a classic for a reason, and its comforting flavors pair wonderfully with the robust taste of pulled pork.
11. Slow Cooker Green Beans
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Southern comfort food at its easiest! These slow cooker green beans are a no-fuss side dish that delivers big on flavor. Green beans, crispy bacon, yellow onions, and herbs meld together beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a savory and tender side that requires minimal effort.
12. Cracklin’ Cornbread
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Elevate your cornbread with the addition of pork cracklins for a savory and salty twist. Cracklin’ cornbread is a Southern favorite that adds a delightful textural element and rich flavor to the classic recipe. Paired with whipped jalapeño butter, the contrast of sweet-hot butter and salty, meaty cornbread is simply irresistible.
13. Cornbread Muffins
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For individual servings of cornbread perfection, cornbread muffins are an excellent choice. These tender and slightly sweet muffins are perfect as a side dish for pulled pork any time of day. A drizzle of honey enhances their sweetness, making them an even more delightful accompaniment.
14. Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
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Take your side dish game up a notch with cornbread cowboy casserole. This hearty and flavorful casserole combines chili, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and a topping of cornbread for a satisfying and visually appealing side. It’s a complete side dish that complements pulled pork beautifully and is sure to impress.
15. Fried Okra
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Craving comfort food? Fried okra is a Southern masterpiece that’s good for the soul. This crispy, golden-brown side dish is a true Southern classic and pairs wonderfully with rich, meaty mains like pulled pork. Serve it with ranch dressing for dipping for an extra touch of Southern charm.
Potato & Fry Side Dishes for Pulled Pork
Potatoes and fries, in all their forms, are always a welcome addition to any BBQ spread. Their hearty and comforting nature makes them perfect companions for pulled pork.
16. Roasted Potatoes
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Simple yet satisfying, roasted potatoes are a versatile and easy side dish. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are roasted with fresh thyme and rosemary for an aromatic touch. Feel free to customize them with garlic or parmesan for extra flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, they’re a great option for busy weeknights.
17. Fried Potatoes and Onions
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A classic comfort food, fried potatoes and onions are incredibly versatile. This recipe takes only 30 minutes and results in perfectly cooked potatoes and onions that can be seasoned to your liking. Their savory and slightly sweet flavor profile makes them a great match for pulled pork.
18. Spiced Up Shoestring Fries
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Fries are a BBQ restaurant staple, and these spiced-up shoestring fries bring that restaurant quality home. Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, these fries offer a bold and flavorful kick. Serve them with chipotle mayonnaise for dipping instead of ketchup for an extra layer of flavor complexity that complements pulled pork sandwiches perfectly.
19. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
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Homemade fries have never been easier or healthier with this air fryer sweet potato fries recipe. These fries come out crispy and sweet with just four ingredients and minimal effort. The sweetness of the sweet potato fries provides a delightful contrast to the savory pulled pork, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
20. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
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Golden, crispy, herby, salty, and buttery – these roasted fingerling potatoes are designed to win hearts. This recipe is guaranteed to have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!). The combination of herbs and buttery richness makes these potatoes an irresistible side dish that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork.
21. Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes
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Take classic mashed potatoes to the next level with this cheesy baked version. These cheesy baked mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be the talk of your next party. The creamy, cheesy, and comforting nature of this dish makes it an exceptional side that complements the smoky and savory flavors of pulled pork beautifully.
Fresh & Light Salad Sides for Pulled Pork
To balance the richness of pulled pork, fresh and vibrant salads are always a great choice. They offer a refreshing contrast in both flavor and texture.
22. Classic Coleslaw (Buttermilk)
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Another take on coleslaw, this buttermilk coleslaw recipe adds a slightly salty and tangy flavor dimension to the classic side. The buttermilk dressing elevates the creaminess and tang, making it an even more refreshing and flavorful counterpoint to pulled pork.
23. Broccoli Salad
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Broccoli salad is a summertime delight that’s always a hit. The combination of crunchy broccoli, chewy cranberries, smoky bacon, and cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy dressing, is a flavor and texture explosion. This salad provides a wonderful balance of sweetness, smokiness, and freshness that complements pulled pork perfectly.
24. Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
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A cold and fresh pasta salad is always a welcome addition to a pulled pork meal. This recipe is packed with red grapes and vibrant broccoli, adding a pop of color and freshness to your plate. Optional bacon adds a smoky, savory note that ties in beautifully with the pulled pork.
25. Corn Salad
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Brighten up your plate and palate with corn salad. This refreshing salad perfectly complements pulled pork with its fresh veggies like tomatoes, corn, and red onion. Small mozzarella balls add a delightful cheesy bite, creating a light and flavorful side that cuts through the richness of the meat.
26. Creamy Cucumber Salad
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You can’t go wrong with creamy cucumber salad for potlucks, picnics, or cookouts. This fresh and light salad is incredibly easy to make and offers a cool and refreshing contrast to pulled pork. For a lighter dressing, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
27. Classic Macaroni Salad
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A cold serving of classic macaroni salad is just what you need to complement a plate of pulled pork. This recipe is incredibly simple, with only two steps: cook the pasta and combine the ingredients. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors make it a comforting and refreshing side dish.
28. Leafy Green Salad with Sunflower Seed Dressing
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Any pulled pork meal can benefit from a leafy green salad to lighten things up. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and features a unique sunflower seed dressing. The toasty and aromatic dressing, along with Vidalia onions and spring vegetables, provides a fresh and flavorful counterpoint to rich pulled pork.
29. Southern Cobb Salad with Cornbread Croutons
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This salad is practically designed for pulled pork dinners. Southern Cobb salad is packed with crunchy cornbread croutons, salty bacon, blue cheese, black-eyed peas, and deviled eggs, making it a hearty and flavorful side dish. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a last-minute addition to your BBQ.
30. Fresh Fruit Salad
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Balance the rich and salty flavors of pulled pork with the sweetness and freshness of fruit salad. This vibrant salad features an assortment of berries, melons, and oranges and requires minimal effort. Be sure to chill it before serving for the most refreshing experience.
Unique & Fun Side Dishes for Pulled Pork
Looking for something a little different? These unique and fun side dishes will add an unexpected twist to your pulled pork meal.
31. Creamed Corn Pasta
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Transform classic creamed corn into a rich and silky pasta dish. Corn kernels are cooked with heavy whipping cream to create a sweet and creamy sauce, while chopped bacon adds a smoky, savory touch, and fresh thyme brings an earthy note. This unique side dish is a delightful twist on traditional creamed corn and pairs surprisingly well with pulled pork.
32. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
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Elevate simple green beans with garlic, parmesan, and bacon. These garlic parmesan green beans are a flavorful and quick side dish, ready in under 35 minutes with only 10 minutes of active cooking time. The savory garlic and parmesan flavors, enhanced by bacon, make these green beans a step above the ordinary and a great pairing with pulled pork.
33. Fried Pickle Chips
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For a tangy and crispy surprise, try fried pickle chips. These addictive pickle chips are incredibly easy to make with just six ingredients and are guaranteed to disappear quickly. The tangy and acidic pickles provide a wonderful contrast to the rich and savory pulled pork. Serve them with Roundhouse-Kick Sauce for dipping for an extra flavor boost.
34. Best Deviled Eggs
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Deviled eggs can act as both an appetizer or a side dish, and they are always a welcome addition to a BBQ. This recipe uses just seven simple ingredients and comes together in only 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy option. The creamy and savory deviled eggs are a classic choice that complements pulled pork beautifully.
Conclusion
From classic Southern comfort food to fresh and vibrant salads and unique twists on familiar favorites, there’s no shortage of delicious side dishes to serve with pulled pork. Whether you’re hosting a grand BBQ or simply enjoying a family dinner, these 35 side dish ideas will help you create a memorable and mouthwatering meal. Explore these recipes, experiment with different pairings, and discover your own perfect pulled pork combination!
