Perfect Sides for Pulled Pork Dinners

In this article, we’ll look at tasty sides that go great with pulled pork. These sides are perfect for any occasion, from a backyard barbecue to a simple weeknight dinner. They will make your pulled pork meal even more delicious.

Choosing the right sides for pulled pork is crucial. The best sides can complement the pork’s richness and highlight its smoky taste. You can choose from coleslaw, tangy barbecue baked beans, and more exciting options.

So, what goes well with pulled pork? Join us as we explore the best sides. These selections will make your pulled pork dinners a hit.

Classic Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a beloved classic side dish that complements the rich flavors of pulled pork. Its crisp texture and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast. Making your own coleslaw is easy and lets you tailor it to your tastes. Here’s a simple recipe to make your pulled pork meal even better:

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot. Toss until coated.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
5. Stir well before serving to mix all ingredients.

Feel free to tweak this classic coleslaw recipe. Try different cabbage types, like red or Napa cabbage, for color and texture. Add raisins, apples, or almonds to make it special.

A great coleslaw dressing is key for the right creaminess and tang. This recipe’s dressing uses mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar for a perfect balance. Sugar adds just enough sweetness.

With this classic coleslaw recipe, your pulled pork meal will be unforgettable. Serve the coleslaw with your pulled pork sandwich or at your barbecue. Its creamy dressing and refreshing crunch are perfect with tender, flavorful pulled pork.

Tangy BBQ Baked Beans

Tangy and slightly sweet BBQ baked beans are great at barbecues. They mix tender beans with tangy barbecue sauce for a tasty side dish. This goes great with pulled pork. We’ll show you a tasty recipe for baked beans. Plus, how to make homemade barbecue sauce to enhance this side dish.

Classic Baked Beans Recipe

To make delicious baked beans, you will need:

• 2 cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Put the mix in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Then, take off the foil and bake 30 more minutes. Bake until the beans are soft and the sauce thickens.

This simple recipe gives you a tasty side dish full of flavor. But you can make it even better. How? By making your own homemade barbecue sauce.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce

It’s easy to make your own barbecue sauce. Here is a straightforward recipe to try:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. After it cools, use it to flavor your baked beans. This homemade sauce adds a smoky and tangy taste that pairs well with the beans’ sweetness.

With the recipes for baked beans and homemade barbecue sauce, you’re ready to impress. The beans have a tangy and sweet mix. The smoky barbecue sauce fits perfectly with the flavors of pulled pork. So light up the grill, serve these beans with your pulled pork, and enjoy a meal that will make your mouth water.

Buttery Cornbread

No pulled pork meal is complete without buttery cornbread on the side. This classic recipe makes the perfect match for your smoky pulled pork. It has a golden crust and a moist, fluffy inside. Cornbread brings warmth and comfort to each bite. Its slight sweetness goes well with the savory pork, striking a perfect balance on your plate.

To make this tasty cornbread, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put a cast-iron skillet or baking dish inside to warm up.
2. In a big bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, vegetable oil, and eggs together.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until they’re just mixed.
5. Take the hot skillet from the oven. Carefully pour the batter into it.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. It should be golden brown. A toothpick will come out clean when it’s done.
7. Let the cornbread cool a bit. Then slice it and serve with your pulled pork.

For a twist, try adding chopped jalapenos, shredded cheese, or cooked bacon to the mix. These extra ingredients will make your cornbread even more flavorful and fun for all.

Crunchy Pickles

Add some tangy and crunchy flavor to your pulled pork meal with homemade pickles. The crunch and zest of pickles pair perfectly with the savory taste of pork. You can choose from dill, bread and butter, or spicy pickles to make at home.

Why go for store-bought when you can make your own flavor mix? You can adjust the sweetness, sourness, and spice to your liking with homemade pickles. Plus, they’re fresher and of higher quality than store-bought ones.

Making pickles at home is simpler than it sounds. You need cucumbers, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices like dill, garlic, and mustard seeds. Cut the cucumbers, mix the brine, and let the flavors blend in a jar. In a few days, you’ll have crunchy, tangy pickles to enjoy.

If you’re new to this or seeking new recipes, we’ve got you covered. Explore our range of recipes from classic dill pickles to unique tastes like spicy jalapeno or sweet bread and butter pickles.

So, don’t wait! Add homemade pickles to your pulled pork dish. They bring a burst of flavor and texture that’s truly irresistible.

Cheesy Mac and Cheese

Serve creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with pulled pork for comfort food at its best. It’s a hit at any meal, adding a rich, cheesy taste. The creamy mac and cheese goes great with smoky pork, a combo that’s hard to resist.

To make awesome mac and cheese, begin with homemade cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan, then mix in flour and milk. Keep stirring over medium heat until it thickens. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the mix for that melty goodness. For creaminess, consider cream cheese or sour cream.

While making the sauce, cook your pasta until it’s just right, not too soft. Elbow macaroni or cavatappi are perfect choices. Mix the pasta with your creamy sauce for an amazing taste. If you want, add crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, or fresh diced tomatoes for extra yum.

Put it all in a baking dish and sprinkle lots of cheese on top. Bake until the cheese bubbles and the top is golden. This will give you a gooey, tasty dish that’s absolutely unforgettable.

Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese:

1. Mix different cheeses for more flavor.

2. Cook pasta just right – it keeps cooking in the oven.

3. Try add-ins like beef, jalapenos, or mushrooms for new twists.

4. Add grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy kick before baking.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob makes your pulled pork meal special. It brings a smoky flavor and a nice crunch. It’s the perfect summer side dish for the tasty pulled pork.

It’s easy to prepare grilled corn. First, heat your grill to medium-high. Take off the corn’s husks and silks, and coat each ear with olive oil. This stops sticking and makes the corn richer.

Put the corn on the grill for 10-15 minutes. Turn it sometimes so it cooks evenly and gets slightly charred. The grill marks add a great smoky taste.

After grilling, let the corn cool down a bit. You can eat it plain, or add seasonings to make it even better. Try salt and pepper for simplicity, or get adventurous with chili or garlic powder.

You can make grilled corn your own way with various toppings. For something zesty, use lime juice, feta, and cilantro. For creaminess, go for melted butter and Parmesan or cotija cheese.

This dish doesn’t just look good; it makes your meal fresher and more exciting. So, get your grill ready, make this easy corn recipe, and elevate your pulled pork dish.

Fresh Garden Salad

Add some freshness to your pulled pork dinner with a vibrant garden salad. This dish balances the rich taste of pulled pork. It bursts with flavor and adds color to your meal.

Start your salad with a base of fresh mixed greens or your favorite lettuce. Then, mix in colorful veggies like ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy bell peppers. Add shredded carrots, sliced radishes, or thin red onions for extra flavor and texture.

For sweetness, throw in some fruits like berries, mandarin oranges, or apples. These fruits make the salad refreshing. They also go well with the savory taste of pulled pork.

You can also add proteins to your salad. Try grilled chicken breast or sliced hard-boiled eggs for a filling touch.

Homemade dressings truly elevate your garden salad. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey for a tangy vinaigrette. Or, for something creamy, whip up a ranch dressing with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs.

Dress the salad right before you serve it to keep the greens fresh. Toss it well so every bite is flavorful.

Adding a refreshing garden salad to your pulled pork meal is a great idea. It’s a healthy and tasty side that will wow your guests.

Roasted Vegetables

Add a colorful side of roasted vegetables to your pulled pork feast. They add vibrant color and flavor. They make the rich, smoky pork even better.

This roasted vegetables recipe is easy and flexible. Pick from seasonal veggies like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and potatoes. It lets you create the perfect mix.

Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and chop your veggies into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes eating them fun.

Spread the veggies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid crowding them. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss. This keeps them moist and adds flavor.

Roast the veggies in the oven’s center for 25-30 minutes. They should be tender and golden. Stir them halfway through to cook evenly.

You’ll get veggies that are caramelized outside and tender inside. They’re full of taste. Serve them with your pulled pork for a great meal.

Variations

Be creative with your veggies. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like paprika. Different oils like avocado or sesame oil can add new flavors.

For sweetness, mix in sweet potato or butternut squash. They complement the savory pork well.

Feel free to use any veggies you like. Just cut them the same size so they cook together well. This roasted vegetables recipe is a delicious addition to pulled pork. It makes meals more satisfying and balanced.

Sweet Potato Fries

Want to make your pulled pork meal even better? Try switching regular fries for crispy sweet potato fries. These tasty fries are the best match for pulled pork.

Making sweet potato fries for the first time? No worries. We have an easy-to-follow recipe just for you.

To start, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even strips. Mix the strips with olive oil, salt, and spices like paprika or garlic powder. Then, lay the strips out on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Turn them over halfway through until they’re golden and crispy.

After baking, let the sweet potato fries cool a bit. You’ll have crispy fries with a touch of sweetness that goes great with pulled pork.

Tip: Perfecting the Crunch

For the best crunch, cut your sweet potato fries evenly. This makes sure they cook the same and are all crispy.

Also, don’t let the fries touch too much on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they might steam instead of crisp.

So, why stick with regular fries? Upgrade your meal with our crispy, tasty sweet potato fries. Try this recipe and get ready for a treat!

Tangy Vinegar-Based Slaw

Add a zesty twist to your pulled pork meal with a tangy vinegar-based slaw. It’s inspired by Carolina cuisine. This refreshing slaw is perfect alongside the rich flavors of your pulled pork.

For a delicious vinegar-based slaw, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions. In another bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper together. Drizzle the dressing over the veggies and toss until everything’s well coated. Let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Carolina slaw is great for tweaking to your taste. Add some heat with crushed red pepper flakes. Or, for more sweetness, sprinkle in some brown sugar. Try different vinegars, like white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, for new flavors.

This slaw brings a crunchy, acidic touch to your pulled pork sandwiches or platters. Its tangy, refreshing flavor cuts the meat’s richness. It creates a perfect flavor balance.

Next time you serve pulled pork, make it special with tangy vinegar-based slaw. Your taste buds will be grateful!

Conclusion

These sides make your pulled pork feast unforgettable. You can pick from classic coleslaw for a fresh taste or tangy BBQ baked beans for sweetness. Each side matches perfectly with the rich tastes of pulled pork.

Remember to include buttery cornbread for a cozy feel, or go for creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. With crunchy pickles, grilled corn, fresh salad, roasted veggies, and sweet potato fries, you’ll add freshness and variety to your meal.

Gather your friends and family, get the grill going, and enjoy the mix of tender pulled pork with these amazing sides. Perfect for any gathering or a simple dinner, these dishes will make your meal special. They’ll make you want to come back for more. Enjoy a complete dining experience with these outstanding sides.