For Pernil, go with Brazilian Refried Beans, Brazilian Potato Salad, Smoky Farofa, Sweet Balsamic Leeks, and Fluffy Rice.
If you love beans, this dish will hit differently.
For a lighter option, try Fluffy Rice. Fluffy Rice Pernil has an interesting texture.
Pernil, that juicy, crispy-skinned marvel, steals the show every time. What pairs well with this tempting roast?
Our adventures in the kitchen have taught us a thing or two. The perfect side can make or break a meal.
We're talking from experience - bland sides are a no-go.
We aim for harmony on the plate. Think flavors that complement, textures that dance together.
It's a duo that sings.
Brace yourselves for our top picks. These aren't your run-of-the-mill sides.
They've earned their spot next to pernil through trials, errors, and triumphs at the dinner table.
7 Perfect Sides to Pair with Pernil
Here are some good ideas when not sure what to serve with pernil - or try chili party side ideas for bolder, saucier pairings.
1. Brazilian Refried Beans
Brazilian refried beans work with more dishes, but they stand out when served with anything based on pork - such as pernil, and they also pair nicely with Brazilian cheese bread side ideas.
If you love beans, this dish will hit differently.
It is based on pureed beans, which feature a soft texture - great for the pork, which is crispy on the outside.
The dish is also thickened a bit with flour.
The hearty aroma will go with the meaty pernil.
You can also bring in a bit of smokiness by mixing small pieces of bacon in the puree.
2. Brazilian Potato Salad
The Brazilian potato salad takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, hence its popularity in multiple cuisines.
Potatoes have a unique flavor that can be enhanced with some spices or herbs - see potato skins side pairings for bold seasoning ideas.
They become a bit tangy, which feels great when mixed with marinated pork.
There are numerous variations of this recipe.
For example, you could also add some peas or beans.
The texture is great because it feels a bit crispy.
Now, potatoes and meat may make you feel a bit heavy.
But then, this is why most people add a few veggies as well - both crunchy and refreshing.
3. Smoky Farofa
Farofa is another popular dish in more Latin American cuisines - excellent with meat.
So, what do you have in terms of taste? The toasted flour has a filling flavor, while the taste is a bit salty.
The dish feels super smoky, which makes the marinated pernil taste even better - for more smoky inspiration, try smoky vegan BBQ recipe ideas.
The dish can be served in two different ways - sprinkled on top of pernil or just placed aside.
While it has a proper aroma when tasted alone, it is not so strong if mixed with something else.
It will not overcome your pernil, but it will accentuate the flavors.
Besides, you can get this side dish done in 10 minutes.
4. Sweet Balsamic Leeks
Leeks have a strong and unique flavor that can complement any meat-based dish - and the marinated pork in pernil makes no exception either.
This dish will make leeks feel like more than just big onions.
When soft-cooked, their texture changes straight away - they feel like spaghetti.
Soft and tender, they go with the crispy pernil on the outside - as well as the matching interior.
The sweet balsamic glaze will work well with the marinated pork too - similar sweet-savory matches appear in sweet and sour meatball side ideas.
However, make sure you do not exaggerate, as it can overcome the main dish.
5. Fluffy Rice
Pernil has an interesting texture.
While the taste is the most significant aspect, you need to consider every aspect in the process for a great impression.
To tackle the texture, opt for fluffy rice - and consider chicken fried rice side ideas for ways to add savory mix-ins.
You need to ensure the right proportions there.
Plain rice might feel a bit tasteless, though, hence the necessity of flavorings.
Garlic, salt and onions work well with the marinated meat, so you cannot go wrong there.
All in all, since both pernil and rice are fulfilling, this dish combo feels a bit heavy.
But then, it is delicious, so no one really cares.
6. Garlicky Collard Greens
Those who are not familiar with Brazilian cuisine will find this side dish extremely appealing - it looks cute, but it tastes even better.
Collard greens cook quickly and can absorb crushed garlic and olive oil - similar techniques apply to turnip greens side suggestions.
They add a bit of color to the table, but they are also healthy and bring in some vitamins and minerals.
Garlicky collard greens in this cuisine are similar to the crispy seaweed in Chinese cuisine - they work with anything.
It pays off preparing more than what you actually need because this salad goes in no time.
7. Cheesy Bread
Bread has always worked well with meaty dishes because it makes them feel less nauseous by absorbing juices and fats.
However, this type of bread is different and must be homemade.
Prepare it in small buns - about the size of a golf ball - and make sure there is plenty of grated cheese in the dough.
Both will the bread absorb everything, but the melting cheese on the inside will make it taste better than the actual pernil.
When preparing this side dish, make sure you have plenty - your guests will devour it.
It may take up to an hour to prepare enough cheesy bread for a large meal.
Chili pairings suit bold, saucy mains. chili party side ideas fits those flavors. banana bread side suggestions complements sweeter ends of the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you love beans, this dish will hit differently. Potatoes have a unique flavor that can be enhanced with some spices or herbs.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Grain dishes and roasted vegetables are the best candidates. This side dish holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures intact.
A simple green salad or steamed vegetable is the easiest low-effort option. It adds color and nutrients without heavy prep or additional richness.
How do you serve sides for a large group?
Sheet-pan sides and big-batch grains scale easily.
Roast everything on one or two trays and serve from the pan.
Avoid delicate sides that wilt or lose texture when held warm.
