Porchetta is the kind of dish that makes every dinner feel upscale, even if we're in our sweats. This succulent, seasoned pork rolled up like a delicious little package is a crowd-pleaser.
We tried it at a friend's BBQ, and let's just say we went back for seconds… and thirds.
Finding the right sides to pair with porchetta can take your meal from "just okay" to "are you kidding me?" It's all about those tasty accompaniments that bring it all together.
Think of crispy veggies, tangy dips, and hearty grains. We've done the experimenting for you, so here are our top picks for sides that will ensure your porchetta shines even brighter on the plate!
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Porchetta?
Porchetta is a delicious but heavy and rich dish.
So, it can be a bit overwhelming if you eat only that.
Sides can balance that feeling and make the meat dish even tastier and more satisfying.
It also works great with different items, so having a different side dish along with porchetta will keep the meals interesting.
If you have a party planned and wish to serve porchetta, the side dishes will come in real handy.
Your guests will enjoy it, and your table will look great too.
Check out which dishes you can serve with porchetta.
What to Serve with Porchetta? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Side dishes always bring something different to the main dish, so you add the following whenever you make porchetta.
1 - Fresh Salad
When you have a rich meat dish like porchetta, a bowl of fresh salad will be the perfect side.
Because there are many options with fresh salad and you can come up with something tasty in few minutes.
Fresh salad also pairs well with porchetta, and it brings a lightness to the otherwise heavy dish.
You can use tomatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, bell peppers and green leafy vegetables, which are all nutrient rich.
2 - Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The simple and classic creamy mashed potatoes can also serve as a side dish with porchetta.
Because mashed potatoes are easy to make, delicious and nutritious.
It's a classic American side dish that the whole world loves.
There are several recipes so you can choose your favorite.
However, do not use waxy variety; instead, go for starchy (Russet) or all-purpose (Yukon Gold) variety.
You can create the yummiest mashed potatoes when you have the right potato variety.
Add the usual butter, milk, salt, pepper and herbs of your choice.
3 - Zucchini Noodles
Having something new and different always makes a dish more exciting so add zucchini noodles with pesto sauce as a side dish with porchetta.
Because zucchini noodles are refreshing and they click with the pork roast.
Zucchinis is also readily available, and you can make the dish quickly.
Zucchini is also a healthy veggie and makes the perfect light dish for a rich meal like pork roast.
You can serve the dish if you host a party and have porchetta as a main dish.
Your guests will love the addition as it's something very different.
4 - Oven Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables always save the day, so make some oven-roasted veggies to serve with pork roast.
Because you have plenty of vegetables to choose from and cook them in your preferred style, whether you like them with butter, oil, or spices, you can come up with a tray of yummy oven-roasted veggies.
Include tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, potatoes, garlic and herbs of your choice.
You require just about ten minutes of preparation and another thirty minutes to make delicious oven roasted vegetables.
You can also make another type of oven-roasted veggies with carrots, parsnips, beets, and turnips, along with herbs and spices.
It can be fun to make roasted greens using broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach and onions too.
All veggies have nutrients, so you can get both taste and goodness.
5 - Green Beans
Let's talk about more veggies and what could be better than green beans? You can certainly serve any green bean dish with porchetta.
Because green beans have a crunchy texture and fine flavor and they bring a lightness and freshness to your pork roast.
Green beans are also available throughout the year, so you can always depend on them as a side dish with anything.
While simple green beans are delicious, you can add cheese like parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper and other herbs.
You can sauté, roast or stir-fry according to your preference and availability of time.
6 - Caprese Salad
Since porchetta is a rich meal, various salads work with it and even enhance and balance the flavors, so Caprese salad is on the list too.
The freshness of the salad will pair up nicely with the tender and warm meat.
You can have a whole meal without feeling overloaded.
Make yummy Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil with a dressing that contains olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, white wine vinegar, salt, pepper and herbs.
Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes and place them on a plate one after the other alternately, including the basil.
Next, pour on the dressing as required, and your salad is ready to eat.
7 - Grilled Corn on the Cob
The final item on the list is grilled corn on the cob, and you can serve it with pork roast.
Because it adds a different texture, it's easy to make grilled corn, and it's economical.
It can taste amazing with the juicy and tender meat and also bring a freshness without overwhelming the porchetta's flavors.
You only have to brush on all sides lightly with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle some salt and pepper.
In about seven to ten minutes, you will have nice grilled corn on the cob ready to be served.
