Pulled pork sandwiches are a staple at any self-respecting BBQ. We all know that. What often trips us up, however, is what to serve on the side.
In our countless BBQs, we've come to realize side dishes are just as crucial as the main event. They round out the meal, adding that punch of flavor or crunch we all crave.
We've had our share of hits and misses. Today, we share our top picks with you.
Ready to make your pulled pork meal unforgettable?
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
Before we get to the good stuff (a.k.a. the list of side dishes), let's first address why you should even bother serving sides with your sandwiches in the first place.
We get it; sometimes, you just want to throw some meat between two slices of bread and call it a day.
But trust us, your pulled pork sandwich will be much better with some sides to round it out.
For one, sides provide balance.
A sandwich by itself can be pretty one-dimensional in terms of flavor and texture.
But add a crispy side dish, and suddenly you've got a well-rounded meal.
Sides also help bulk up your sandwich, so you're actually getting a filling meal and not just a snack.
This is especially important if you're serving pulled pork sandwiches for dinner.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Ready to find out what you might want to serve with your sandwich? Here are our top picks:
1 - Cucumber Salad
Pulled pork sandwiches are delicious and filling, so they sometimes feel quite heavy.
You'd need something fresh to cleanse your palate.
That's when cucumber salad comes into the picture.
All you have to do is toss sliced or diced cucumbers, onions, vinegar, chili, salt, and pepper into a bowl and enjoy.
We recommend waiting for ten minutes before eating to let the flavors blend.
You can add freshly chopped dill and granulated sugar to enhance the flavors.
Seed your cucumbers if they are thick.
Also, if you're wondering whether or peel the cucumbers or not, you can determine that based on how mature they are.
Persian and English varieties have thin skin, so you can leave them on.
2 - Jalapeno Cornbread
Cornbread goes really well with pulled pork, especially if they are barbecued.
It is a quick bread associated with the Southern US cuisine and people all over the world consume it in different ways.
You can serve Cornbread in warm temperature for the best taste.
Make cornbread like you typically would, and add some jalapenos for that extra kick.
You'll surely love the combination of the meaty sandwich and the sweetness of the cornbread accompanied by the heat from the jalapenos.
3 - Corn Pudding
Try putting this comforting dish beside your savory pulled pork sandwich; you won't have any complaints.
It is a creamy side made using stewed corn, milk, and butter.
You can add extra ingredients and customize the dish using your favorite seasonings and sour cream, too.
To complement the pulled pork flavors, adding rosemary, sage, and cheese works like magic.
Corn pudding originated in South America and is enjoyed on every occasion, but it is popularly linked with Thanksgiving.
Nevertheless, you don't need to wait for a special occasion to eat a cup of corn pudding with your favorite sandwich so try the combo today.
4 - Kettle Chips
Easy to make and unmistakable with sandwiches, kettle chips will surely save the day if you're out of pantry stock and need something delicious.
Although there isn't much visible difference, what sets kettle chips apart from regular chips is its processing method.
Kettle chips are made in batches, while the regular ones are continuously processed.
Anyway, they are made from potatoes, and we can't say no to potatoes.
Kettle chips will add a crispy, salty, and interesting texture to your meal while serving it with pulled pork sandwiches.
They are a good combo as both foods complement each other well.
5 - Coleslaw
What other dish can add freshness to a meal as good as coleslaw?
Serve a good helping of it with pulled pork sandwich to round up the meal beautifully.
With a bowl of coleslaw, you have added brightness and crunch that satisfies your palate.
We recommend reducing the mayo or replacing it with seasoned vinegar for a lighter texture and keeping the dish acidic.
It gives a good contrast to the sandwich, which is on the fattier side.
If you want to try different ingredients, green apples, zucchini, jicama, broccoli stems, and celery work well.
6 - Banana Pudding
Pulled pork sandwich will fill your stomach real good.
But you can't miss out on some bites of banana pudding.
A sweet and cool dessert is a great way to end your meal, especially after eating something heavy like a pulled pork sandwich.
If you have a sweet tooth, look no further.
Banana pudding typically consists of layers of cookies, vanilla custard, and sliced bananas topped with meringue or whipped cream.
You can bake or refrigerate your banana pudding, although the latter is more popular.
7 - Homemade Pickles
Pickles may not be the first thing that comes to mind when coming up with a side dish for pulled pork.
But they are an unbeatable combination.
You can make pickles using cucumbers, garlic, carrot, mango, chickpea, and other vegetables.
The pickles' acidity from the vinegar cuts through the sandwich's rich flavors and works wonderfully as a palate cleanser.
You'll start off by taking it between bites and eventually eat the whole thing on its own.
It's that good.
