Sides For Pulled Pork That Are Savory, Sweet and Spicy

1. Corn on the Cob

The grilled corn on the cob is the classic complement to pulled pork. The sweet kernels pair deliciously with the savory shredded pork. To prepare corn for the grill, simply soak the corn in water before grilling to help steam and cook the kernels. Grill over medium heat, rotating frequently, until lightly charred on all sides and tender.

The smoky char from the grill accentuates the natural sweetness of the corn. This simple side is a crowd-pleaser at barbecues and cookouts. The portability of eating corn on the cob also makes it convenient to serve alongside pulled pork sandwiches.

2. Homemade Coleslaw

The next popular side for your pulled pork is homemade coleslaw. Cool and creamy coleslaw is a staple side for pulled pork sandwiches. There are many variations of coleslaw you can experiment with. For a tangy twist, use apple cider vinegar and chopped Granny Smith apples, for some crunch, add shredded carrots and cabbage. If you like a creamy base, you can add mayonnaise or yogurt works well.

Making coleslaw at home allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. The possibilities are endless for creating your own signature coleslaw. The acidic tang cuts through the rich fattiness of the pork, making it the perfect side.

3. Baked Beans

What barbecued pulled pork sandwich would be complete without a side of baked beans? These saucy, sweet legumes are definitely the way to go. Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber so mixing them with sweet glazes and smoked meats is appealing to the palate.

The toothsome texture and molasses-like flavor pair wonderfully with pulled pork. While canned baked beans are convenient, homemade allows you to control the ingredients.

While not as universally beloved as coleslaw, baked beans remain an integral part of barbecue culture and the classic side for pulled pork.

4. Fried Okra

Okra originated in Africa and was later brought to the American South. It has become a staple of Southern cuisine and a popular side dish for barbecues and cookouts. Frying okra in a simple cornmeal breading transforms the slimy pods into something irresistibly crunchy and delicious. The cornmeal forms a crispy coating around the okra that contrasts nicely with the moist, seedy interior.

Fried okra is traditionally served as an appetizer or side dish alongside mains like pulled pork. The crunch cuts through the rich fattiness of the pork. Okra also pairs well with the tangy and sweet barbecue sauces served alongside pulled pork.

5. Southern Potato Salad

Potato salad is taken to another level in Southern cooking with the addition of hard-boiled eggs, mustard, and mayonnaise dressing. Potato salad is already a staple side dish for barbecues and cookouts but the Southern style elevates the flavor and Pairs perfectly with smoky, saucy meats like pulled pork. 

The potato soaks up the juices of the pork while offering a cooling contrast to the heat. Eggs add extra protein while the mayonnaise-based dressing gives it a creamy tang. The addition of mustard and pickles are some ways to cut through the richness of the pork.

6. Cornbread

Cornbread and pulled pork have gone hand-in-hand for centuries in Southern cooking. The dry, crumbly texture of cornbread offers the perfect vehicle for soaking up the juices and sauces of the succulent pork. Cornbread originated with Native Americans and was quickly embraced by European settlers.

When Africans were brought to America, they also incorporated cornbread into meals. It became an economical and delicious staple of Southern cuisine. Traditional cornbread recipes use just cornmeal, salt, oil or bacon fat and milk. More modern versions add sugar, flour or creamed corn for moisture.

7. Baked Mac and Cheese

The creamy, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with smoky, saucy meats. While boxed mac and cheese is convenient, homemade baked mac and cheese takes the flavor to the next level. You can add different cheeses like cheddar, gruyere or Monterey jack for more complex flavor. Mixing in smoked gouda or bacon adds an extra smoky element to match with the pulled pork.

For extra richness, fold in sour cream or cream cheese into the cheesy sauce. Get creative with mix-ins to invent your own signature baked mac and cheese that will become the star side at your next barbecue.

8. Creamed Corn

We all love creamed corn. Similar to corn on the cob, the kernels here are also sweet which contrasts beautifully with savory smoked meat. However, creamed corn has a smoother, more unctuous texture than regular corn off the cob. For more flavor, saute onions or shallots before adding the corn and liquid.

Also Read: 15 Cream Corn Recipes That Can Be Your Comfort Food

9. Hasselback Potatoes

If you're looking for an elegant and filling barbecue side, Hasselback potatoes are the way to go. Begin by slicing potatoes accordion-style allows more surface area to get crispy when baked or roasted. As the potato bakes, the thin slices fan out to form the classic presentation. Add butter and other seasonings in a way that coats each ridge on the potato.

These potatoes are not a traditional barbecue staple but they have been rapidly gaining favor on menus.

10. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs deserve a place alongside classic barbecue sides like baked beans and coleslaw. The creamy, protein-packed filling and snap of the egg white offer a refreshing change of texture. Mustard gives the yolk filling a tangy zip that cuts through the rich fattiness of barbecue meat.

Traditional deviled egg fillings also incorporate mayonnaise and seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika and dill. For more modern takes on deviled eggs, consider adding crumbled bacon, blue cheese, pickled jalapenos or cayenne pepper.

Deviled eggs have been served for over a century but remain eternally fresh and appealing. They offer a lighter contrast to the heavy ribs and pulled pork at a barbecue.

11. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a lighter and healthier alternative to typical white potato sides. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances the savory smokiness of pulled pork.

Similarly, air frying sweet potato wedges or fries eliminates the need for submerging them in oil, resulting in a crisp exterior with a tender interior and less guilt. It also cooks them more quickly than roasting or baking. The concentrated heat of the air fryer caramelizes the natural sugars in the sweet potato, intensifying the flavor. 

12. Loaded Baked Potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes allow you to customize your perfect potato side for pairing with pulled pork. Bake large russet potatoes until tender and split open the centers while still hot. Fluffy potato filling ready to be smothered with delicious toppings.

Go classic with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon and scallions. Or get creative with chili, roasted broccoli, salsa or any toppings you crave. The toppings contrast with the smooth potato interior.

Potatoes also serve as the perfect vessel for soaking up meat juices and sauces drizzled on top. Heaping a loaded baked potato gives you the satisfaction of a hearty, well-rounded meal in one dish.

13. Collard Greens

Collards are hearty winter greens with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. They pair perfectly with smoky barbecue meats. These are typically cooked low and slow to break down the tough leaves. Traditionally, pork fat like bacon or ham hocks are cooked with the greens to add savoriness but you can also add onions, garlic, hot sauce and vinegar to help balance out the bitterness. 

14. Grilled Vegetables

For a lighter take on sides, consider grilled vegetables. The char from the grill adds great depth of flavor to popular veggies like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions and corn. Prepare a marinade or toss raw veggies in olive oil and seasoning like garlic, rosemary or thyme. Grill until tender with nice char lines.

These grilled vegetables hold up well at room temperature, making them easy sides for barbecues and cookouts. As a bonus, the veggie selection can change with the seasons based on what's fresh.

15. Dinner Rolls

Fluffy, soft dinner rolls are a classic accompaniment to soak up the incredible flavors of pulled pork. The doughy interior soaks up the juices and sauces beautifully. If you like, you can also add potatoes and other fillings inside the rolls for extra flavor. Brush rolls with butter or barbecue sauce and serve with some juicy shredded pork.