Well now, y’all ever had one of them pulled pork sandwiches? They sure are tasty, ain’t they? Soft, tender meat all piled up on a bun, smothered in some kinda sauce, maybe a bit of slaw on top. But hold on a minute—don’t go thinkin’ that’s all you need for a proper meal. No, no, no! You gotta have a good side to go with it, somethin’ that’ll make the whole plate sing, ya know? Let me tell ya ’bout the best sides to go with them pulled pork sandwiches!
1. Coleslaw
Now, I know what you’re thinkin’. “Ain’t no way we ain’t gonna have some coleslaw with pulled pork!” And you’d be right, of course. Coleslaw’s a classic, and for good reason. It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, and it helps cut through all that richness in the pork. Ain’t nothin’ like a little bit of sweet and tangy slaw to balance things out. You can go with a simple mayo-based slaw, or if you’re feelin’ fancy, try some vinegar-based slaw for a bit more zing.
2. Baked Beans
You ever notice how baked beans just seem to go with anything that’s got a good BBQ flavor? Well, pulled pork’s no different. The sweetness from the beans pairs real nice with the savory pork. Plus, it fills you up good. I always make sure to cook mine with a little bacon and brown sugar, so they got a nice smokey sweetness that’s just right.
3. French Fries
Now, if you’re like me, you can never go wrong with a plate of crispy fries. You throw them on the side of your pulled pork sandwich, and it’s like heaven on a plate. You can dip ‘em in your sauce, or just eat ‘em plain. Either way, they’re a crowd-pleaser, and they add that crispy texture that makes everything taste better.
4. Cornbread
Mmm, cornbread, now that’s a real treat. A little sweet, a little crumbly, and just the right texture to go with that juicy pulled pork. Some folks like it buttery, others like it a little more dense, but whichever way you make it, you can’t go wrong. You can even serve it with a little honey butter to make it even more indulgent.
5. Fried Okra
Now, if you’re in the mood for somethin’ a little more southern, fried okra is the way to go. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and it pairs just perfectly with pulled pork. I like to toss mine in a bit of cornmeal and fry ’em up until they’re golden brown. And let me tell ya, when you bite into that crispy okra, it just adds another layer of flavor to the whole meal!
6. Collard Greens
Now, I ain’t gonna say everyone likes collard greens, but if you do, they sure make a mighty fine side dish for pulled pork sandwiches. The slightly bitter taste of the greens mixed with a little bit of ham hock or bacon really balances out the richness of that pork. You can even cook ‘em low and slow, let them greens soak up all the goodness, and then serve ’em right alongside that sandwich.
7. Roasted Veggies
If you want somethin’ a little lighter, roasted veggies might do the trick. Carrots, sweet potatoes, or even some brussels sprouts—roast ’em up with a bit of olive oil, salt, and rosemary, and you got yourself a side that brings a little sweetness and earthiness to the table. It’s a simple way to add some color to your plate, and it complements the pork real nice.
8. Potato Salad
You can’t go wrong with some good old-fashioned potato salad. It’s creamy, it’s got a little tang from the mustard or pickles, and it pairs so well with that pulled pork. Whether it’s the classic kind with eggs and mayo or something a bit more tangy, like a mustard-based salad, it’s always a hit. Just make sure it’s nice and chilled before you serve it up, so it’s refreshing along with that warm, tender pork.
9. Macaroni and Cheese
Now, I know some folks might say it’s too much cheese, but let me tell ya—mac and cheese goes down real smooth with pulled pork. The creamy cheese sauce just melts in your mouth, and the pasta holds up that cheesy goodness real well. Add a bit of breadcrumb topping for a little crunch, and you’ve got yourself a side that’s as comforting as a good ol’ quilt on a cold night.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
If regular fries ain’t your thing, why not try some sweet potato fries? They’ve got a little sweetness to ’em, and that works real well with the savory flavors of pulled pork. You can bake ’em or fry ’em, and if you toss ‘em with a little cinnamon or brown sugar, it makes ‘em even tastier. Sweet and savory is always a winning combo!
So there you have it—plenty of tasty sides to go with your pulled pork sandwich. Whether you like something crunchy, creamy, or savory, there’s a side out there to make your meal just perfect. Don’t forget to grab your family and friends, ’cause you’ll want to share these tasty sides with everyone. Now, go on and get cookin’—that pulled pork ain’t gonna eat itself!
Tags:[pulled pork sides, best sides for pulled pork, easy sides for pulled pork, classic pulled pork sides, Southern sides, baked beans, coleslaw, French fries, cornbread, fried okra, collard greens, roasted vegetables, potato salad, mac and cheese, sweet potato fries]