What To Serve With Pulled Pork - The Short Order Cook

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If you are trying to figure out What to Serve with Pulled Pork (or pulled pork sandwiches) for dinner, this list is exactly what you are looking for. Pulled pork is a simple hearty meal that is sauced and can be spicy, sweet, smoky or all of those flavor combinations - the side dish ideas are almost endless.

For the best recipes that go well with pulled pork, find something new here to fall in love with. The tender pulled pork meat pairs well with all sorts of side dishes that many fellow recipe creators have shared here.

All of these suggested sides work great for all your meal ideas, including parties, potlucks, backyard barbecues, or any pulled pork dinner plan. And make sure you have the right serving size of pulled pork per person so everyone is satisfied.

RECIPE NOTE: this post was originally published March 2021. It has been updated to include a recipe for making smoked pulled pork, storing tips, many NEW recipes & photos, and tips for republishing in 2026. All make this the best new & improved list of the top pulled pork sides!

Jump to:

• Best Sides for Pulled Pork
• Types of Sides that Pair Well
• Top Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook
• Potato or Macaroni Side Dishes
• Delicious Slaw & Cabbage Side Dishes
• Other Great Side Dishes
•  Desserts too!
• What To Serve with Pulled Pork
• Other Recipe Roundups

You can never go wrong with Smoked Pulled Pork for the most tender, juicy, & seasoned meat. One of my favorites is to enjoy 2 sides in 1 easy recipe like a big batch of Italian Green Bean and Potato Salad without Mayo!

Whether you make the pulled pork in your CrockPot, smoker, dutch oven, or on the grill low and slow – all these sides pair well with your meal. Also, jazz up a can of baked beans with these recipe ideas.

Best Sides for Pulled Pork

This is a tasty list of what sides to eat with your BBQ pulled pork plate or pulled pork sandwiches. Many of these side dishes are also great to serve with Boston butt roasts, pork tacos, wraps, pork quesadillas, and barbecue pulled pork sliders.

In reality, all of these sides can be made to eat with any slow-smoked meats like pulled chicken, tri-tip, or baby-back ribs. There is a variety of side dish options that include low-carb, vegan, gluten-free, healthy, and dairy-free. For one that is all those things, try Air Fryer Green Beans & be amazed at how good veggies are.

Types of Sides that Pair Well

To help you decide what to serve with bbq pulled pork, I have broken down the list into some subcategories. So based on your mood, preference, or diet, there is something for everyone. There are healthy salads, slaws, mayo-based salads, vegetables, potatoes, and unique sides. This list includes the best of what to make and serve with pulled pork:

• Top Sides by The Short Order Cook & here on the Blog!
• Potato or Macaroni Side Dishes
• Delicious Slaw & Cabbage Side Dishes
• Other Great Sides, Soups, & Salads
• Desserts Too!

Top Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook

Here are my favorite sides for serving with pulled pork plates or sandwiches. Try these easy recipes to complete your meal. You will find gluten-free, keto, family-friendly, and healthy sides - along with the classics like fried foods and comfort foods.

Whether you want some crispy sweet potato fries, a simple baked potato cooked in a toaster oven, or a spicy baked beans recipe, you will find so many great recipes here.

Pan Fried Potatoes & Onions Fire up your skillet and pan-fry some potatoes and onions for a hearty side dish. This easy recipe is ready in 30 minutes & takes only a few ingredients. This southern recipe for seasoned russet potato cubes is a classic American dish great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The potatoes are crispy & fork-tender - plus gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, & dairy-free. Pan Fried Potatoes & Onions Toaster Oven Baked Potato Making baked potatoes in the toaster oven is an easy and delicious way to cook this classic side dish. The skin turns out crispy and the inside is soft and fluffy. If your toaster oven has a convection setting, this baked potato recipe is super quick Toaster Oven Baked Potato French Potato Salad Tender warm herbed potatoes in a Champagne dijon vinaigrette with fresh herbs are bright, tangy, and crowd-pleasing. This is the best potato salad recipe without mayo. It is great for parties, picnics, & BBQs to feed a crowd. A fun summer side dish that's gluten-free, vegan, & dairy-free. French Potato Salad Italian Green Bean and Potato Salad This easy side dish recipe for Italian Green Bean and Potato Salad is a summer favorite. It has fresh veggies and herbs, no mayo. & tons of flavor. Great to serve with grilled or BBQ meats and seafood, sandwiches, & soups. It's gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, & healthy (low-fat). Green Bean & Potato Salad Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle French Fries For an easy foolproof method for cooking frozen crinkle-cut french fries in the air fryer, try this recipe. They will be hot, crispy, and yummy with just the right amount of time to cook in the air fryer. Plus delicious dips and seasonings to add for the best air fryer french fries. Air Fryer Crinkle Fries Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries Homemade deep-fried sweet potato fries are a quick and easy family favorite recipe. This fantastic method to deep fry & season them makes the best appetizer or side dish. Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries Whipped Sweet Potatoes For a comforting side dish, these whipped sweet potatoes really hit the spot. They are fluffy and sweet with a hint of nutmeg. Perfect to serve with Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas roast, Easter Ham, or any family dinner or holiday. Whipped Sweet Potatoes Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw If you want an easy peanutty coleslaw recipe, this Asian avocado peanut coleslaw is the best. This chopped slaw recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables that are dressed in a homemade Asian-inspired dressing that is salty, sweet, and spicy. This slaw is vegan and gluten-free and sure to be one that everyone loves. Asian Coleslaw Slow Cooker Collard Greens Tender slow cooker collard greens are perfectly seasoned for a delicious southern side dish. These bacon-cooked greens are tender, rich, and full of flavor. There is no easier recipe. Slow Cooker Collard Greens Slow Cooker Creamed Corn The ultimate easy recipe for Slow Cooker Creamed Corn. This simple dump & go CrockPot side dish is a comforting Southern classic. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Bacon Fried Corn This easy recipe for bacon fried corn is a Southern classic. Fresh corn off the cob is cooked in the skillet & seasoned for a sweet, salty, & tasty side dish no one can resist. The kernels are cooked in bacon drippings with onion until tender & crisp. It only takes 20 minutes & 4 ingredients to pan-fry this vegetable into your new favorite summer comfort food. Southern-Style Bacon Fried Corn Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Bacon Creamy macaroni & cheese with caramelized onions & bacon is a classic old-fashioned recipe. The best homemade baked mac and cheese begins with a traditional roux, 3 kinds of cheese & al dente elbow pasta. This family-favorite casserole recipe is creamy, comforting, & simple to make. Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon Deep-Fried Beer-Battered Onion Rings Onion rings are a classic fried treat that is so easy to make homemade. This beer-battered recipe for onion rings is deep-fried until crispy & crunchy. It's the perfect side dish, snack, or appetizer. Beer-Battered Onion Rings Broccoli Salad with Apples & Cheese This healthy broccoli salad with carrots, raisins, apples, and cheese is amazing. The creamy greek yogurt dressing is low-fat and made without mayo. It is tangy, crisp, fresh, and sweet in every bite. It holds up great for potlucks and barbecues. It is even great as a leftover, unlike other salads.   Broccoli Salad with Apples Summer Pesto Pasta Salad This simple yet flavorful pesto pasta salad is a summer favorite. The cold tri-color rotini salad with a pesto dressing, tomatoes, & olives is great for a light lunch or a side dish. Using mostly inexpensive pantry staples, this budget-friendly recipe is the best. With Italian & American flavors, serve with BBQ, roasts, grilled chicken, seafood, sandwiches, & soup to complete your meal. Summer Pesto Pasta Salad Simple Spinach Salad Toss together this quick & easy simple spinach salad in just minutes. The crunchy croutons are made from scratch & with a homemade dijon vinaigrette this is the best recipe hands down. It's a fresh & healthy side dish that goes with any meal or enjoy for lunch. Pile on some protein for an entree dinner. Easy Spinach Salad Fruit Salad with Cool Whip This fresh fruit salad with Cool Whip is light, sweet, & creamy. The easy dessert recipe is healthy, refreshing, & a summer favorite. It is perfect to serve at BBQ, cookouts, potlucks, parties, & easy to make a lot to feed a crowd. A holiday favorite at Easter, Mother's Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, & Labor Day. It is gluten-free, vegetarian, & better for you than classic ambrosia - made without coconut or marshmallows. Fruit Salad with Cool Whip Homemade Pickles with Leftover Pickle Juice Homemade pickles are so easy to make when you reuse pickle juice or brine for this recipe. In 24 hours quick refrigerator pickles are crisp and ready.  Fermentation to turn cucumbers into pickles has never been easier. DIY Pickles with Leftover Pickle Juice Air Fryer Green Beans In just 10 minutes, this recipe for crispy air fryer green beans is the best. This simple side dish with few ingredients is quick & easy. Air Fryer Green Beans Chicken Broth Rice For a flavorful 30-minute side, make 3 ingredient chicken broth rice. It's better than using just water, a buttery rich simple recipe. It's a comforting recipe similar to a no pasta/gluten-free Rice-a-Roni copycat. Made in a skillet & not a pot or rice cooker, the toasted rice flavor is the best. Chicken Broth Rice

Potato or Macaroni Side Dishes

BBQ or smoked pork goes great with potatoes and pasta. These ideas for side dishes are comforting, hearty, and tasty. Pick a fry or salad with potatoes to enjoy. Plus some good old-fashioned macaroni salads or baked with cheese.

Air-Fryer Potato Wedges Simple, crispy seasoned potato wedges with plenty of parmesan cook up in under 15 minutes and are the perfect side or snack any time, any season! These Air Fryer Potato Wedges are made for more than just burgers! Air Fryer Potato Wedges Amish Potato Salad Amish Potato Salad with a tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and smoked paprika. Amish Potato Salad Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese Pepper Jack Mac is creamy, zippy, and filled with ooey-gooey delicious mac and cheese. Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese When it comes to flavor, the combination of butternut squash, three kinds of cheeses, and pasta create classic comfort food and a wonderful taste! Creamy, cheesy goodness abounds in this dish. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Classic American Macaroni Salad (Vegan & Gluten-Free!) The best Classic American Macaroni Salad now with a perfectly gluten-free, vegan, and top 8 allergy-free recipe! Summer isn't complete without this traditional BBQ and grilling cookout essential pasta side dish! Macaroni Salad

Delicious Slaw & Cabbage Side Dishes

Coleslaw is a traditional recipe served on a pulled pork sandwich or as a side. You can never go wrong with any of these recipes.

Creamy Apple Jicama Slaw This refreshing apple and jicama slaw makes a crisp and creamy side for sandwiches, tacos and wraps. The tart sweetness of green apple pairs especially well with pork Jicama Slaw BBQ Braised Cabbage with Bacon This side dish is bursting with flavor and is a gorgeous color. It is an amazing side dish for pulled pork that everyone will love. Braised Cabbage Creamy Vegan Coleslaw This Vegan Coleslaw is a lightened-up version of the classic we all love. It's mayo-free, yet it's still so rich, creamy, and tangy. It'll be a hit at your next barbeque, picnic, or potluck! Vegan Coleslaw Easy Healthy Quinoa Cabbage Salad This hearty quinoa salad is so easy to make and a wonderful side dish for any BBQ. The homemade dressing and crunchy carrots and sunflower seeds make this a must-have side for your next pulled pork meal. Quinoa Cabbage Salad

Other Great Side Dishes

Beans, salads, and more finalize this list of great recipes. It will be hard to pick which ones to make but I have my eye on the chipotle beans - spicy, savory, & sounds so good with any slow-cooked meat.

Chipotle Baked Beans These Chipotle Baked Beans are the ultimate side dish packed with flavor! Wow, a must-try! Chipotle Baked Beans Moroccan Sweet Potato Salad This roasted sweet potato salad is nourishing and refreshing, with a dressing full of Moroccan spices and flavor. Sweet Potato Salad Charred Corn Couscous Salad with Feta Charred corn couscous salad makes a tasty light meal or side dish! I used whole wheat couscous to increase fiber; however, quinoa, rice, or any other favorite grain will work too for a gluten-free option. Corn Couscous Salad Simple Summer Panzanella This essential Italian Summer side dish is filled with pieces of tasty sourdough bread, juicy Summer tomatoes, and, of course, some mozzarella cheese balls. It makes the perfect side dish for Labor Day, a Summer BBQ, or family get-together. Panzanella

Desserts too!

A meal of pulled pork is savory and satisfying. But if you are like me you crave something sweet at the end of a great BBQ meal.

Here are my favorite desserts to serve along with any kind of grilled, smoked, or barbecued meats, especially pulled pork. This includes southern dessert favorites like cobbler and peanut butter pie.

Southern Peach Pound Cake Homemade sweet & fresh southern peach pound cake is a wonderful summer dessert. A classic loaf pound cake recipe with loads of fresh diced peaches puts this over the top. Southern Peach Pound Cake North Carolina Lemon Pie The sweet-tart combo of North Carolina lemon pie has a saltine cracker crust with a creamy lemon curd filling all topped with fresh whipped cream. Enjoy a big cold slice of this chilled pie all summer. This Southern classic dessert is a copycat of the famous Atlantic Beach pie from Crooks' Corner in Chapel Hill. This easy pie bakes in just 30 minutes and is a great make-ahead recipe. North Carolina Lemon Pie Easy 4-Ingredient Key Lime Pie This easy 4-ingredient key lime pie recipe is a slice of heaven. The creamy filling is tart, sweet, tangy, & the perfect summer dessert. Easy 4-Ingredient Key Lime Pie Graham Cracker Crust Sweet Potato Pie This fun version of a Southern classic dessert has a modern twist. Instead of an old-fashioned pie crust, made this recipe for sweet potato pie with a graham cracker crust. The crispy texture & cinnamon honey flavor paired with a creamy rich pie filling is heavenly. A wonderful fall or autumn holiday recipe for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Graham Cracker Sweet Potato Pie Raspberry Cream Jell-O Pie This easy no-bake dessert is a summer favorite. The 3-ingredient JellO pie is creamy, cool, & sweet. Serve slices cold after chilling in the fridge overnight. This foolproof recipe will set, slice easily, & can be made with any flavor of gelatin. Best make ahead treat for birthday parties & BBQ cookouts. Raspberry Cream Jell-O Pie Strawberry Peach Cobbler Homemade peach and strawberry cobbler made in a cast-iron skillet is a classic American recipe. Fresh fruit and a biscuit topping make this the best old-fashioned dessert. It is easy to make all in one pan from stovetop to oven. Top with ice cream for cobbler ala mode - the best summer dessert ever! Strawberry Peach Cobbler Easy Blueberry Cobbler This simple old-fashioned recipe for blueberry cobbler is so easy. It has a classic southern biscuit topping & fresh blueberries bursting with the perfect sweet tart combination. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the best summer dessert. Easy Blueberry Cobbler Cinnamon Roll Peach Cobbler For the easiest recipe, this Cinnamon Roll Peach Cobbler is a fun twist on a Southern dessert classic. The fluffy topping is a great timesaver versus a traditional biscuit crust. It pairs perfectly with the fresh fruit filling in a yummy freshly-baked treat to enjoy in summer or any season. Serve warm with the icing drizzle plus add whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent idea. Makes a good brunch or breakfast casserole too. Cinnamon Roll Peach Cobbler Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream This homemade chocolate ice cream has double the marshmallow fun. The ice cream is loaded with swirls of gooey marshmallow fluff and tons of soft mini marshmallows too. It's rich, sweet, chewy, creamy, & over-the-top amazing. It's like rocky road without the nuts & no one can resist it. Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Peaches and Cream Ice Cream The ultimate summer fruit dessert is this homemade peaches and cream ice cream recipe. Swirls of fresh peach puree in vanilla ice cream are creamy & sweet. Make this ice cream from scratch in your Cuisinart or other brand machine for a freshly churned smooth & cold treat. Gluten-free, nut-free, & real cream & sugar - no additives. Peaches & Cream Ice Cream Grilled Pineapple Sundaes Rum raisin caramel sauce drizzled over ice cream and grilled pineapple is the boozy tropical treat to enjoy all summer. This dessert is the best for BBQ backyard cookouts & pool parties. Rum Raisin Ice Cream Sundes No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie Easy recipe for the best No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie. A simple dessert great for hot summer days. It's creamy, cool, sweet, & yummy. The chocolate and peanut butter freezer pie with Cool Whip & cream cheese is a slice of heaven. Frozen Oreo Peanut Butter Cup Pie Keto Chocolate Mousse with Sugar-Free Pudding For an easy low-carb chocolate mousse that is thick, rich, and decadent, this recipe is the best.  With just 2 ingredients and ready in minutes, this is the quickest keto dessert recipe. 2 Ingredient Keto Chocolate Mousse Fresh Strawberry Mousse Parfait Fresh strawberry mousse is an easy parfait dessert. It’s light and healthy with mounds of yummy berry whipped cream and puree layer making for a great no-bake recipe.  Strawberry Mousse Cups

What To Serve with Pulled Pork

Angela If you are trying to figure out what goes well with pulled pork or pulled pork sandwiches, this list is exactly what you are looking for. If you want slaw, macaroni, potatoes, beans, or vegetables this list has you covered. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Prep Time 0 minutes mins Course Side Dish

Ingredients

TRY ANY LISTED ABOVE

• Sweet Potato Fries
• Avocado Peanut Coleslaw
• Air Fryer Crinkle Fries
• Chipotle Baked Bean
• Onion Rings
• Macaroni Salad
• Whipped Sweet Potatoes
• Mac & Cheese
• Homemade Pickles
• Potato Salad

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Instructions

• Make your favorite pulled pork or pulled pork sandwich recipe. Use the recipe link in the comments below.
• Choose one or more wonderful sides from the lists above.
• Enjoy!

Notes

PULLED PORK RECIPE LINK HERE STORING & SERVING:

• Store leftover pulled pork in the fridge for up to 3 days or up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Some of these side dishes are great the next day and can be stored in the fridge. See each individual recipe for tips. 

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Other Recipe Roundups

If you are stumped on what to make as a side dish with dinner, here are other great lists with recipe ideas. Try one of these recipes that pair with a variety of main dishes from chicken, to beef, to sandwiches!

• What to Serve with Tri-Tip
• What to Serve with Hamburgers
• What to Serve with Hot Dogs
• What to Serve with Meatloaf
• What to Serve with Chicken Wings