BBQ pork chops make for a flavorful, juicy, and satisfying main dish. But what really takes this summer favorite over the top is pairing it with complementary side dishes. The right sides can enhance the flavors of your BBQ pork chops and create a mouthwatering meal your guests won’t soon forget.
So what are the best side dishes to serve with BBQ pork chops? Here are 15 amazing options to consider:
Cole Slaw
Cool, crisp cole slaw is a classic companion for BBQ pork chops. The vinegary tartness of the cabbage salad cuts through the richness of the pork for perfect balance. To make killer cole slaw:
- Shred green and red cabbage and toss with shredded carrot for crunch.
- Dress the slaw with a tangy vinegar-based dressing. Cider vinegar or white wine work well.
- Finish it off with a bit of sugar or honey to balance the acidity.
Cole slaw pairs beautifully with the sweet, tomato-y flavors of a good BBQ sauce glazed on juicy pork chops. It adds just the right fresh contrast.
Corn on the Cob
What’s more quintessentially summer than BBQ and corn on the cob? The natural sweetness of fresh corn is perfect for offsetting a finger-lickin’ BBQ sauce.
Look for the freshest, sweetest corn you can find and boil, grill, or roast it simply with a bit of butter and salt. The corn picks up a smoky char if grilled or roasted that pairs so well with charred BBQ pork chops.
Baked Beans
No BBQ would be complete without baked beans. These saucy, smokey, slightly sweet beans are BBQ’s best friend.
While you can use canned baked beans, homemade is outrageously good. Cook dried beans from scratch and flavor them with bacon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, and spices.
Baked beans offer the same finger-licking, sauce-loving satisfaction as BBQ pork chops, making them an ideal match. The beans also add protein and fiber to help make this a well-rounded meal.
Macaroni and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food meal, serve your BBQ pork chops with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. The richness pairs perfectly with the juicy, saucy pork.
Make your favorite version, whether it’s a baked casserole with an irresistible toasted breadcrumb topping or a quick stovetop version. For next-level flavor, stir crispy cooked bacon into the finished mac and cheese. Smoky bacon takes this satisfying side over the top.
Cabbage Slaw
For a lighter, brighter slaw option, try this easy cabbage slaw side. Thinly slice green cabbage and toss it with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The lemon brightens the pork’s richness beautifully.
For more texture, add shredded carrot. You can also toss in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The simplicity of this crisp cabbage slaw lets the pork chops shine.
Grilled Vegetables
Fire up the grill alongside your BBQ pork chops and make use of the high heat. Quick grill colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
The charred, smoky flavor of grilled veggies is amazing with charred and sauced pork chops. The veggies also add nutrition and balance for a well-rounded meal.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a perfect picnic food and pairs so well with your favorite BBQ. Creamy potato salad with lots of chopped onion, celery, pickle relish, hard-boiled egg, and a tangy mayo-based dressing is an ideal foil for juicy, saucy grilled pork chops.
The cool creaminess and toothy potato texture balances the rich pork beautifully. Dill, mustard, or ranch flavors take this classic side up a notch.
Coleslaw with Apples
For a fruity twist on traditional coleslaw, add shredded apples. Sweet, tart apples complement the rich pork so nicely.
To make:
- Thinly shred red and green cabbage as usual for coleslaw.
- Toss with matchstick cut Granny Smith apples.
- Dress with a lemony cider vinegar dressing spiked with honey and cracked black pepper.
The apples lend a fab fruity crunch that pairs perfectly with your BBQ chops.
Corn Bread
Warm buttery corn bread is an absolute must with any BBQ meal. The sweetness and texture of this Southern staple soaks up the sauce and provides the perfect vehicle for shoveling more meat and flavor into your eager mouth.
Bake up your favorite corn bread recipe in a cast iron skillet for irresistible crispy edges. Brush the top with honey butter for maximum deliciousness. Watch those BBQ pork chops disappear even faster once corn bread is on the table!
Cilantro Lime Rice
Fresh and fast, this easy cilantro lime rice is a vibrant accompaniment to BBQ pork chops.
Simply cook jasmine rice as usual. When it’s done, stir in a big handful of chopped fresh cilantro, the zest and juice of a lime or two, and a bit of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The bright flavors perfectly balance the hearty BBQ pork. Rice also helps round out the meal.
Collard Greens
For a traditional Southern side, collard greens can’t be beat with pork BBQ. Slowly simmer chopped collards with smoked ham hocks or bacon, onions, garlic, vinegar, and spices for flavorful pot liquor that soaks into the greens.
These hearty, slightly bitter greens balance the rich fattiness of pork chops so well. The smoky meat adds soul-satisfying flavor. Serve collards stewed nice and tender – they’re a classic.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Big, tender baked sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleasing accompaniment for BBQ pork chops. The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with sticky, smoky BBQ sauce.
Rub rinsed sweet potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 400°F until easily pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Split open and top with butter, brown sugar, or chopped BBQ pulled pork for an extra meaty punch.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
For a quick and easy veggie side, make a cucumber tomato salad. Simply slice cucumbers and tomatoes and toss with a bit of olive oil, balsamic or red wine vinegar, diced onion or shallot, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
The cool crispness and acidity of this simple salad complements rich BBQ chops so nicely. Add a bit of crumbled feta for extra flavor.
Corn Fritters
When you’ve got fresh summer corn, use it to make crispy corn fritters as a fun BBQ side. Mix diced raw corn kernels with flour, egg, milk, parsley, scallions, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions into hot oil and pan fry into crispy corn cakes. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Sweet corn fritters are amazing with sticky, saucy pork chops.
Green Salad with Vinaigrette
Don’t overlook a simple green salad with vinaigrette as the perfect accompaniment for hearty BBQ pork chops. The fresh greens, tomato, cucumber, and onion with a bright homemade vinaigrette cleanses the palate with every bite.
Make your favorite homemade vinaigrette with oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs. Drizzle generously over a mix of lettuces, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and cucumber slices. Finish with chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For the ultimate creamy, cheesy potato side, scalloped potatoes can’t be beat. Slice russet potatoes thinly and layer in a baking dish with cream, garlic, thyme, and plenty of shredded cheddar, gruyere, or parmesan cheese.
Bake covered at 375°F until the potatoes are meltingly tender, about 45 minutes. Uncover and broil to crisp and brown the cheesy top. These rich, decadent potatoes complement your saucy BBQ chops fabulously.
Fresh Fruit Salad
For a sweet, fruity contrast, serve your savory BBQ pork chops with a fresh fruit salad. Dice up a mix of whatever fruit looks best, like watermelon, berries, mango, peaches, pineapple, grapes, etc.
Toss gently with a drizzle of honey and lime or lemon juice. The sweet juiciness pairs perfectly with smoky, savory BBQ. The fruit enzymes also help digest the protein-packed pork.
Perfect Pairings for Delicious BBQ Pork Chops
There you have it – 15 phenomenal sides to take your BBQ pork chops to new heights of flavor. With options like coleslaw, baked beans, cheesy potatoes, corn on the cob, and more, you’re sure find the perfect pairings to make your BBQ chops shine.
Experiment with different side dish combinations to find your favorites. Serve at least 2-3 sides alongside the pork chops for a show-stopping barbecue meal.
Don’t be afraid to try new sides or put twists on old favorites. A little creativity takes BBQ to the next level. Fire up the grill, slather on that finger-lickin’ sauce, and get ready for an amazing meal with these sensational sides. Your guests will definitely be asking for seconds!