Barbecue pulled pork is a classic dish that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and goes great with a variety of side dishes. Here’s an overview of some of the best sides to serve with pulled pork to make it a complete and mouthwatering BBQ meal.
Introduction
Pulled pork is pork that has been slowly cooked to make it incredibly soft and tender, then shredded or “pulled” apart into strands. It’s a staple of barbecue cuisine, especially in the American South. The long, slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue in tougher cuts of pork like shoulder, making the meat fall-apart tender. The shredded pork is then coated or tossed in a flavorful barbecue sauce.
When making pulled pork, it’s key to choose the right accompaniments that complement the deeply smoky, lightly sweet flavors. Sides that cut through the richness or add color, crunch, creaminess, or acidity balance out the dish. Here are some of our top recommendations for fantastic pairings.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic partner for pulled pork barbecue sandwiches. The cool crunch of shredded cabbage and carrots contrasts wonderfully with the tender, saucy pork. The acidity of the dressing in coleslaw also helps cut through the richness. Try making a tangy cider vinegar-based coleslaw or a creamy mayonnaise-dressed version. Load up a slider bun with pulled pork and top with crunchy coleslaw for the perfect bite.
BBQ Baked Beans
No barbecue menu is complete without baked beans. The sweet, smoky flavors pair perfectly with pulled pork. Make your beans from scratch or heat up a canned variety. Add onions, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, spices, and bacon for depth of flavor. The creaminess of the beans complements the shredded texture of the pork. Baked beans make an easy, satisfying one-dish meal when served with pulled pork.
Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food meal, try pulled pork with macaroni and cheese. The cheesy pasta complements the barbecue flavors beautifully. Make your own from scratch or use a boxed version to save time. Top with extra shredded cheddar or melted cheese sauce for full gooey deliciousness. The creamy mac and cheese helps offset the acidity of some barbecue sauces.
Cornbread
A wedge of cornbread just seems to round out a BBQ meal perfectly. The slightly sweet corn flavor pairs well with smoky pork. Enjoy your cornbread fresh from the oven if possible, along with a generous spoonful of pulled pork. The texture also contrasts with the shredded strands of meat. For added flavor, try making jalapeño corn bread or baking it in a cast iron skillet.
BBQ Sauce
You can never have too many condiments and sauces alongside a big platter of pulled pork. Offer additional barbecue sauce so guests can add more as desired to their sandwich or plate. Provide a few varieties like spicy chipotle, sweet and tangy, or classic Southern-style. Let everyone customize how saucy they like their shredded pork to be.
Pickles
Fresh, tart pickles are a great way to cut through the richness of BBQ pulled pork. Set out crunchy dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or pickled vegetables like onions or jalapenos. The acidity and crunch of the pickles pair wonderfully with the tender, saucy pork. Let guests stack up their pickle of choice for the perfect bite.
Potato Salad
Along with coleslaw, potato salad is another classic pairing for pulled pork barbecue. The cool and creamy potato-based salad complements the texture of the meat. Make a classic mayo-dressed potato salad, a mustard or vinegar-based version, or try unique additions like bacon, hard-boiled egg, or scallions. The potatoes soak up the BBQ flavors wonderfully.
Collard Greens
For a traditional Southern touch, collard greens make an excellent partner to pulled pork. Slow-cooked greens develop a silky texture and earthy, subtly bitter flavor that works well with smoky barbecue notes. Cook them low and slow with ham hocks or bacon for full flavor. The slightly acidic tangy pairs nicely with rich pork.
Corn on the Cob
Don’t forget simple corn on the cob when making your sides for pulled pork. The sweetness of grilled or boiled fresh corn balances the savory smoked meat. Serve it plain, slathered in butter, or sprinkle on some barbecue dry rub for extra flavor. Let guests get their hands dirty devouring juicy corn with their pulled pork for the full outdoor barbecue experience.
Buns and Rolls
Soft, slightly sweet rolls or buns are essential for serving pulled pork sandwiches. Let guests build their own by piling tender shredded pork onto brioche buns, pretzel rolls, Hawaiian rolls, or potato buns. Split soft white or whole wheat rolls also work well. Provide a stack of your bun of choice along with all your favorite sauces and condiments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wood for smoking pulled pork?
Hickory and oak are two of the best woods for smoking pulled pork. They impart a classic robust, savory smoke flavor that pairs perfectly with pork’s rich meatiness. Fruit woods like apple, cherry, and pecan are also good options.
What BBQ rub goes best with pulled pork?
Simple rubs with paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder work well to complement and enhance the flavor of pork without overpowering it. Sprinkle the rub generously over the pork before smoking.
How long should you smoke pulled pork for?
Plan on smoking pulled pork “low and slow” for 8-12 hours typically. Cook it slowly at 225-250°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F and is fall-apart tender. The long cook time breaks down the connective tissue.
What sauce goes best with pulled pork?
Classic tomato or vinegar-based sauces pair best with pulled pork. Try regional styles like Kansas City (sweet and thick), Carolina (tangy and vinegar-based), or Memphis (tomato with spice). Serve a few varieties like a sweet ketchup one and a vinegar one.
What’s the best cut of pork for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder, also called pork butt, is the ideal cut for pulled pork. It has the right balance of fat and collagen that breaks down into tender, shred-able meat after hours of low, moist cooking. Choose bone-in for more flavor.
Conclusion
Pulled pork is so versatile – serve it southern-style on soft buns with pickle slices, pile it over cheesy nachos, top a baked potato, or enjoy it taco-style with salsa and guacamole. No matter how you serve it up, pairing tangy, tender pulled pork with crunchy, bright, and creamy sides makes for a mouthwatering barbecue meal. Try out some of our favorite suggestions to complement your BBQ pork perfectly. The options are endless for fantastic pairings that will have everyone going back for more.