Few things in the world of comfort food can compete with a perfectly tender pulled pork sandwich… That smoky, savory meat piled high on a soft bun, maybe with a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce. While a pulled pork sandwich is undeniably satisfying on its own, the right side dishes transform your meal from good to absolutely unforgettable.
We’ve put together a collection of four selected side dishes that complement our Pulled Pork.
Note: Our Pulled Pork recipe is free to access for everyone to enjoy and view! However, the delicious sides linked below are exclusive to Dollar Recipe Club members.
Join Dollar Recipe Club for just $1 per month or $10 for a full year to access them and 1000+ more recipes!
These classic sides bring the authentic barbecue experience right to your dinner table, whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or enjoying a cozy family meal.
Pulled Pork Side Dishes
1. Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Is there any side dish more synonymous with pulled pork than coleslaw? Our Classic Creamy Coleslaw is the ultimate complement to smoky pulled pork, offering a cool and crisp contrast that cuts through the richness of the meat. You can even put it together in a sandwich!
The tangy-sweet dressing provides the perfect acidic balance to the savory pork, while the crunchy cabbage and carrots add textural variety to every bite. Plus, coleslaw served right on top of your pulled pork sandwich creates that classic barbecue experience that never goes out of style. This make-ahead side dish actually improves in flavor as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
2. Baked Beans
It’d be a barbecue spread crime if I didn’t mention this next side dish, Baked Beans. These sweet and savory beans are the ideal partner for pulled pork, with their molasses-rich sauce echoing the deep, complex flavors of barbecue.
Our recipe features tender navy beans slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and a blend of spices that create layers of flavor in every spoonful. The beans’ natural sweetness balances the smoky saltiness of the pulled pork perfectly, while their hearty texture makes this side dish filling enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
3. Classic Macaroni and Cheese
When comfort food meets comfort food, magic happens. Our Classic Macaroni and Cheese elevates your pulled pork meal to the next level with its creamy, cheesy goodness that pairs beautifully with barbecue flavors.
The rich, velvety cheese sauce clings to every piece of pasta, creating a side that complements the smoky pulled pork without competing for attention. Sure, you could get a boxed mac and cheese… But the recipe really helps elevate your mac & cheese experience and will have everyone asking for seconds.
4. Cornbread
Last but certainly not least, you can round out your barbecue feast with our golden, slightly sweet Cornbread. This Southern staple is the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra barbecue sauce, and its tender crumb provides a delightful contrast to the pulled pork’s texture.
Our cornbread strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a hint of honey that complements the smoky flavors without overwhelming them. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, and watch as it disappears from the table faster than you can say “barbecue.”
Create Your Ultimate Barbecue Experience
These four sides work together to create the ultimate pulled pork experience that rivals any barbecue joint. Mix and match based on your crowd. You can just go with coleslaw and beans for a casual weeknight dinner, or all four for a weekend barbecue that’ll have your neighbors asking for invitations.
The beauty of these sides is that most can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you free to focus on perfecting your pulled pork and enjoying time with family and friends. The coleslaw gets better as it sits, the baked beans can simmer away in the oven, and both the mac and cheese and cornbread can be prepped earlier in the day.
And, remember, for just $1 per month or $10 for a full year, you can access these recipes and over 1000 more! From quick weeknight meals to impressive dinner party options, a Dollar Recipe Club membership is the secret ingredient to stepping up your cooking game!
Happy grilling (and slow cooking)!